INTERVIEW WITH... WISTFUL POP SINGER-SONGWRITER KINGS ELLIOT

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Kings Elliot is not your typical pop singer and songwriter, while many of today's pop artists turn to a bass-heavy, synth-based sound often reminiscent of the 80s and catered to dance floors & clubs. Elliot finds inspiration for her sound and lyrics from Disney (she divulges her favorite below), her small hometown in Switzerland, her struggles with mental health, and music from the 1940s & 1950s. On her new EP, ‘Bored Of The Circus’, the artist creates a palette of wistfully beautiful cinematic stories set against ethereal pop. You can read the interview I did with Elliot below. I asked about her childhood, music influences, songwriting process, and more.

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THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, Kings Elliot! Thanks for taking time out with me and TRB for this interview. My first question is how has your 2022 been so far both creatively and personally?

KINGS ELLIOT: Of course!! Thank you for taking the time!

2022 has truly been my favourite year on this planet so far! I've had the privilege of going on my first ever tour, and that being a stadium tour with Imagine Dragons which was just absolutely mind-blowing. I've released my second EP 'Bored Of The Circus' which I'm so very proud of and I'm about to lock myself in the studio to write and produce new music which I could not be more excited about.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about how you got start in music? Was music and playing music something that was always present in your life? Particularly growing up?

KINGS ELLIOT: I've always sang and I always made up my own songs, ever since I was in pre-school. Now I know I was 'writing' and it just never left me. It's always been my greatest coping tool and it will never not be that for me.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Growing up in a small Swiss town, How do you think growing up in a small town has shaped your artistry? If it has at all?

KINGS ELLIOT: Because I was kind of the only one in my immediate surrounding chasing this pretty unrealistic dream, I had to learn to prove myself and become very headstrong at a very young age. No one ever encouraged me or said it was a good idea. Many (including myself) doubted that I could make it my profession one day.

I think that made me more dedicated than maybe someone who slipped into it more easily. I finished my education in Switzerland, I worked and saved up money, relocated to a different country and I just kept pushing for it.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I’d like to ask you about your latest EP, ‘Bored Of The Circus’ and the overall creative process for the EP? How has your creative process adapted or grown over the years?

KINGS ELLIOT: It's honestly always different. I find that question hard because it's kind of like an ever-flowing process. I write down lyrics and melodies randomly when I feel something. My main collaborator Conway (halfrhymes) and I are in constant contact and exchange thoughts and ideas all the time. When I get into the studio we can then hone in on it all and have fun creating the world around the words and melodies. It's always different and it's my favourite part.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I love the haunting, melodious almost lilting quality your song “Butterfly Pen” has. Can you delve into the backstory of the track and talk a bit more the visuals as well?

KINGS ELLIOT: The lyrics in this song are my favourite lyrics of the whole EP. They describe the state of a world that has turned grey after the hurt I've experienced. In the background you sometimes hear a little birdy sing and thats kevin, a small baby bird I rescued and looked after for a week before handing him to wildlife rehabilitation. I love that he has a place in this song forever. The visuals to the song capture the sadness and helplessness one can feel while in a depressive episode where even leaving the bed is a very difficult thing to do.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Where tackling themes of mental health and mental health in love and relationships in your storytelling something that you naturally gravitated towards? How do you make sure that you maintain a healthy balance between creative endeavors and self-care?

KINGS ELLIOT: It's what I've personally mostly struggled with for a lot of my life, so it was natural for me to process that trauma in the songs I write. Making these songs automatically improves my self-care but I'm definitely still working on a balanced and healthy self-preservation..

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I’ve read that you grew up watching Disney films and that they heavily influence your music. What are some of your favorites or biggest influences?

KINGS ELLIOT: 'Dumbo' is my favourite Disney movie. 'Baby mine' playing in the scene of dumbo's mum cradling dumbo through the metal bars has me in absolute pieces every time. The song is so gorgeous and so sad, and since it was made in the 40s it has that beautiful feel from that era which I love so much. I started listening to more songs from that era and realised quickly that the 40s and 50s are my favourite years of music and it's now where I draw most of my inspiration from.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What has it been like touring with such an established act like Imagine Dragons?

