One artist sure to build a bed of dreamy melodies is Elujay, and his latest album Circmvnt has no trouble proving that sentiment. Since making his debut at New York’s fashion week, in which he scored the music for the TOMBOGO show as well as modelling in it, the artist has curated an 11-track long playlist of ultimate zen — solidifying the artist as a multi-faceted talent by his own standards. “Luvaroq” was met with immediate acclaim climbing top ten playlists across Spotify and Apple Music. The single, which is immersed in smooth head-bopping beats from the start, comes complete with a laid-back music video. Elujay sings along to the lyrics with his velvety vocals in a laundrette — and while the machines and fans continue to turn, him and his friends are completely still and frozen in the moment. Similarly, the dreamlike synthesizers in “Luvraroq” coaxes its listeners into a trance. The effects of the single ring true of Circmvnt’s entire effort, it is at once a danceable, meditative soundtrack to become lost within. Filled with pop-leaning beats with a reggae tinge, the songs solidify Elujay as a masterful soundscape crafter.
When speaking of the album title, Elujay shared that, “It’s about finding alternative routes to an ever transitioning/deteriorating world; striving to find peace and solace and new techniques to approaching life.”
With the debut of Circmvnt already garnering widespread anticipation, we spoke with Elujay about his inspirations, and the journey he undertook to get to know himself.
Scroll below to watch the music video and to read the full interview…
Hey Elujay, how are you? How was your festive break?
My festive break was great. I ate a lot of food, walked a lot of miles, and watched a lot of good movies. It was great, I had a good time, most definitely.
What was one thing you learned about yourself from 2021?
That it takes a village to get certain things done. You can’t do it all by yourself. You can’t be forgiven if you’re not ready to forgive. That last lesson is especially important to me.
The pandemic affected everyone, do you think it affected you creatively in any way?
Yeah it completely altered the way that I approach music. I used to really hate remote sessions, but now I’d rather do them than in person sessions. I think the key for creativity is being comfortable in your own space, for me. In order to get optimal results for the song that I’m making, it’s important that I’m comfortable.
How did you first get into music, what sparked the interest?
I stated making beats in middle school, honestly back then we used to compete to see who was making the best music. I was already in the school band, and played different instruments but that is when I started making beats. So it kind of started from a competitive standpoint, but I’m not competitive anymore. Now, the only person I’m competing against is myself.
And then you made your debut at NYFW, what was this experience like?
It was a crazy experience for me. I always loved fashion, but being in the show and scoring it made me appreciate fashion in a more intricate way. I had to make music that was based on the pieces, and the energy that certain things were giving and the entire vibe of the show. Highly recommend if you’re a producer/musician, if you get the opportunity to do something like that.
Now you’re about to drop your debut album, what was your mindset going into the project?
I was excited to explore new sounds and new parts of myself. I wanted to learn and listen more than I should be talking, bee in rooms with people and being around people that are better than me. Have people game me up on stuff, so really excited to take the student approach.
Have you felt a pressure surrounding this release at all?
I think artists naturally feel pressure around a release. I really don’t feel pressure like that, though. We are just releasing a new album and its great music, and it’s not anything to be pressured by.
What do you want people to take away from your sound?
I made it, and I adjusted the sound to where people can play it front to back. I wanted it to be a vibe. To me the songs are hits, but in a more low-key way. I want people to feel good, and I want people to feel like they’re spoken to.
Who would you cite as your inspirations?
Shit, I got a lot of inspirations. I’m inspired by all kinds of artists. Recently, I’ve been inspired by Davide Sorrenti, a photographer who passed in 1997. Really inspired by Solange, I think she’s a creative powerhouse. I’m inspired by Tom York and Radiohead, I think what he does is amazing. I’m inspired by Dean Blunt, who’s one of my favorite artists. He produced that one song on the ASAP Rocky album with Frank Ocean and Lauryn Hill… some real GOAT shit.
What else do you have in store for us in 2022?
Keep the momentum going! Got shows, some more visuals, and overall, more art on the way. I’m hoping to dive deeper into the web3 space and may have an NFT in the works soon. I’m trying to hone on my visual art skills and have that coincide with my music making skills.
