Check out our interview with Canadian Singer, songwriter and pianist Elena Erin who just released her new single Mayhem World. Elena previously reached #2 on CBC Radio’s Top 20 Countdown, landed on major editorial playlists (New Music Friday Canada/Fresh Finds), and has garnered over a million streams on various platforms; is ready to reach new audiences.
A single off her debut album, Holy Tender Artist, “Almost Famous” lends itself to the overarching storyline. Holy Tender Artist shines the spotlight on Elena Erin: a small-town Canadian girl, with big-city dreams, exploring abroad, finding romance, and enjoying the journey to self-discovery. This album is highlighted by royalty, sex, exploration, vulnerability, and in-your-face New York style of storytelling from her time there.
Follow Elena @elenaerinofficial
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Hi Elena, please tell us a little about you?
I was born and raised on a cattle farm 4 hours south of the Alaskan borders and now I live between London and NYC. I have 7 siblings: 3 older and 4 younger. I write songs, run marathons, pole dance, and live an impressive life.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined, Confident, Iconic
We’re sure you have been asked this million times, but how did you get in the industry?
I was laying vocal tracks for a demo and the other people in the studio were like, “You should be singing your own songs. You have a unique voice!” Up to that point, I didn’t think I had the voice to sing, but that gave me the confidence to do it. I realized they were right, I should sing my own songs, and now I have singles, EPs, and an album out.
How has this changed your life?
It made me see where I was selling myself short. Singing my own songs was so empowering.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Experimental, pop, mine.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
A lot of people, from my childhood music teachers to friends I made in college, all have had some kind of influence. I choose to make music because I refuse to live an unfulfilled life. My soul would disappear if I wasn’t doing this.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano, Guitar, I sing, and I used to play the violin and the recorder.
Do you ever get nervous while performing live or on the set of a music video?
Not really. Because I’m writing and singing songs that are so “Me”, performing them in any capacity just feels like having a conversation.
Tell us about your new single and video for “Mayhem World?”
It was so fun to film. We basically walked into a bar and asked the bartender if he wanted to be part of the video. He was really excited to be a part of it!
What’s the story behind the song?
The story is about loving someone so much and it feels like no one gets you the same way, but you’re both too damaged to give each other your best. I was really vibing with someone and he wasn’t texting me back, so the video goes into how I am numbing the pain at the bar and checking my phone. Unhelpful behavior.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
When people love my music and come to my shows, and when I get added to playlists. Some of the playlist titles are really funny, and it makes me happy to know my music is a part of someone’s day.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Trust yourself and listen to your instincts.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Trust yourself, and listen to your instincts.
How would your best friend describe you?
Driven and focused. God on Earth
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“The Making of an Icon.” at least that would be part one.
What’s next for Elena Erin in 2023?
A new album and lots and lots of shows!
What is your favorite healthy food?
My sisters always judge me for my green smoothies, and to be fair, they look disgusting, but they are always so good.
And your favorite cheat food?
I don’t believe in cheat food. I just eat what I want when I want, and I think you should do the same. Life is too short to miss out on good food.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Brave. And confident. I love what I wear and I’m not afraid to mix patterns and have fun expressing myself through my clothes.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Never being boring.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My best friend, Carla. She died from cancer in 2019 and we were supposed to do the whole Iconic Popstar thing together.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My family is too big and stresses me out, so I wouldn’t go with them all at once. But I’d take one or two of them at a time with me on a Stadium tour. That sounds like a good vacation.
Best advice ever given?
“Keep my mind on my money and my money on my mind.” -Snoop Dog.
Do you support any charity?
I’ve run the New York Marathon twice now to raise money for the Allyson Whitney Foundation. They support young people living with rare cancers.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
World Tours. 10 #1s. Maybe something in politics.
Favorite song? Why?
Of my own? Right now it’s Almost Famous. It’s how I feel every day and that song encompasses my life.
What do you think of Social Media?
Love it, hate it, need it. There are pros and cons to social media. But it’s a full time job.
Where can we follow you?
@elenaerinofficial on Instagram
@elenaerinmusic on TikTok
@ElenaErinMusic on Twitter
And my artist page on Facebook
Book: I don’t have time to read
Quote: what Snoop Dogg said about money
Movie: I don’t have time to watch movies either
Tv Series: oh mygosh. I also don’t have time for TV. I think all I do is write.
Favorite Food: coffee, wine, and take out.
Travel Destination: Smithers, British Columbia
Sports Team: my favourite sport to watch is Rodeo.