KINGS ELLIOT: It was absolutely mind-blowing. They are out of this world performers, the show is insane and to make it even better they are all so kind and welcoming. I had no idea I would be accepted with such open arms and honestly being given the opportunity to sing in stadium with one of the biggest bands in the world is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I don't expect it to be topped by anything else!

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What fictional character do you think would most identify with the Kings Elliot soundscape and aesthetic?

KINGS ELLIOT: Definitely Dumbo!! He is an outcast, he feels alienated from everyone else and the one person that loved him the most gets taken away from him. He needs some soothing songs and a world to escape to. Makes me cry thinking of it.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to put one of your lyrics onto a message in a bottle, what lyric would you choose and why?

KINGS ELLIOT: 'When I'm breaking apart I won't call it a weakness I'll stumble and fall I don't care if they see it.' - everyone who's struggling and feels ashamed of how their mind works needs to hear that.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s one album you could listen to over and over and from start to finish?

KINGS ELLIOT: Banks - Goddess

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: To end, What’s next on the horizon for you, Kings Elliot?

KINGS ELLIOT: More tours and more music! Once I'm back home from the European tour I am on right now I will lock myself in the studio and I can't wait for that!! I also have something really cool coming out in the next few weeks that I can't announce yet but it's a huge bucket list moment for me!!

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Follow Kings Elliot:

Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Website

Stream Kings Elliot -“Bored Of The Circus”

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HEAR THIS NOW: THE MUSIC SOUNDCHECK EDITION 12

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THIS IS EDITION 12 OF THE 'HEAR THIS NOW' THE MUSIC SOUNDCHECK AT TRB

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Paramore is back, Arctic Monkeys dropped another brilliant song from their forthcoming album, ‘The Car’, and Sam Smith and Kim Petras team up. All these tracks and more lead edition 12 of my ‘Hear This Now’ roundup where we’ve got a bit of everything for everyone. From lilting soft melodic indie-pop to 60s-inspired Alt-Pop, then bombastic hip-hop numbers, and "Unholy” mainstream pop collabs. This is The Music Soundcheck edition 12.

You can listen to all the music mentioned here and much more in this playlist here, The Reclusive Blogger's Mixtape Melodies..

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Paramore - “This Is Why”

After a four year break since After Laughter and Hayley’s “Simmering” solo work (see what I did there). Paramore are back with a new insanely groovy new song and sound taking bits and pieces of influences from everywhere. 60s beat, 70 soul/funk, The Beatles, 90 Indie, and British naughties bands like Bloc Party. A band which Hayley has been quoted as saying was big influence for this new album and era.

Click the

to see ‘This Is Why’ we love Paramore and their groovy new tune!

Antonio Sanchez (feat. Trent Reznor + Atticus Ross ) - “I Think We’re Past That Now”

The newly released music video features otherworldly animation from the Mexican animation company Animatitlan. It’s the perfect accompaniment to such a hard-hitting track and collaboration between the trio.

Stream Antonio’s epic collab with Trent & Atticus at the link

Freddie Gibbs -“Dark Hearted”

Another banger from Freddie Gibbs set against a beautifully laid-out minimalist production from James Blake. It’s all set against a darkly surrealist animated music video.

Explore the offbeat surrealism of ‘Dark Hearted’ by pressing play on the link here

Paige Bea - "4x4"

This track from the London Songwriter and producer is the second offering from her upcoming EP, ‘Goodbye, Then!'. Paige takes us on a euphoric journey of a new relationship (and the obsession that can happen) via the haunting mix of avant-garde electronic pop.

To feel all the feels of a new love, stream 4x4 by listening here

Tommy Newport (Feat. Jazz Cartier) - “Jackpot"

Manchester’s Indie cool kid Tommy Newport teams up with Toronto rapper and Juno Award winner Jazz Cartier on “Jackport”. The duo create what is the ultimate vibe on this groovy, soulful yet gritty track.

To stream ‘Jackpot’ press play here

THE DRIVES - “Not That Bad”

This garage rock foursome weighs out the aftermath of a relationship that never really got started with a punk realness flickering through their pop melodies.

