In this interview, we chat with Elderbrook ahead of his upcoming album 'Another Touch', dropping on October 25th. He opens up about how his music-making process has evolved, the impact of collaborations, and the emotional depth behind his latest work.
You’ve collaborated with several artists and producers. How do collaborations impact your music-making process?
When I started making music I would be working entirely by myself. It would take weeks just to finish one song. It worked for me at the time but what collaborating has taught me most is the value of working quickly. When you work with someone you might only have a day. Quick ideas are often just as valuable as any other idea.
Do you have any favourite experiences from these?
Working with TEED has been up there for me. He was one of the first electronic music artists I ever listened to, so working with him was important to me. Turns out he’s actually super talented as well so learnt a lot from working with him. We ended up with some of my favourite songs from my past albums; Bird Song and Why Do We Shake In the Cold.
Your live performances are highly praised for their energy and emotional connection with the audience. How do you prepare for live shows, and what’s the experience like for you on stage?
I spend a lot of time curating the show. Going through my catalogue and putting it together like a puzzle. The experience onstage for me is almost like an out-of-body experience. I can be feeling any way and the moment I get onstage I forget everything and am entirely in that moment. It’s an amazing feeling.
Any pre-show rituals or traditions?
I do my boring warm-ups and then have some not-so-boring tequila and hype myself up by listening to songs I loved when I was a teenager; stuff like Kings of Leon and the Strokes.
Your release ‘Another Touch’ is coming out on the 25th of October… What was the writing process for it like?
I’ve been touring a lot in the last however many years so it can be difficult to find the time to write. This was the first time since I started touring that I actually took the time and carved out space to get really into the writing process again. I was able to do this during the pandemic but it felt so good to get properly engrossed in the writing stages again.
Your music often explores deep emotional themes. What emotional space were you in while creating Another Touch?
The album follows the story of a character who loses their way. A lot of the album is about overindulgence and addiction and getting lost in yourself/away from yourself. I think everyone’s had their own experiences with this stuff and that’s what I was exploring while writing the album.
How did the creative process for Another Touch differ from your previous projects, like Why Do We Shake in the Cold?
I had the time to really get into what the album is about. That’s why I was able to make a more conceptual album. An album that follows more of a story.
Do you have a favourite track on the album, or one that was particularly challenging or rewarding to create?
One that really stands out for me is “Ain’t losing you” which is a collaboration with Nimino. The lyrics are important to me. These are some of the most honest lyrics I’ve written so far. I’ve been playing this one out live and people have been really loving it which is great for something until now was unreleased.
What were the biggest lessons you learned while making this LP, either creatively or personally?
What I’ve taken away most from this album process is that I need to carve out real-time to get into writing. It might sound like a cliche but, creatively, I’ve learned that trusting your gut is the most important thing.
Pre-order his new album 'Another Touch' here.
