This week KMC chatted with Nashville artist, record producer, and vision caster, Elijah Cruise to talk new music, career goals and mental health advocacy.
Elijah’s new singles Sufføcating/The Eulogy are out on Friday May 6th! Presave the songs and enter to win some exclusive merch here!
KMC–How would you describe your sound?
Elijah–Pop, Emo, Alternative, Alternative rock
KMC- Who would you say are your musical influences?
Elijah-David Bowie, Twenty One Pilots, My Chemical Romance, YungBlud, Coldplay.
KMC- What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
Elijah-Music is how I experience my emotions and see the world though new perspectives. I truly desire for my music to be an anthem for outcasts or anyone who feels out of place in the world.
KMC- If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
Elijah- I’m gonna go with Twenty One Pilots 🙂
KMC- Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance to get rid of nerves or performance anxiety?
Elijah- Well, I paint my hand red prior to performing and that’s a pretty calm moment before the storm- that is performing during my shows.
KMC- Describe your creative process when you write new music.
Elijah-I write and produce my music, which means the instruments, lyrics, and vocals are super closely intertwined. I normally start with a simple idea on my piano and I begin singing whatever I have “buried” in my head and just listen to myself for a bit. I’ll put together a little loop on my laptop and bounce out an audio file to my iPhone so I can write in the car or wherever I go that day. Once the song is a little more evolved, I take it back into my into my studio and work on it until it’s done- that can take anywhere from a few days to months. After the song is recorded its sent to my mix engineer Seth Earnest who takes it to the next level.
KMC- Favorite song you have released and why?
Elijah- I love my song “Where Did All My Friends Go?” Musically and lyrically it feels dark and moody- I always love dark imagery and feel like this track nails that energy.
KMC- Your favorite artists/bands right now.
Elijah- I love YungBlud & Tom Odell- both different vibes but truly beautiful artists.
KMC- Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Elijah- The bridge of Sufføcating says “We will stay alive, We will not depart, Me and all My friends, together we’re victorious” This is my desire for all of my listeners, I want to create a place for the misunderstood.
KMC- What is your main goal in your music career?
Elijah- My dream is to help people feel a little bit less alone. I decided years ago that nothing is worth doing if it doesn’t make a difference in people’s lives.
KMC- What separates you from other artists/bands?
Elijah- I think my voice and music production creates a unique juxtaposition. I believe the content is very personal to me as well- people like real and honest art, that’s what I’m trying to do.
KMC- What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
Elijah-“Poem of a Killer” was featured on BBC Radio 1 which was absolutely huge for me.
KMC- What is your dream venue to perform at?
Elijah- I’ve played at Bonnaroo Music Festival for the last four years, producing the music for The Fifth Woman. I’d love to play a big stage at “Roo” one day, that’s big dream. I’d also love to play a “late night show” stage one day.
KMC- What’s your motto or some advice that you live by?
Elijah-“You make your mistakes to learn how to get to the good stuff.” – Quincy Jones
KMC- How do you balance your music with your other obligations?
Elijah- Google calendar haha 😉
KMC- Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to start a career in music?
Elijah- Put music out! Don’t sleep on yourself. Your first song isn’t gonna be your best song, take peoples critiques lightly and keep making and releasing music. Figuring out your sound is much easy when you don’t hold back your art from the world!
KMC- If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Elijah- More woman artists & producers in the music industry.
KMC- What social issues are you most passionate about?
Elijah- Mental Health & Suicide Awareness.. I’ve lost friends to suicide and it’s something I’ve very passionate about. My new song “The Eulogy” talks about losing my friend and how it felt in the moments I got the news. It’s all of the thing I wish I could’ve told him.
KMC- What would you tell someone who’s struggling with their mental health?
Elijah-Just keep fighting, it may not seems like its worth it right now but I promise you, it is. Your life is beautiful and you are loved and cared for.
