Who is Elsa Eva?
I’m Elsa Eva, a California-based singer-songwriter and music producer. My music blends indie pop, electro-pop, electronic and house influences, often with a mysterious, atmospheric and cinematic touch. I’m drawn to experimenting with different sounds and creating music that has its own identity and emotional atmosphere. A lot of my songwriting explores personal growth, human behavior, self-discovery and the courage to be yourself. I’m an independent artist, so I enjoy having the creative freedom to shape every part of my music and follow my own artistic direction.
What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?
Some artists I consistently come back to are Grimes, Tame Impala, Muse and Depeche Mode. I love how each of them has developed such a distinctive sound and isn’t afraid to experiment. Grimes inspires me with her unconventional electronic production and creativity, Tame Impala with its psychedelic textures and atmosphere, Muse with its powerful energy and cinematic arrangements, and Depeche Mode with its timeless electronic sound. I’m especially drawn to artists who create their own musical worlds rather than simply follow trends.
When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?
For me, the most important thing is having the freedom to experiment and a clear sense of the feeling I want the song to communicate. I usually come in with ideas about the beat, melodies, arrangement or overall atmosphere, but I also like leaving room for unexpected discoveries along the way. Good headphones, a comfortable creative environment, and plenty of patience are always helpful! I record my vocals at Steve Glaze Studio in California. I want the recording process to feel creative rather than rushed, because sometimes the best ideas happen when you allow yourself to explore.
Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?
I’d recommend starting with my latest single, “Risk Taker.” It’s an upbeat indie/electro-pop track with a mysterious atmosphere and an uplifting message about taking chances, stepping outside your comfort zone and pursuing what matters to you. I think it gives a good sense of the energy and direction I’m exploring right now.
I’d also recommend “Detached,” which came out shortly before it. It’s a little different in its message, exploring the idea that we can’t control how other people perceive us, and that there’s freedom in learning to let go of those expectations. Together, I think these two songs give listeners a glimpse into both the energetic and more introspective sides of my music.
Which song of someone else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?
I’d have loved to feature on “4ÆM” by Grimes. It’s such a mysterious, original, and one-of-a-kind track. I love how it creates an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. It’s the kind of song I could listen to during a late-night or early-morning drive, when everything feels a little surreal, and you’re somewhere in that in-between space between night and day. I really love music that puts you in that mysterious state of mind, makes you think about life, and takes you somewhere emotionally without needing to explain everything. That’s the kind of musical atmosphere I find especially inspiring.
What has led you into becoming a musician and why do you keep making music?
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started singing when I was six and also played piano professionally as a child. Singing was always my biggest passion, though. Over the past decade, I performed in different bands, mostly covering songs by other artists, which gave me a lot of experience and helped me grow as a performer. Eventually, I felt ready to focus on creating original music and expressing something that was entirely my own.
Making music is something that comes quite naturally to me. I get inspiration from so many things, especially lately, living in California and being surrounded by such beautiful scenery. The ocean, mountains, trees, little coastal towns, and even the energy of bigger cities can all spark an idea or a particular feeling that I want to capture in a song.
Most of my songs are connected to something meaningful or relevant to my own life. Sometimes it’s a personal experience, something I’ve learned, or a perspective I want to explore. Other times, I simply create something fun. I love taking those ideas and turning them into music that I can share with an audience, so listeners can connect with the messages in their own way, relate them to their own experiences, or simply enjoy the feeling of the song. That’s a big part of why I keep creating.
