Singer songwriter Elina Filice has released her new single, These Days. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Now based in Toronto, the BIMM Dublin graduate has spent years as an artist, marketer and business owner in Dublin, Dubai and Berlin and is the founder of music marketing startup Drop Rocket, which helps independent artists to release music better through innovative project management software.
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Speaking about These Days, she says, "In a long distance relationship, the future is all you have. So the song is about the necessity of believing the future will be better. The present is filled with loneliness and pain.
"You grasp on to every small moment and hold it close to you, to get through the times apart. There's a constant feeling of running out of time. You really have to believe that at some point, you’ll have all the time in the world."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I come from a musical family and played the tuba for a decade. I love nature and have been on some really epic hikes (ask me about my bear encounter). I'm passionate about independent music and am the founder of Drop Rocket, project management software that helps independent artists release new music.
How would you describe your music?
I'd describe my music as heartfelt, nostalgic, and emotional. It's soulful and melodic with strong storytelling elements. I definitely have a hard time committing to a genre. If you listen to my discography, you'll hear everything from folk to rap to rock to house. Though varied in style, I think my music always sounds like "me".
Who are your musical inspirations?
My dad is a big musical inspiration of mine. He's an incredible musician and can make anything with strings absolutely sing. He's been really supportive of my music journey, playing on and producing several of my tracks. I'm inspired by how he's kept music central to his life, across countries and decades.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first ever concert was Avril Lavigne! I can still remember it; she was and remains one of my heroes. I loved her no bullshit attitude and authenticity of self. From humble beginnings to a stadium in Singapore (where I saw her!). I loved her music and message; she inspired a whole generation of young girls that their voice mattered and could be rock stars too.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think it was Songs About Jane by Maroon 5. They say the music you listened to as a teen sticks in your brain forever, and that's definitely the case with this album! It still scratches a part of my brain - I remember listening to it end to end on repeat in my youth. No skips.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I've been really into the new Sheepdogs album. I don't think they can write a bad song. Unlike my own music, they have such a quintessential sound that they've perfected over the years. If you hear it, you know it's them. Keeping rock and roll alive.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Impossible to choose! But If I had to, lyrics from this legendary song from another hero of mine, Joni Mitchell. I love her imagery, her figuratism, and the way she effortlessly blends everyday vignettes with philosophical, universal truths in the very same line: "Tears and fears and feeling proud, To say, I love you, right out loud, Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Another hard one! But if I had to choose a soundtrack to forever, it would probably be something by Chet Baker. I think his timeless and magical tone could accompany a lot of different moments.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find my music wherever you listen to or buy music under Elina Filice, as well as my own website, elinafilice.com. Follow me on Instagram (@elinafilice). to keep up to date on shows and releases!
Alan Corr
