Eliza Legzdina
Eliza Legzdina has a “CURSE 4 U” this Halloween season
Following the release of her whirlwind debut EP at the top of the year, Eliza Legzdina is back with new music, drawing us further into the sex-positive, LGBTQ+ inclusive universe where her musical expressiveness continues to take shape. This time around, the rising rap-star is serving up “Curse 4 U”; a sexy, spooky, alternative club banger to usher in the roll-out for her up-and-coming sophomore offering.
Harnessing aggressive feminine energy on this track, Legzdina is casting lyrical spells which speak to dismantling the ever-evolving confines of patriarchal control. Canonised through the channelling of the riotous collective voice women have been robbed of for generations. Its arrival marks a time when change is on everyone’s mind and a calling for progression is imminent. For Legzdina, the dispersal of this tracks’ overarching essence is of paramount importance – whether it’s delivered in party, poeticism or protest. EQUATE caught up with Legzdina for an exclusive chat on game day to break down the visuals and visions she’s been cooking up ahead of the release for her spell-binding new track below.
Words by Tahirah Thomas
EQ: Hey Eliza! How does it feel to drop the lead single from your next project on Halloween?
EL: I’m super happy! I’m always grateful when I get to share my art in this way with the internet. I’m feeling even more grateful that I got the opportunity to shoot with Honey JD and fulfil our vision for showcasing my deep connection with the natural world for the tracks accompanying visual; in a way, it’s been like healing. I guess all the frustration, tension and pain this year has built up was the initial catalyst to write and record this track, so it feels good to finally let all of that stuff go.
EQ: Let’s face it, the world is already quite a scary place to be this 2020. Do you have any plans for this year’s #QuarantineHalloween?
EL: I will probably drink red wine and dance to Peaches – potentially find a mortal whose blood I can suck; regular spooky season behaviour! [laughs]
EQ: ‘CURSE 4 U’ speaks to aggressively dismantling the spine-chilling existence of patriarchal control within and without the music industry. Can you tell us more about why it’s important for you to speak on such issues through your own music?
EL: I feel as though living in a patriarchal society affects all who are involved regardless of whether you identify as a man or a woman. In beginning to navigate the music industry as a queer woman, I’ve found myself privy to this energy of people always watching me in their peripheral, yet feeling reluctant to support me publicly. It feels like we as women in the industry are constantly being invited to the party, but not quite being given the opportunities. Honestly, I say f*ck that energy because it’s one of those invisible pillars the white, cis, capitalist, male patriarchy relies upon to thrive.
On this track I’m using my aggressive voice, a manifestation of another dimension attached to my feminine energy that one of my dearest friends Janelle Wynter gave to me. She’s named “LeLe”, she’s mad, she’s feisty and she barks like a dog. I’m using her to break down doors in this industry and I won’t be moved – I’m staying right here in my dungeon making music and creating a fortified space for myself that evil eyes can’t penetrate. In this way, “CURSE 4 U” is inherently about verbally manifesting protection from those lurking eyes. It’s very much written from the perspective of “they can pray for you to fail, but you can only be as strong as your mind”.
“It feels like we as women in the industry are constantly being invited to the party, but not quite being given the opportunities…”
– ELIZA LEGZDINA
Jesse Roth @rxtn_film
EQ: Speaking of spells, witches have held a place as morally ambiguous cultural symbols for the supernatural nature of feminine power for centuries. Can you tell us more about the thought process behind the imagery we’re seeing in the ‘CURSE 4 U’ music video?
EL: I’d say the themes you’re seeing in this video are all inextricably linked to my Latvian heritage; after all, I’m a Latvian Princess – I’m pagan royalty. I’d have loved to shoot in Latvia but unfortunately, it was a pandemic too far on this occasion, so instead my mind wandered to a Moonchild Sanelly shoot I was on in Somerset last year and I just felt this yearning to go back and work there. So, we ended up settling on Darkest Druid which is prime witch country; also, it’s where my manager Lauren grew up!
My understanding of witchcraft and magic has always presented itself in the natural world – in the spiders, the birds, the rainfall and the fire. Nature purifies us so that we may see the power in chemical affairs; alchemy. I felt that at a time like this year when we’re all feeling so physically disconnected and out of touch with the matrix, I wanted to invite everyone to connect with the natural elements again. The magic I know is not forced into cauldrons, it does not require sacrifice – it requires resilience and energy. I want to use this conjured energy to spark up inspiration in others.
EQ: Did anything spooky go down at the video shoot that we should know about?
EL: Nothing too spooky, other than my manager Lauren almost setting her garden on fire in the process of shooting – but she’s a Sag so ultimately, she can handle a few flames!
EQ: I’m pretty sure this track would go down a treat at the local socially-distanced séance. What would you say is the ideal setting for fans to take in ‘CURSE 4 U’?
EL: To set the scene – it’s late at night, you’re home alone and you have a sole candle burning. I’d urge listeners to let the song show you what you need to see, then send it to your indie friends, to your spooky friends, show it to your anxious friends – guaranteed they’ll all see something different. Oh, and make sure you’re wearing black underwear for peak listening pleasure haha!
EQ: ‘CURSE 4 U’ is the first offering from your up-coming sophomore project? Is it conscious that you’re choosing to lead us into the next era of Legzdina with this aggressive, unapologetic feminine energy?
EL: Absolutely! I’ve been hustling this year, pushing boundaries and dealing with my own demons in order to become a better performer. For this new era, I’m focusing on growth – so, there’s more anger and way more depth to be discovered. I want to innovate and take people on a journey, one that’s rooted in the desire to make people dance.
EQ: It’s clear you’ve been countin’ them stars! What do you think the cosmos is holding for you going into 2021?
EL: The stars are showing me ascension, I can only go up!
YouTube/Elina Legzdina
Stream ‘Curse 4 U’ HERE
Follow Elina on socials:
Instagram: @legzdinae