With the emotional ‘Dust Storm Darlin” out now, we had a chat with rousing alt-folk artist Elijah Mann
Over the last six years, Elijah Mann has been developing and maintaining an audience thanks to his thoughtful and impactful brand of alt-folk, melding rousing, often emotional themes with more contemporary sounds to offer a package that feels both authentic and earnest but steeped in a slick, modern sheen.
The artist’s latest release ‘Dust Storm Darlin” is a masterclass at tugging at heartstrings, while perhaps in a more unconventional way than you would think. The track addresses the difficult situation of having to say goodbye, having to let go of things and people at times when its difficult, using the touching story of The Mars Rover Opportunity’s last words as an example. RIP. Elijah Mann’s sound feels like the perfect storm of style and substance, penning engaging, laid-back melodies while spilling his guts and laying out his thoughts in an earnest and vulnerable manner. We had a chat with the artist and found out some more about his creative process and what inspires and lights the fire within him.
Who TF is Elijah Mann?
I’m a singer/songwriter based in New York. I’ve been releasing music since 2016, and this new release marks my 4th single since September.
How long have you been making music?
Probably since I was around 13, when I got my first guitar (the same guitar I play a every show, my butterscotch Fender Stratocaster).
Why do you make music?
I’m a performer through and through. The combination of performance and introspection that being a songwriter gives me is one of the best feelings in the world: The feeling of connection and emotional honesty, paired with the joy of getting on stage and just having a great time.
What are your biggest influences?
Currently: Foy Vance, Anais Mitchell, Glen Hansard, Anthony Da Costa, Phoebe Bridgers, and Bleachers.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
As silly as it is, probably seeing my cover of Carly Rae Jepsen’s song “Cut to the Feeling” hit 1 million streams. That little cover that I recorded in my closet in 2017 has given me a lot of validation in what I’m doing, and it’s given my original songs an audience they wouldn’t otherwise have.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
If Paul Simon went electric and then immediately stubbed his toe on his amp.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Playing Red Rocks, with a band made up of my best friends, opening for/co-headlining with an artist who has inspired me.
We love your new single ‘Dust Storm Darlin”, what more can you tell us about it?
In 2018 the Mars Rover Opportunity was caught in a planetary dust storm. Before losing signal, it sent the message “My battery’s low and it’s getting dark.” The scientists at NASA, some of whom had grown very attached to this little robot, decided to send one last message: They sent a recording of Billie Holliday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
This story was all I could think of in the summer of 2020, as I flew down to Alabama to see my grandmother for the last time. “Dust Storm Darlin'” is a song about learning how to say goodbye.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
I think I have one more song on the docket this year? Maybe more? Who knows!
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Easily my mother. Not even a question. Hi, mom!
