THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with Elaskia.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Honestly, it’s been ingrained in me ever since I was little. I tried so many different things when I was growing up and music was the one thing that felt really natural and stuck with me.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I think just trying to create something that is universal to people is a big motivation. I tend to create what I feel and it’s nice when people can connect with that.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I have so many goals that I want to accomplish as an artist. A few would be to have more of my music in TV & Film – it’s been so fun and exciting to have been a part of a different world in that sense. I’d also love to tour with my own show and feature on some of the bigger festival Line-ups. I don’t know if you’ve seen the line-up that just came out for Coachella – but major goals right there!
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
In the next few months, I’ll be supporting Missy Higgins on a few of her shows like ‘Lighthouse Festival’ and ‘Stomping of the Grapes’ and hopefully that’s just the start of my shows for 2022.
I’ll also be working on some new music to release behind the scenes.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My latest release ‘Better’ is an edgy, more upbeat pop anthem that focuses on the importance of self-worth. It’s about realising when you deserve more from something or someone and not being afraid to say it. I feel like for me my music is constantly evolving and emulating where I am or what I’m feeling at that point in time when it is written. It’s very pop and very honest.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
It’s always different for me. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting at my piano and just playing a few chords and that’s what sparks an idea or humming a melody whilst driving and frantically trying to record it on my voice memos before I forget! I’ve also started diving into production a little, so I’ve written a few songs to tracks that I have created (like ‘Better’) but ultimately, I love having a piano/keyboard around when I’m song writing.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I mean, my songs are usually based off real feelings or events so I guess you could say that. Sometimes it’s nice to share the story behind the song and other times it’s more special when you let people interpret it in their own way.
Success, what is the secret to it?
For me I would say success stems from staying true to yourself and your art. You can’t expect other people to love something if you don’t love it yourself and you still won’t be happy if they love something you’re not proud of.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I think a massive highlight for me was seeing and hearing one of my songs in the NETFLIX show ‘Dynasty’. It was definitely a surreal moment for me, and I actually watched the show before I even knew about it, so it was really cool to be a part of that.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I’ve always been obsessed with Fleetwood Mac (and always will be). I think the way that their music has connected with people over the years and continues to be so timeless is incredible. I’m constantly inspired to write songs as good as theirs.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
There’s always new music in the pipeline!
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
I think my favourite part of doing music is that there is no other job like it! I honestly couldn’t see myself being happier doing anything else other than creating and performing. My least favourite part about the industry is that it doesn’t always get treated like a “legitimate” job. Especially around all the covid restrictions in Australia at the moment, it feels like the music and arts industry has been heavily disregarded in the way of enforced limitations compared to that of other industries.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Vera Blue, Spacey Jane, Missy Higgins, Crowded House, Empire of the Sun, Tame Impala are a few of my favourite Aussie Artists.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I mean that’s a tricky question. Obviously there are pros and cons to how much of an emphasis is on social media these days. A lot of it can be toxic and false in the sense that not everything you see is an entirely true depiction or representation of something a lot of the time. However, it’s also become an amazing platform that is accessible worldwide and it’s pretty exciting to think that if you want to share something (like music) – anyone can hear it!
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
Honestly it would be great to tour overseas when given the chance and hopefully I will be able to when all the covid stuff settles down.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
Yes! I feel like co-writing is a big part of the industry and it’s always great to get different ideas and perspectives that you wouldn’t normally consider on your own. As cringey as it is to say, there are so many people on this earth I would love to collaborate with! If I’m aiming really big I would have to say the dream collab is Fleetwood Mac / Stevie Nicks.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
You don’t just discover who you are and what kind of music you want to make overnight, everything is a work in progress and as you grow, your music will too – don’t be afraid of change.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
At the moment with live music being put on halt in Australia with the new restrictions, interactions are mostly limited to social media. However, usually the place I feel the most connected with people is up on stage in the moment and in the music.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elaskiamusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elaskiamusic
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/elaskiamusic
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elaskiamusic