Elysaé

‘I Don’t Know’ marks the beginning of a new artistic era for you. How do you feel your music has evolved since your previous EP ‘You Might as Well Shout’, and what does this single represent in your journey as an artist?

‘I Don’t Know’ is definitely a new and exciting chapter for me artistically. My last EP, ‘You Might as Well Shout’, was all about finding my voice and proving to myself that I could do this. It felt a little more serious. I’ll always love what that record did for me, both musically and personally, but now I’m embracing my more playful, creative side. 

With the singles ‘Mr Man on the Moon’ and ‘Mirrors’, I started exploring a wider range of emotions while still keeping things colorful and fun. ‘I Don’t Know’ feels like both a chapter closing and a springboard into something new. The song reflects on feeling stuck in the unknown, but for me, releasing this song represents a journey of learning to trust my instincts. Ironically, at this point, I’ve never felt more self-assured. 

I’ve started taking a lot more risks in my life, like moving across the country to a remote town in the Kimberley and making decisions that align with my gut more so than logic. This new sense of confidence and adventure is seeping into every aspect of this new musical era. 

Your music has a unique identity, often compared to an effortlessly cool and hip granny. How do you incorporate that playful yet nostalgic vibe into your music, particularly in ‘I Don’t Know’? 

I love that the ‘cool and hip granny’ vibe is catching on! I needed a fun and specific way to describe my music beyond just ‘indie pop,’ and somehow, that’s where we landed. I’m really enjoying experimenting with old-school sounds, like using the mellotron, organic instrumentation, and running tracks through a tape machine to give them an authentic, slightly imperfect feel. 

I love the idea of dancing through your feelings rather than being bogged down by them. Even though ‘I Don’t Know' is emotionally heavy, I leaned into a waltz feel, hoping it would evoke something familiar and comforting - like a warm hug while you sway away in your feels. 

Where I really got to have the most fun was in the music video. I wanted to create a surrealist world where the everyday and the bizarre blend together. The setting seems mundane at first, but if you look closely, you’ll spot all these little quirks - like tomato sauce as nail polish, a cactus hairbrush, and even the ocean in my teacup. It was so much fun to bring this world to life and

infuse that playful, slightly off-kilter energy into the song! I even made all the props by hand (RIP my hands - I don’t recommend messing with a cactus). 

You've gained recognition in notable songwriting competitions and performed at various festivals across Australia. How do these achievements influence your creative process and confidence as a songwriter? 

I try not to put too much weight on these achievements as the ultimate markers of success, but I can’t lie.. they’re definitely confidence boosters. It’s a delicate balance between external and internal validation. I’m incredibly grateful for all these experiences and opportunities. Songwriting has always been my first love, so getting that acknowledgment feels incredibly rewarding and just motivates me to keep challenging myself creatively. It’s also opened up new avenues for writing music with and for other people, which I’m excited to explore more. 

As for festivals, those have become some of my favorite experiences! I used to be an extremely anxious performer, but being in an environment where you get to see other artists in their zone, connect with them, and perform for new audiences across the country has been amazing. It’s inspired me to create music that not only makes people feel something but also makes them want to move. When I first started releasing music, it was during lockdown, so I wasn’t thinking much about how it would translate live. It’s taken me out of my bedroom and into the real world, and really, that’s what it’s all about. 

‘I Don’t Know’ features a unique mix of playful and introspective tones. Can you talk about the songwriting process for this track and how it compares to the creative process behind ‘Mirrors’ and ‘Mr Man on the Moon’? 

‘Mr Man on the Moon’ came from a place where I just needed to laugh at myself. It’s that moment when you can’t help but feel like the universe is playing tricks on you, serving up the same challenges over and over again. The song is inherently playful and a little ridiculous. 

‘I Don’t Know’ and ‘Mirrors,’ on the other hand, were born out of some deeply challenging experiences where I needed an outlet. These were songs that just poured out of me. They’re raw, candid, and capture moments that feel almost too personal to share. 

The real challenge with these tracks was in the production. I wanted to make sure that, even though the content was heavy, the music didn’t get bogged down by it. We aimed to create something that listeners could enjoy for its sound or use as a way to move through those emotions - dancing through the feelings rather than sinking into them. With ‘I Don’t Know,’ for instance, I wanted it to feel a bit like a waltz, something that would have you naturally swaying your hips, even if you were crying at the same time. 

Your performances have been described as charismatic and engaging. How do you translate the emotion and themes from ‘I Don’t Know’ into your live shows, and what can audiences expect when they see you perform this song live?

Thank you so much! That’s really kind to hear. Live shows are something I’m always evolving and developing, so it means a lot that people find them engaging. 

Since playing more festivals and embracing this new artistic direction, I’ve been leaning into the fun of performing! Audiences can expect a lot of colour, groovy tunes, and (hopefully) some music they’ll connect with. I love curating my setlists to tell a story, taking you on a journey through different dynamics and emotions. My main goal is to give you an experience. 

‘I Don’t Know’ has become a special moment in my set. It’s where we slow things down and really get into our feels together. It’s a chance to connect with the audience on a deeper level and to share that moment of vulnerability. After so long, I’m excited for people to finally interact with the music in the real world. 

With a new single out and more music on the horizon, what are your goals for the coming year? How do you plan to continue growing as an artist and connecting with your audience through your music? 

In the coming year, my main goals are to deepen my connection with my audience and keep building the world I’m creating through my music. I’m excited to keep exploring that mix of playful and introspective tones while experimenting with new sounds and storytelling techniques. 

I’ve really enjoyed playing festivals and connecting with people, so I’m hoping to be part of more lineups across the country and meet new faces on the road. I’m also working on finishing up my next trio of songs, which I’m excited to share with you all! 

I don’t know ;) where I’ll be in six months, both physically and metaphorically, but I’m excited for whatever life throws my way. I’m sure there’ll be plenty more experiences to inspire me, new people to meet, and adventures to embark on. I love how we can connect so easily online and am looking forward to sharing more of my world and taking people along for the ride. As I navigate the chaos of life and find my groove, I’m eager to see where following my instincts will lead and how it will push me to grow as an artist.