Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Elle Zachary
Elle Zachary, following the release of stay, a heartfelt pop confession about holding on to someone who’s already halfway out the door, is gearing up for their next era with a new record that dives deep into the aftermath of lovebombing and heartbreak.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
The earliest memory I can think of is when my grandmother played me some of her vinyl collections. I think I was around 4 or 5, and immediately thought of how amazing it was—hearing different notes form into a song.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It began when I listened to Taylor Swift’s debut album and “A Place in This World” played. I was 13 and immediately felt connected to it. I thought of how cool it was that she can sing about her feelings and was able to make people relate. So the next day, I tried writing a song and seven years later, here we are.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Currently, I have my sophomore single, stay, released. It’s about hopelessly hoping, and losing yourself completely through. On the other hand, my current project right now, still unreleased, is a bigger body of music. It’s about a heartbreak I went through and how I tried to find myself along the way. It’s a story of self-discovery and almost as if I am talking to my younger self.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would describe it as “sad-twink-but-diva-energy.” But kidding aside, I would say my sound is what we hear when we try to navigate life–may it be ups or downs, highs or lows, realistic or delusional.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I realized that emotions are the foundation I need when I make music. When I first started writing music, I had a dream of being a popstar, so I was writing music at an angle where people would love. Call me a people pleaser, sue me. But eventually, I realized I need to write for myself and my feelings. And the rest will follow.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I always start with just a pen and a guitar. To which, by the way, I wanna give a little nod to my best friend, Princess, for teaching me how to play a guitar when we were in high school. Because ever since, the guitar has been my favorite instrument. And even now, with my produced songs, guitar tracks have to always be present.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I love this question! I love Elijah Woods right now. He has a song off his album called “Could You Love Me?” and it’s just my go-to song. May it be in the shower, when running, in the coffee shop, etc. I saw him live last July and fell in love ever since.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Actually, I have recently reflected on the same thing. I recently found a diary of mine from when I was 14, filled with songs about my experiences at the time. I’d say it really was surface-level, thinking that the football boy not liking me back is the biggest problem I could ever face. Maybe it was at the time. But growing up, I’ve learned to be a lot more realistic when it comes to my songwriting.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I wrote these songs when I was feeling sad. All I’ve ever wanted was a hug and all I had was music. So I hope when people listen to my music, whether they’re sad or happy, it’d feel like a hug and provide some sort of comfort and relatability.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That music is always gonna be a form of art. No matter how the industry makes it as if it were some kind of business or some transactional conversation, it will always root with the storytelling and we must focus on that.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Oh goodness, I have a lot. But right now, the biggest goal is Coachella. Hopefully someday, in some way, I get to share my music and my story on the Coachella main stage.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Taylor Swift has been my biggest inspiration, so I hope, in this life I somehow get to work with her.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Listeners can follow along:
Instagram: instagram.com/ellezacharyxi
TikTok: tiktok.com/@ellezachary
YouTube: youtube.com/ellezachary
Linktree: linktr.ee/ellezachary
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
As mentioned, I have a bigger body of music in the works. I am really proud of it and I can’t wait for it to come out. I really hope people will tune in and listen to what I have to say. I hope they sing, dance, cry, and laugh with it. People caring about my music would really mean a lot to me.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I am one crazy storyteller. Songwriting is my forte and I hope they see how much time and effort I exert when making music.
