In the kaleidoscopic world of modern music, Elyse Black stands out as a compelling new voice. The singer-songwriter isn’t just creating music—she’s crafting stories layered with emotion, culture, and innovation. In a candid and exclusive interview, she delved into her artistic journey, offering a glimpse into the mind of an emerging artist whose work promises to captivate audiences far and wide. She is currently based in Valencia.

Elyse’s music is often likened to “emotional Russian nesting dolls,” each layer revealing deeper complexities. Her distinctive sound marries Latin influences and acoustic pop elements with a playful yet profound sensibility. A pivotal moment in her stylistic evolution came during a groove writing class at Berklee, where she immersed herself in Bossa nova and Afro-Cuban rhythms. These genres have since woven their way into her work, adding a global flair to her compositions.

But Ms Black’s creativity doesn’t stop at rhythm. Fluent in French and conversational in Spanish and German, she uses language as a powerful instrument. In her unreleased track –‘Lost in Translation’,- each line alternates between languages, creating a textured narrative that transcends cultural barriers. In another song, ‘Who’m I Kiddin’?’, French is used to evoke melancholy, juxtaposed against English’s levity. “For those who don’t understand the language, French adds a beautiful, almost poetic sadness,” she notes.

For Elyse, music comes first. Her songwriting begins with melodies that capture a mood, followed by lyrics designed to mirror that emotion. Often inspired by moments of sadness or frustration, she balances her narratives with humour, creating songs that are relatable and dynamic. When words evade her, she structures ideas with syllable counts, ensuring her rhythms flow seamlessly. Voice memos and phone notes serve as her creative vaults, brimming with snippets of inspiration. Each of her songs offers a window into her world:

‘Peanut Butter’ is born from her unabashed love for the spread. Indeed, this playful track might seem metaphorical, but Elyse assures it’s a literal homage. She’s even considered pitching it to peanut butter brands for advertising. ‘Cozy’ is a heartfelt reflection of how someone made her feel, the lyrics weave in her personal favorites, from Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ to the warmth of jasmine tea and winter fires.

Elyse’s musical journey began with piano lessons in childhood, later expanding to guitar and vocal training. High school years saw her dabble in musical theatre and a jazz band. A transformative summer programme at Berklee solidified her path, and now, as a guitar principal, she’s refining her skills while exploring songwriting for film and TV. Her time at Berklee has filled knowledge gaps, from writing lead sheets to crafting intricate harmonies that push beyond the typical four-chord structures.

While her artistry flourishes, she grapples with the demands of social media—an essential yet exhausting tool for modern musicians. “Consistency is key,” she acknowledges, though the balance between promotion and creation remains a challenge. Support from her family anchors her, even as she faces occasional skepticism from friends and navigates the competitive environment of Berklee.

Her passion for live music shines through her performances. Whether solo with her guitar or backed by a band, she cherishes the connection forged with her audience. Farmers’ markets offer her a diverse listener base, while her time in Valencia has birthed a band that enriches her creative process. “Performing with a band brings an energy you just can’t replicate solo,” she says.

Elyse Black aspires to write for other artists while cultivating her solo career. Playing at the Hollywood Bowl is a dream she holds close, alongside ambitions for a world tour. Her recently released self-produced EP showcases her multifaceted talents, from instrumentation to mastering. Upcoming plans include live band recordings of ‘Peanut Butter’ and ‘Halo Effect,’ and possibly a perfect rendition of ‘Cozy.’

Emotional depth is a hallmark of Black’s music. In her song ‘Halo Effect,’ she juxtaposes anger-filled verses with joyous choruses. Vulnerability, she admits, is both her strength and struggle. “The more open I am, the deeper the connection,” she says, though revealing too much can feel daunting.

Elyse Black’s influences are as diverse as her repertoire, spanning SZA, Victoria Monét, Eminem, and Ed Sheeran. A multi-instrumentalist, she’s chosen to focus on guitar at Berklee, seeing it as her weakest link—and therefore her greatest opportunity for growth.

As she continues to build her career, Black’s journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of artistry. With her unique voice and vision, she’s poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world.

Report by Edward Tillman

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

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