Interview By: Makenna Malia
Growing up, what were some things that brought you towards a career in music?
What brought me towards music the most was that it was something I could do well! I couldn’t imagine me ever doing anything else though. I’ve always loved making and playing music and to be able to do it full time is something I’ll always be grateful for.
Who are some artists you look to for inspiration?
Bands like The xx or even Kings of Leon. I think acts like these guys inspire me because they really did something completely out of the box from what was happening around them and people responded to their honesty. That’s always an important thing I try to keep at the back of my mind.
Your recent single, Capricorn, dropped August 9th. What’s the story behind it?
The song tells the story about a couple whose relationship relies on whatever the girlfriend reads in the daily horoscopes. Annoyed by his partner’s obsession with the stars, he gets a job writing the astrological section of the magazines in an attempt to reach his lover.
You’re very good at writing catchy songs that are easy to dance to. What is your songwriting process?
The process mostly starts with a little bit of drums. I produce my music as well as sing, so after I get a nice idea going ideas start coming into my head about where to go with the vocal melody. I keep on going between the beat and the vocals until there is a finished song.
You’re currently on your headlining “Sleepwalking Tour.” How does it feel to be touring over in the US? Are there any new places you are excited to play?
Yeah! I’ve never been to Texas, DC or Atlanta so I’m excited to see those new places. It was always a bit of a dream of mine to be on tour in America. I’ve done it a couple of times before but each time I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to do it.
Photo Credit: Fiona Garden
Your song “Cola” with Camelphat received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. How did that song come to be? Did you expect it to be so successful while you were creating it?
That song came to be when Camelphat came to London last February. They were looking for singers for some instrumentals they had. We made about three songs in a few hours and one of them ended up being “Cola.” After a couple of months they texted me saying Defected Records wanted to sign it. After that, it kept on surprising me and now we’re here, like you said, with a Grammy nomination, 100m plays on Spotify… Crazy!
At what point in your career will you feel like Elderbrook has become everything you want it to be and that you’ve achieved all of your goals?
I think putting out my debut album will be a big moment for me. It’s something I’ve been working towards for years and I can’t wait to get it out there. Not that that will be the end game by any means!
What do you want people to take away from your music as they listen to it?
I’d love for other people to be inspired by my music.
Catch Elderbrook on tour near you!