To listen to “Not That Bad” go here

ARCTIC MONKEYS - “BODY PAINT”

The second offering from the bands’ forthcoming album “The Car”. The song oozes 60s influences like the use of orchestral elements and layered melodies and harmonies a la The Beatles. Those nods to past give the track a certain air of nostalgia all while firmly planted in the roots of todays Alternative Rock sound. Plus frontman Alex Turner vocals have never sounded this strong.

To see if there’s still a trace of “Body Paint” go here

JONAH YANO - "leslianne"

If there was ever a song that could be called short and sweet (it’s under 2 minutes). This is the perfect song. The track which is the second helping from Yano’s forthcoming sophomore album ‘Portrait of a Dog’ finds the artist gracefully musing over a girl finding her way home. Along the way Yano fuses his voice with his piano work and it’s exquisite.

Find your way home to “leslianne” here

Pre-order ‘Portrait of a Dog’ here

SAM SMITH + Kim PETRAS - “UNHOLY”

Pop balladeer Sam Smith does a complete 360 and changes up his sound in his new collab with eclectic pop singer Kim Petras. In the racy music video for the new track, appearances aren’t always as they seem and things quickly get… well “Unholy”.

Get “Unholy” with Sam and Kim here

THE BAD PLUS - “SELF-TITLED”

Then there’s the visionary Jazz group The Bad Plus. A group redefining the sonics of Jazz through their unique skill set and pedigrees. On the bands’ latest release and first as a quartet the redefine what Jazz can be through dynamic musical language, refreshing soundscapes, and ultimately the drive and passion to go beyond what Jazz is, but to what it can be.

Stream their self-titled album here

MEET ME @ THE ALTAR - “SAY IT (TO MY FACE)”

The WOC pop-punk trio returns with the first offering from the bands’ forthcoming debut album. A spunky diss track to all the haters from the group who has come to have a love/hate relationship with the internet these days. From the gang vocals in the chorus, fast riffs, loud guitars, hard hitting drums, and huge hooks. These girls are ready for the limelight and representation in pop-punk is sorely needed.

Stream the song here, watch the music video

PRECIOUS PEPALA - “LOOKING FOR TROUBLE”

Rising English act Precious Pepala is already making waves with her impressive voice and storytelling. At only 17 her latest single “Looking For Trouble” tackles a tale as old as time, but with a refreshing honesty, Millennial/Gen Z relatability, and a soulful pop vocal delivery beyond her years. Precious is certainly one to watch.

Stream the song here, watch the music video here

Madison Cunningham - “Revealer”

Revealer is the new album by artist, singer, and songwriter Madison Cunningham. While her sound may feel familiar with its heavy notes of nostalgia plucked throughout. Her vocals, lyrical delivery and choice in words and wordplay is all fresh, she’s throws in her many influences from Jazz, Pop, and even Alternative Rock. Her Folk-Americana sound is uniquely her as she often touches upon the anxieties of her generation, the hopes, the fears, the highs and lows. Which is what I asked her about when I got the chance during a small presser last month. What has been the most rewarding experience for her so far? Despite Grammy noms, doing a NPR Tiny Desk Concert, and performing on late night shows. Cunningham said opening up for Harry Styles was it. She was in awe of how gracious his fans were even taking the time to learn her songs. Although, I have a feeling some were already fans.

To stream “Revealer” go here

Duncan Lawrence - “Electric Life”

While the “Arcade” singer new single subject matter is quite heavy. It’s song about loved ones who have passed on and the transformation of deep sorrow to hope about it. Duncan masks the sorrowful nature of the song in dynamic, warm, 70s-inspired sonics. The artist creating what is ultimately a bombastic tune.

You watch the music video which he directed himself here.

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BASTILLE RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES WITH THE ULTIMATE FUTURISTIC DANCE PARTY

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Last Friday Brit Pop genre-blurring kings Bastille made their return to Los Angeles with the Give Me The Future tour.

