Check out our interview with Brooklyn based artist Elliot Lee who just released her single “Rubies” from her forthcoming EP Queen of Nothing, which is set for release this summer. “Rubies” explores the concept of Queendom and vividly recounts Elliot’s struggles to fit in and feelings of being “othered.”
Elliot fuses dark pop melodies with edgy vocals and innovative Electronic rock soundscapes to create an unpredictable sound, acting as a voice for the voiceless. Elliot Lee holds an awareness of what music that is unhindered by norms can do for the underrepresented. This bravado oozes through the cracks of her homemade music, with tracks that are laced with late night slumber party confessions and existential cognizance. Inspired by the feeling of loneliness, Elliot’s music acts as a reminder that you are never alone.
Follow Elliot @elliotleeofficial
Hi Elliot, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a misfit kid trying to figure out my way in life!!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Emotional, pensive, lazy 🙂
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I turned to music at a low point in my life. I wanted people to hear what I was feeling, and in doing so I found the drive to become a voice for people who don’t feel like they can speak up about what’s going on in their heads. I kind of just threw myself into the bottomless pit of “The Music Industry” and am still floating somewhere in there!!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Can I just use the same 3 that I used before? hehe. 🙂 “Emotional, Pensive, and A-Little-Less-Lazy”.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’m influenced a lot by my younger self. I think about her whenever I write songs. She needed someone like me in her life, but since she didn’t have it then I want to be it for other people.
Tell us about your new single “Rubies?”
There’s that moment where you look back on something that happened and you’re like, “I don’t have any way to even prove this happened.” If memories and experiences could be collected like gems, I feel like it would become very clear to people that I have a harder time holding onto happy memories than painful ones. I’m not sure why, but the painful ones have always stuck with me so much more vividly. I’ve had times where they almost felt like a badge of honor, which is obviously such an unhealthy mindset. Rubies is about hoarding those bad memories and feeling so attached with them that they begin to define you.
And about your EP “Queen of Nothing?”
Queen Of Nothing follows a story about this character, Eel, who decides to create a safe haven for her fellow misfits. But she begins to doubt whether she built this world as a safe space for other people or if it was really just for selfish reasons. She crumbles under this burden, and ends up burning the whole queendom down.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The most rewarding thing about my life is the moments where I get to see how my music has impacted the Bubblegum Soldiers.
The hardest part is not having my soul crushed by both internal and external forces—the industry is a brutal place.
What’s next for Elliot Lee in 2021?
My first EP is coming out soon!! I’m so excited to give my Bubblegum Soldiers this new story and to tell them more about what’s going on in my mind. I cant wait until I get to see them again once it’s safe.
What is your favorite song? And why?
Right now it’s Redecorate by Twenty One Pilots. The lyrics really hit something deep inside of me. The whole Scaled and Icy album is incredible.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
I haven’t had many tough decisions recently, but it was really difficult to decide exactly what story I wanted to tell in this EP and how I was gonna tell it.
Any loves other than music?
I love learning, and I love to draw!! I drew the cover of the upcoming EP, as well as most of my singles so far 🙂 I want to get confident enough in my art that I can tell my stories that way too, but for now I’m just sticking to music.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I want to meet Tyler Joseph. It might seem silly, but he’s really the reason I make music.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I’m a very routine oriented person, so my days tend to be super boring from an outside perspective. I study Korean every single day, and everywhere I go I write down things that inspire me so I can incorporate them into songs later.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Working in the studio until late at night, then commuting home and reading a book on the way. 🙂
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood!! haha
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness is so hard to define. I think it might be different for everyone, but I’m not sure. For me happiness comes in small moments and is sustained by learning how to create more of those moments.
Do you support any charities?
Giving to your community (especially the marginalized groups in your community) is the best way to be charitable.
How would you describe your fashion style?
My fashion style is just whatever makes me feel confident and comfortable in my body!!! I don’t have a word for it because it changes so much and draws from so many sources of inspiration. Maybe bubblegum grunge? 🙂
Where we can follow you?
Quote:
like you as you are
Exactly and precisely
I think you turned out nicely
And I like you as you are
-Fred Rogers
Movie: Midsommar
Travel Destination: I really want to visit Korea!
Sports Team: Gonzaga Bulldogs
