For electronic artist, producer and vocalist Love Eli, emotion doesn't always need to be explained through words. His self-produced music instead allows enormous synths, immersive sound design and shifting electronic textures to carry much of that emotional weight, creating a sound that moves between darkness, intensity and something altogether more ethereal.
That approach sits at the heart of his new three-track EP 'Lucky You'. Bringing together title-track ‘Lucky You’, ‘Lockjawed’ and ‘Heart Attack’, the project offers a concise introduction to the increasingly distinctive sonic world Love Eli is building entirely on his own.
So with the new EP out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I've always loved the keyboard. I remember growing up with toy pianos and synthesizers with a bunch of different sounds and I've just always been drawn to them for some reason.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved green day, cold play, johnny cash, oasis, etc. Whatever my parents listened to I loved.
What was the first album you remember owning?
When I was 2 years old my parents got me the Green Day "American Idiot" album and I loved it. I specifically remember hearing holiday and asking them to play it over and over again.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I've written all my music myself. If I could've written a different song, it would have to be Halah by Mazzy Star.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Before I make music, I pray and sit in silence for like 5 minutes. I just want to be fully present in the moment and allow the music to flow through me. I feel like music is pretty spiritual so I want to be connected with it in the clearest way I can.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My favorite artists right now are Prince, Deftones, and Sebastian Paul.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Opening for just a festival in general would be a dream come true.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Hearing about how my muisc has helped people and connected with them is a feeling words can't really describe. It's what keeps me going when I feel discouraged. The fact that I can make something that effects people like that is still hard for me to grasp.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is trying to navigate the industry. It's hard knowing all the horror stories and all that. I just want to make music and grow with the right people.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
You have to believe in yourself. You have to see it when nobody else does. It starts with your decision to make it happen.
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Love Eli's new EP 'Lucky You' is out now. Check it out in the player below.