Following two exciting and unique debut releases, we had a chat with emerging alt-pop artist e!ena
Boasting a unique sound, thoughtful, meaningful lyrics, and an effortless sense of charisma and personality that seeps through her work, emerging alt-pop talent e!ena has all of the hallmarks of a potential breakout star.
Her two initial singles, ‘bittersweet’, and the brand new ‘cognitive dissonance’ showcase an artist with a real sense of boldness and guile when it comes to her writing and her sound, crafting something that feels both entirely her own but swimming in cool, pop appeal and charm. There is a really individualistic feel to the artist’s approach and sound, and the personal nature of her lyrics and sound encapsulates this feeling, especially on the aforementioned ‘coginitive dissonance’, a track that explores the personal experience of living with anxiety, depression and behavior disorders, and provides a fittingly intense and abrupt soundscape to go with it. We love the distinctive edge of e!ena and her sound, and had a chat with the artist to find out some more about her journey and what plans she has for the future.
Who TF is E!ena?
I’m an independent artist from Massachusetts, currently based out of Burlington, VT. I make my music in my bedroom using Logic Pro on my laptop, an electric guitar, and a microphone. Besides making music, I studied neuroscience and studio art and played ice hockey in college. Since graduating, I have been working full time as a medical assistant in dermatology at my local hospital, (I’m interested in working in healthcare in addition to pursuing music).
How long have you been making music?
I started making music when I was around 10, but had a dry spell for a few years when I began to pursue hockey. I also have ADHD and was undiagnosed for awhile so most of my time was taken up with school, (before being treated, it took me about twice as long as everyone else to understand material/get things done). Now that I’ve graduated college, I have begun taking guitar lessons and making music again. I must say, it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Why do you make music?
I make music as a way of better understanding myself and my personal experiences. It also serves as a great outlet for my anxiety and depression. I’m really hoping that listeners are able to relate to my songs and feel heard/understood.
What are your biggest influences?
In terms of musical influences, definitely Amy Winehouse and Billie Eilish. They both have such unique, personable music. I have also recently become a huge fan of Arden Jones who’s music I’ve really been learning a lot from.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
The process of making music itself is honestly the best. I love writing lyrics and creating melodies on the guitar. On the other hand, the production aspect is very difficult for me and incredibly stressful at times. However, the feeling of everything coming together and it accurately representing what I was going through at the time makes it completely worth it.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
My first song is very much pop-folk, but my unreleased music is more jazz/pop/R&B.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
That’s a tough one. Probably if I ever get to collaborate with one of my favorite artists, but also if anyone, (even if it’s only one person) reaches out saying that my music has influenced them in some way.
We love your new single ‘Cognitive Dissonance’, what more can you tell us about it?
Thank you! I think that, even though it’s probably not going to be my “best” release since it’s one of my first, it will always mean the most to me. It’s all about a mental health episode I had near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I experienced a lot of traumatic events that I had dismissed for awhile. They eventually sort of just culminated and hit me all at once. That song truly helped me get through that experience.
It’s meant to illustrate what it feels like to have anxiety and depression, on top of those traumatic events I endured; it depicts the feeling of utter hopelessness and almost like you’re going insane. The turnaround in the melody near the end represents that gleam of hope that truly does exist and the possibilities that are to come, (cliche, I know. But it’s true!)
What else do you have planned for the near future?
I have another single that I’m planning on releasing in either December or January, depending on how long it takes for me to get it mixed and mastered. I’m hoping to get my first EP out by the end of next year.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now
Definitely my friends from work. I love them dearly and genuinely don’t think I could do this without them. Ever since they found out I made music, they’ve been streaming it like crazy and even help promote it by sharing it with their friends and family. Shoutout to the derm fam.