It's not often you find a band quite like Bastille. First off, It was the purest form of a Bedroom Pop project started by frontman Dan Smith. Now they're four albums in with over 11 million records sold and over 1.5 billion streams. The band explores new territory not only with the Give Me The Future album, but the tour as well. It's a modern treatise on A.I., technology, social media, modern anxieties, connection in its many forms, and the human condition. It's all told through the lens of a futuristic dreamscape with limitless possibilities. Now after over two years of dealing with loss, change, and bittersweet moments of joy and learning how to connect and live in this new and different world of ours. Bastille is back on tour, returning to a joyous crowd eagerly awaiting them since their last gig at The Greek Theatre.

The band took the stage at a new venue, the YouTube Theater in Inglewood. Although expectations were high, Bastille rose to the challenge exceedingly well as did the opener. Opener Alice Merton was well-suited musically for the opening spot. Merton's spirited Indie-Esque Dance Pop tunes quickly got the crowd on their feet and dancing. Her eight-song set flew by and included newer tracks like "Same Team" and "Vertigo" both digging into her Alt-Rock roots. Pop numbers from Merton's 2019 debut Mint, like "Lash Out" and "No Roots" all sounded big and amazing live, with the latter song crafted for the perfect anthemic closer.

As Bastille threw themselves full-throttle into the show, making sure everyone who attended left happy. Whether you knew all of their songs or only one. Whether you were along the barricade, or way up at the top. Bastille gigs have always been a safe haven. A place to have fun, and let go of any worries you may have for the time being. There were clear-cut fan favorites like the hits like "Happier" when Dan jumps into the crowd to jump and dance with everyone.

Bastille perfectly captured the futuristic fever of the Give Me The Future album in the live show, turning it up many notches on the production and sound. For fans and music lovers alike, the electrifying setup packed a punch in the rather intimate setup at the venue. The theater also had a unique floor and three-level setup providing fantastic indoor acoustics. The band itself (and in L.A. the lovely vocalist Senab) are now all front and center all in one line. The grandest giant pill-shaped 4K screen shows various vignettes and images for each song. Performing a twenty-song set with a two-song encore, the band feverishly welcomed the crowd into Future Inc. A futuristic dreamscape of sound and vision is divided into seven segments. Opening up with the funk disco-inspired "Stay Awake?" a track that's a nod to Dance and DJ music icons Daft Punk. It's the perfect way to open up the gig, a concert that was the ultimate escape and dance party. "Stay Awake" was the perfect segue into GMTF's lead single, "Distorted Light Beam". It is one of many songs on the new album co-written with Pop hitmaker and One Republic frontman Ryan Tedder.

"Flaws" is now gorgeously stripped back. While the ultimate sing-along "Things We Lost In The Fire" remains a staple at shows. Highlights from Doom Days include the groove-laden "Those Nights" and the racing "Quarter Past Midnight". "WHAT YOU GONNA DO?" of the Goosebumps EP is Bastille's most straightforward take on a rock song. It's also an absolute banger of a jam live, with frontman Dan Smith switching up the piano for the guitar. Dystopian dance-pop punctuates most of the night and rightly so. It is Bastille after all. It was apt that GMTF's moody title track, the spacey "Plug In", and the neon-drenched haze of "Back to the Future". All helped to keep the crowd on their feet that night.

The few quieter moments gave the show proper pacing and the band a chance to catch a breath or two. An unreleased track titled "Hope For The Future" was exquisite in a way that I haven't heard from Bastille. Ultimately highlighting how much growth and harmony the band has developed over the years. The band ended the night with "Shut Out The Lights" and, a bit of audience participation in the song's chorus. It's a song about being in the moment and shutting out the world with the one (or ones) you love. So far, "Shut Out The Lights" is a fitting successor to "Pompeii" in terms of energy and crowd response. Bastille remains the only band with each gig that easily transports me to another place (see what I did there?) and brings out the inner dancer in me. They've only up the ante with this new era and the multitudes of weirdness, creativity, and talent behind it all.

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BASTILLE | SOCIALS:

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | WEBSITE

STREAM GIVE ME THE FUTURE OUT NOW EVERYWHERE

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Check all the photos I took from last Friday's gig below!

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