'5 Questions With': Elliphant
Singer shares nostalgia-infused new single, 'Time Machine' as we talk about the past, present and what's to come.
Photo Credit: Florian Dezfoulian
With the world gone mad, we at Equate find ourselves reminiscing over the past (you know, when we could leave the house, kiss our friends, go out - no stay in, go out, no stay in again). Simpler times feel like distant dreams, not only to us but to Swedish artist Elliphant too. Soaring onto the scene with her latest track ‘Time Machine’, the songstress reflects on memories with her childhood friends whilst her powerhouse vocals fly over undeniably anthemic production. This instalment arrives as the latest offering from her much anticipated full-length album, produced by industry legend Mark Rankin (Adele, Florence & The Machine), expected to be released later this year. Collaborating with the likes of Doja Cat, Tove Lo, Charli XCX, Diplo and plenty other international superstars, you’d be missing out if you didn’t hop on the ride. We caught up with Elliphant for an insightful Q&A, talking of the release, nostalgia and newfound motherhood.
Read the feature below…
Words and interview by Elle Watson
EQ: Hey Elliphant, firstly could you tell us a little about yourself? What have you been up to in the last four years?
E: Hey! I left a lover, lost a brother (rest in peace), gave birth to daughter, and I made a album and here we are. …
EQ: Your comeback single ‘Had Enough’ has such an enticing flavour, we’re salivating at the thought of an album! What is the overall theme or inspiration behind your upcoming LP? How does it compare to your previous projects?
E: Thnxxxx! The theme I think is that some things are more beautiful when broken. I’ve really been trying to make a sound similar to wood that will become stronger and softer with time. It’s strong because it’s fragile. I wanted the sound of the production and especially the vocal to be rawer and more honest compared to previous work. No autotune, the drops are crispier, there are trap hi-hats & there are also no features! It’s just me; it was time to be just me. But like always acoustically with Elliphant, there will be both up and down tempo songs! The sound and the language have grown up. It’s a bit more rock n’ roll than before I guess. I am very proud of this work; I think it’s the best music I ever made.
“…[on her forthcoming LP] there’s no autotune, the drops are crispier, there are trap hi-hats & there are also no features! It’s just me; it was time to be just me.”
- ELLIPHANT
Instagram/@elliphantmusic
EQ: We can all relate to the nostalgia you describe in ‘Time Machine’, what’s your favourite childhood memory?
E: I don’t know! But a strong memory I have is when I smoked my first cigarette. Not because of the cigarette itself, and I didn’t start smoking until years after that! I was like 9 or something and alone in the house and lit one up under the kitchen fan. It was a strong moment because it was my first secret, my first ME moment. It was a transformation from being a child to becoming a person that did whatever she wanted.
EQ: How do you think your artistry will be influenced in your newfound motherhood? Huge congratulations from us by the way!
E: Thnxxx! She’s my bliss! Yea, the biggest change is that am happy. I’m actually pretty much content for the first time ever - and happy songs are boring, I think. Who want to listen to me singing about my happy life…I always wrote straight out of experiences I have, so now they will not be as (wasted) I guess. It’s gonna be a challenge to write interesting and meaningful music when I’m not being miserable and heartbroken all the time.
Sober songs, yea let’s go!
EQ: What’s next on the horizon for you? Could you let us in on an EQUATE exclusive?
E: Ok! Yea, soon I will be making a music video! It’s a very different look from what I ever done before! It’s a gracious performance! It’ll be like Edith Piaf on crack or like Marilyn Monroe on LSD. I even have a little dance choreography! Haha! It’s gonna be fabulous! I’m actually producing all of my videos myself now under Blisseh Studios that I started with my boyfriend. It’s so much fun.
YouTube/ElliphantMusic
Stream ‘Time Machine’ HERE
Keep up with Elliphant on socials:
Instagram: @elliphantmusic
Twitter: @elliphantmusic