Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Elyria Lazuli
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Something that sticks out to me from childhood is often singing with my mom and grandma. They both taught me a lot of songs. I would also frequently put on singing performances for my family, and those typically included a dance number too.
How did your passion for music begin?
I really enjoyed making up my own songs when I was little. They were silly and nonsensical, of course. Additionally, I grew up in a church where we only sang a cappella, and that was always my favorite part of being there.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I lightly collaborated with people for some years. I would take their instrumentals and sing over them; however, I wanted to be able to put together entire songs by myself. I’ve never had true experience with learning how to write music, although I am familiar with music theory. I don’t use it when it I put together sounds though. I just wing it. The emotional rollercoaster of life has given me plenty of inspiration to express myself.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
The music I make is pretty experimental. I don’t tie myself down to any one genre. I like to explore where I can go with sound. I try to use a different set of sounds in every song. Most of it ends of being rather moody. I would say it’s a mixture of electronic, ambient, alternative, and indie rock styles.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I mainly use the Logic Pro program. I can play the piano, but most of the sounds in the songs were created with a midi keyboard. I mess around with other instruments sometimes, but I wouldn’t say I’m particularly proficient with any one. Keyboard is what I tend towards the most.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’m a huge fan of Warpaint and Mr. Gnome. They have both been especially inspirational to me for quite some time.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic expression?
Most of my songs end up revolving around the relational struggles I’ve dealt with over the course of my 20s. Cliche, right? When I’m able to steer myself away from writing about heartache, I bring in concepts about the dynamics of living a human life and the spiritual forces at work.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take away from your work?
I don’t usually write lyrics from a place of core belief; instead, I allow the emotions to process out how they need to, which tends to be in more of a raw form. I want people to give themselves the same permission to feel whatever it is they need to feel and to not judge it. The best thing we can do is utilize our experiences for growth and development.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
There’s no script for how to write music. Our soul doesn’t have a brand. It is as unique as a fingerprint. I like ‘drawing outside of the societal guidelines’, if you will.
What is a dream festival or venue you would like to perform at?
Honestly, I’m not big on performances, but I would love for my music to be heard around the world. I think it’s important that we stay connected musically across cultures.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I’m a huge fan of Thom Yorke from Radiohead. Creating a song with him would be a highlight most definitely. I truly appreciate the originality and sentiments that go into so many of his songs. I think we would connect in a number of ways.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
My music is up on most platforms. The stats on Spotify are what I keep up with the most. I’m also currently in a band called Fighting in the Dark, and we are in the process of recording some songs. Check us out on all major platforms as well!
Looking forward to the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’ve been putting a lot of time and energy into the band I joined this past year. I’m really excited to release new music with these guys. They’re incredibly talented.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
You don’t have to be a ‘musician’ to express yourself with sound and rhythm. I’m just doing something that I love for the fun of it. We all have vibrational signatures woven into the hearts of our being. I hope others are able to hold grace and acceptance for however that comes out for them.
