The Songs That Shaped My Sound: Freyja Elsy

Meet Freyja Elsy, the Cardiff-based classically trained musician and self-taught electro-pop producer who's been making waves with her independent releases for the past three years. In 2023, she took her captivating sound to the stage, introducing electrifying live performances. Now, with 'Modern Artifice,' Freyja Elsy elevates her musical journey, pushing the boundaries of production and experimentation while delving into profound explorations of societal pressures, disillusionment, and intense personal narratives. Each track, from 'Sad Girls' to 'Salem,' showcases a unique facet of her artistry, blending depth and emotion with innovative soundscapes. Recognized by BBC (6Music/Radio Wales), Freshonthenet, and international blogs and radio, Freyja Elsy stands as an exceptionally accomplished musician and producer, leaving critics and listeners in awe since her debut single, 'Lungs,' hailed as "off-the-scale evocative" by Adam Walton of BBC Radio Wales.

Teardrop - Massive Attack

If I could choose the entire discography of Massive Attack (or anything composed/produced by Neil Davidge), I would have, but I’ve gone with this iconic record. I can’t remember a specific time of discovering trip hop, or more specifically this group; it’s a sound that has followed me throughout my life (or perhaps I’ve been drawn to it consistently over the years) and has leaked into my music writing. Mezzanine (1998) to me still feels timeless, a sound with a delicate power lurking under the surface, shattering outwards and grabbing you with both hands. I love the fusion of genres in trip hop, particularly the RnB inspired rhythm & grooves amongst this cinematic presence and it’s a combination I’ve explored in a few of my own songs.

Running With The Wolves - AURORA

Folktronica is a genre that I feel represents an ancient power that connects to nature and the world itself, beyond the industrialisation and gentrification of cities, towns and markers of civilization. Aurora is one of those artists that harnesses this inherent beauty through both her music and vocal melodies. I’ve been following her music for a while now and it delves into topics such as female empowerment and environmental activism which are themes close to my heart; I adore the bold but ethereal expression of her vocals and lyrics. In ‘Running With the Wolves’ there’s this sense of urgency and drive, amidst fervid & bold electro-pop production which complements the meaning - it’s a song about escaping back into nature, away from technology and industrialisation.

inconsist - Ólafur Arnalds

Ólafur Arnalds is another Scandinavian artist & composer who combines the acoustic and digital within contemporary classical in ever more beautiful ways. ‘Inconsist’ is one of these gorgeous tracks that builds in intensity and excitement then delicately fades into nothingness amongst sublime cello and felted piano akin to water droplets. This album and this composer’s style particularly appeals to my classical sensibilities. The combination of classical into avant-garde pop-esque instrumental is a facet of cinematic music outside of film that I adore, both to listen to and to create myself.

Crystal Clear - Hayley Williams

I grew up listening to Paramore and trying to replicate Hayley WIlliams’ insane vocal range,  failing miserably, but discovering my love of singing and belting powerful tunes in the process. Her music has evolved over the years and when she stepped into her solo music career with the ‘Petals for Armor’ debut album, I was delving further into music production right at the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis and lockdown. This song is my favourite from the album. I fell in love with the production throughout the record, the use of layered, ethereal, breathy vocals and interesting sound design, pushed forward by rolling beats. It’s definitely influenced my sound by challenging me to explore off-the-wall layers and elements in my tracks.

Listen to the new release HERE