Ell’s “heart theory” concept album is broken down into the seven stages of grief, starting with shock, denial, anger and depression. She wrote with a wide swath of hit Nashville songwriters, including Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, Jessie Jo Dillon and Nicolle Galyon. The 12-track album ends with an uplifting message of acceptance.

“I’m able to take the hand of my 13-year-old self and take the hand of my 21-year-old self and be like, ‘I got you guys. We’re in this together,’” said Ell. “And I’m validating those little girls within me.”

Ell started a foundation called the Make You Movement that will provide funds to organizations that focus on disenfranchised youth and survivors of sexual trauma and domestic abuse. And her message has resonated among her fans.

“If I were to open up my DMs right now, I could read you so many incredible stories and so many heartbreaking stories,” said Ell. “The fact that fans feel connected enough to me that they want to bare their souls and share these things that some people have not even ever told to anybody before, I feel just such a gratitude to their humility and wanting to share that with me.”

Just as she wanted the song “make you” to end on a point of healing and recovery, Ell said she’s learning every day how to turn her pain into strength.