“It’s been kind of really finished for almost two years and this is a good collection of songs and all what I like. I’ve been selecting stuff for EPs and so probably 70 per cent of the album is actually two-year-old songs, it’s just a couple of songs that have popped in the last year. Everything that’s been happening, it’s a whole new life of touring the whole world and [it] has to do with that album.”
Since her career kicked off five years ago – the beguiling singer turned rapper then merely 25 years of age – Elliphant has gone from strength to strength, her rise to international stardom imminent. From our conversation, it’s easy to see why she’s attracted such a high calibre of collaborator and producer: an effortlessly cool nature, easy confidence and decidedly husky voice take little convincing, all of which are manifested in Living Life Golden.
The variation of those involved sees bursts of reggae, EDM, dub and pop littered throughout the record. The combination may seem pretty frantic but the result is a strong mix of warm, catchy, anthemic tracks – the lack of a definitive direction adding a mystique and vibrancy to the tracklist. “It is very changeable and it is all over the place. It’s like a shuffle generation album,” she laughs. “I think if you don’t have an idea of what you want to do, then you’re open to everything and you’re going to have a lot to do because there’s so much out there. I understand that some artists don’t want to do that but I don’t know what I want.”
Lyrics, however, are something that she approaches conscientiously. “I talk very stupidly but I’ve always had a really good way of writing, I just really love writing. Right now I’m writing an amazing, realistic children’s book that I’m so excited about.” While explaining the meaning behind her lyrical content Elliphant illustrates a keen intellect and thoughtfulness. I get the feeling that recent chatter over the simplicity of suggestive lyrics on single Spoon Me is, in part, spurring her on. “Because Elliphant became something very easy going, very strong, also kind of political, very feministic but still not so uptight… I just felt that I needed to find a language in Elliphant that was universal, that everybody could understand. I’d rather have a lot of people understanding the music than have a couple of people. I use a very simple language when I write. I just hope it’s clear and that it gives people some positive strength and emotions, good feelings, you know?”
Although her time at home is brief, Elliphant tells me that she’s reflecting on what’s ahead. “I want to see what songs people feel they’ve connected to. I feel like I need to just stand, chill after this big rush and just really reconnect with all these amazing musicians, people and contacts that I haven’t really been able to nurture yet, you know? I need to just take some control back and really try to make an amazing third album and, you know, that’s all. I just want to hang out with cool people and make cool songs and live the life.”
BY EMILY GIBB
