JOHANNESBURG BORN ARTIST ‘ ELENI DRAKE’ MOVED TO SOUTHEND ON SEA WHEN SHE WAS YOUNGER WITH HER FAMILY AND NOW LIVING IN LONDON, THE LO-FI JAZZ ARTIST IS READY TO SHOWCASE HER SOUND TO US ALL! I CHAT WITH ELENI ALL ABOUT IT RIGHT HERE!

What is your name?

Eleni Drake

What is your genre of music?

Lo-fi / jazz

Give us a little bio about you.

Was born in Johannesburg in South Africa, but both my parents are Greek. Moved to the uk when I was super young, moved to a little place called Southend on sea, then moved to London when I was 16, and lived here ever since.

What made you go in to music?

Well my grandad used to play guitar, and I loved listening to him play, and I started doing my own thing and writing and playing music that I enjoyed. To be honest growing up I knew I wanted to do something creative but it wasn’t always music. I wanted to do something in fine art for a while, and then English literature, but I always went back to music. So I thought, if I clearly couldn’t give it up, then I should pursue it for as long as I can and hopefully make it work out

Are you a signed?

Nope

You have a new release ‘ 4 ‘ which is out , tell us more about the single.

I wrote the song soon after a pretty brutal relationship, and it was co produced by my good friend gabs, who goes under the name “Gould”. I found he is most easiest person I’ve ever worked with. He completely understands my direction of music and constantly encourages me to push my own boundaries, and I am forever indebted in him for that. Hence why “4” is a sassy lil number.

What is the meaning behind the Single.

It’s about the person you were in a relationship with and finally realising their wrongs. I let this person use me and hurt me, and after too many months of ignoring the advice my friends gave me, I finally woke the fuck up and realised how toxic this situation was

Describe the track in two words.

Assured. Obtrusive.

What was the writing process like?

Pretty fucking easy. Sat down and wrote the song within half an hour, and then gabs came in and worked his magic, and made the song come to life.

What was the recording process like?

Pretty easy. It always is with gabs/Gould. He’s very attentive and makes the recording as comfortable as possible for me. He knows I struggle with the sound of my own voice a lot, and always makes me feel confident when I sing, which is a very rare occurrence with me.

Who did you work with on the Single with?

Gould

Will we see a music video with this track?

Who knows.

We will also get to see your new EP ‘Songs On Sundays’, what else can you tell us about it.

It’s just a mixture of very personal feelings. This ep is slightly more upbeat than the Blue Ep, and a bit more assertive. I write with a bit more confidence and authority compared to previously.

It touches on subjects about drug abuse and how it can deteriorate the human mind and body, and how it affects not only the person but the people around them.

It starts off following the blue ep, and the end of that segment of my life, then leading onto the next relationship, finally finishing on a more Positive note.

If you had to describe it three words, what would they be?

Moody, Earnest, genuine.

Who did you work with on the EP.

Just myself and Gould.

Do you have any shows coming up or a tour in planning?

I have a show in white city house next Tuesday! But not tours coming up as of yet.

If so where will you be heading?

Laaanddannn

What else can we expect in 2019?

Well, fingers crossed, more music, hoping to have my third ep out by the end of 2019 for sure, hopefully get some pretty sweet gigs around the uk too.

Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?

At the moment, no…. (Tom Misch please hit me up)

Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?

For sure. I have a little “dream list” of people I would love to collab with

Do you play any instruments?

I do. Very mediocre guitar, piano, bass and flute.

Who are your influences?

Such a plethora of musicians.

Mac Miller

Billie Holiday

Nina Simone

Kurt Cobain

Tom Delonge

Caleb Followill

Elvis Presley

Frank Sinatra

Mac demarco

Maverick sabre

How do you get inspiration to write songs?

On the emotions I’m feeling at that moment. If my feelings are genuine, or what I’m writing isn’t truth, I find it incredibly hard to write the song. Usually if the feeling is raw and real, the song writes itself within a matter of minutes

Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?

Hopefully touring the world, and having the pleasure of writing my music as a full time job. I want to surround my life with fantastic musicians. There’s is nothing more rewarding to me than getting to release and play my music to people who love it.

When you’re not doing music, what do you do?

I LOVE cooking. God damn, if this music thing doesn’t work out, I think I’m going to become a chef.

Love travelling, experiencing different cultures, cities and people, nothing better than expending your mind to different people and places around the world.

Typically love going to gigs and concerts, and just being with my friends and loved ones.

What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?

Honestly. There’s she goes by The La’s. That song makes me sickeningly happy….I mean I know my music isn’t happy, but imagine giving someone that feeling, the feeling of “fuck I have to make someone feel this too”

What’s the best advice you have ever been given?

Being kind costs nothing.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?

It’s got its highs and lows, you’ll succeed depending on how much you want this.

What quote or saying do you always stick by?

Being kind costs nothing.

Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?

Oh my god. If you know what’s good for you, you won’t go out in Ealing. So let’s just say a nice lil bar in Brixton or Camden.

Your coming off tour;

1/ Where do you go first?

Most likely my parents house.

2/ Who do you see first?

Glenn, Lawrie, Tiff, Mimi.

3/What do you eat first?

MASH POTATOES.

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?

Water, Mimi, hopefully my lyrics, cigarettes, my lucky necklace

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?

Instagram

Spotify: Eleni Drake

YouTube: Eleni Drake

Facebook

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.