A new EP release from Elijah Daun touches on a colorful and vibrant spread of smooth R&B, Hip Hop, and a bright pop soundscape and is able to roll them all together to create something that's got its own atmosphere.
The Mr Universe EP is something that is done with a lot of heart which is clearly having throughout all the songs but it also delivers such a lively character that it becomes quickly infectious.
You get some great conscious hip hop along with so much more that it makes this one EP spend such a wide spectrum of creativity and songwriting that it's something that you should listen to more than once as a whole.
The record Blends old-school and new-school Styles together and does an outstanding job of keeping you captivated and listening to it the entire time.
This release also presents such an outstanding combination of a youthful delivery but a mature songwriting approach which makes for something a little bit unique and quite special.
The course is in hooks across the record or the kind that bounced around in your brain for hours after the song has ended and the only way to satiate that is to go back and listen again.
So, that's what I would call some pretty damn smart songwriting.
You can really feel these grooves in your bones as well as there are elements of funk embedded in a lot of this along with an inventive display of pop that melt into this flowing hip-hop vibe.
You get the sense that Elijah is someone that has a true love for his craft and that attribute is part of what makes this so impactful and so addicting.
You can tell he loves what he's doing and puts everything into it.
There's plenty of attention to detail across the record but it never loses that soul that it begins with which is really an important aspect.
It's kind of cool because the EP is six songs in length but it feels a bit bigger than that because it goes through so much within that span.
This definitely is something that takes you into his world for a little bit and you can tell that the songs were written for a purpose which also gives them part of their alive and breathing feel.
This was a really fun songwriting approach and there's something that lets the whole thing shine in a very particular way.
With the release of such a well-woven EP we wanted to have a sit-down with Elijah to find out where all of this actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the Mr. Universe EP! This record had well balanced grooves and a classic funk and disco undertone! Where did this EP come from?
When I first came up with the idea I was inspired by the show Steven Universe, a cartoon about alien gems come to protect Earth along with their half gem-half human boy, Steven. There’s a lot of music in it and it focuses a lot on love and bond between to people. So I decided to make an album about that revolving around a character named Mr. Universe. But I got into a toxic relationship which eventually ended. So I made a prologue to the album and that’s the EP! Basically, how he became so lonely and in the search for love. The vibes came from my love of dance. I’m not a professional dancer by any means but I love dancing and music that makes you dance. And I feel a lot of that comes from music from the 70s and 80s. So that’s mostly what I was listening to during my process.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
I fell in love with music at a very young age. My mother has been a praise and worship leader at my father’s church for as long as I can remember. So music has always been apart of my life. I eventually started writing my own music when I turned 13. I wrote music over other artist’s beats for a while and then when I turned 17 I finally put out my first mixtape on SoundCloud, Airwaves, and I’ve been putting out music ever since.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire other songs for you?
Just about anything can inspire songs for me. From TV and video games to a phrase someone said. I’m constantly finding new inspiration every day.
Buzz Slayers: This EP has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Just about anything can inspire songs for me. From TV and video games to a phrase someone said. I’m constantly finding new inspiration every day.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
When I’m not working on music I am watching anime, cooking, hanging out with friends, learning to skateboard, or playing with my dog.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
My music taste is pretty eclectic. Right now I’ve been listening to Fall Out Boy’s new album as well as some Earth Wind and Fire and Justin Timberlake.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I just did a performance over Memorial Day weekend, but I have another one scheduled in Indianapolis on August 31st at the Healer. If you’re in the area come on out!
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
This is actually the first project that I worked in an actual studio. Since the beginning I’ve been recording myself or going to a friend’s house to record so this was a big jump for me and I’m very happy with how it turned out.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
So, this EP is actually a prologue to an upcoming album. So be on the lookout for more adventures from Mr. Universe!
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
To all the fans, thank you so much for listening and being a part of my world. It really means the world to me having all of your love and support. Great things are coming for all of us soon!