An Interview with Elyse Aeryn
- BuzzSlayers
- Mar 3
- 5 min read
The latest album release from Elyse Aeryn delivers a whole lot of personality across the span of 10 impressive songs that showcase a little bit of a different side to that personality, along with her artistry.
The album showcases a lot of depth in terms of having plenty to say, giving the listener a lot to chew on. This is an artist who is not afraid to give pieces of herself in her music, and I found that quite refreshing.
The songs all have a pretty great rock backbone. There's a lot of amazing guitar work, anthemic undertone, and this sort of open, freeing spirit that is very infectious and happens almost right from the start of the record.
The album also displays a bit of southern undertone, bordering on Americana rock at times, which gave it some flavor to go with the bountiful vocal approach and soul that just oozes out of these songs naturally.
The Everybody Loves You... record starts with "Unstoppable," which definitely serves as a great door opener to the rest of the album because you're getting some of the full-bodied Staples that the full record will display.
It's a big song, and it does have some sonic drive behind it, but it also has a warmth. A lot of that warmth doesn't just come from the tones of the instruments, but also from her vocal approach and lyrics.
These songs are almost like diary entries. I wouldn't say it's exactly like a concept album, per se, but you don't want to skip around.
This is most certainly an album you want to listen to all the way through, from start to finish.
This is the way you get the full experience. This is the way you get the full story.
That first track does introduce the record well, giving you loads of character right from the start, and that certainly doesn't end there.
"Cry" gives off a classic, doo-wop style old school '50s blues rock approach that was really quite addictive and beautifully lush with organs, guitars, and this classic bop that goes along with it.
This track worked amazingly with her vocals because she naturally has that big, boisterous, soulful approach, and having that classic, semi-vintage feel in the songwriting style worked amazingly.
"Rock Me Up" is an absolute banger and hits hard right from the very start, giving you this sort of classic hard rock powerhouse appeal.
You definitely feel the energy and attitude on this one, and she displays that perfectly.
You can't get around those vocals. Even when the guitar is outstanding, the vocals really just take the cake. This is because they're powerful. She's got a big voice and a unique tone, which is inviting, even when she's being edgy.
She certainly isn't afraid to give off that attitude what she wants to and I adored that.
Now, a lot of this record is not without its pop sensibility, including "Your Saturday Night", which comes through with some clean and acoustic guitar work underlying the heavy rock guitars. The acoustics give you the progression, while the rocking guitar sort of gives you these open chords over them, still performing the same progression but giving it a little bit more depth. The way they layer this record is absolutely incredible.
This track feels sort of poppy. It's got a kind of brightness to it that is very addictive, and it shows a bit more color than some of the others.
You can definitely tell that she branches off into different directions throughout the record, but it's still very consistent throughout.
Tracks like "27 Club" also give a great rock appeal, but still have that southern and sort of warm underbelly, along with a lot of personal attributes.
This is definitely an album with a lot to say, and she's very unafraid, semi-vulnerable when she wants to be, and is a great storyteller.
These songs can be very detailed in terms of their stories, and sometimes she can be descriptive even when coming from a very personal place, so they can also connect with you in different ways.
I would consider this whole thing to be a sort of soulful blues and rock record with those hints of country in Americana strewn about in different places. This is for people who love rock music that has soul and power.
It's for people who want songs that they can relate to and that feel big and anthemic.
After listening to the record, we realized we wanted to have a sit-down with Elyse to find out exactly where a lot of this came from and what might be coming up next for her.
So, while you listen to this record, check out our interview with the artist below, and don't forget where you heard it first.
Q) Let's talk about "Everybody Loves You"! This record had tons of soul and also some edginess at times! Great combination! Where did this record come from?
A) Edgy-soul sounds like an excellent description of my genre! This album was born from the romanticization of death, which is ultimately a burning desire to be fully alive. It’s inspired by rock, country, and R&B – energy, honesty, and grooves that make you move!
Q) I am hearing some different styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
A) I have a wide range of musical influences, and I think you can hear a little of all of them in these songs: classic female rockers like Stevie Nicks and Heart, 90s singer-songwriters Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow, country rockers Chris Stapleton and Marcus King, and modern but timeless contemporary artists like Maggie Rogers, Amy Winehouse and Teddy Swims.
Q) Looks like you have some live performances set up already! Can you give me some info on those shows?
A) I’ve got a sold-out hometown album release show at the end of February. It’s the biggest show I’ve put together in my career and will be an extra special first show back after my 6-month recovery! March is an intimate acoustic show, and I look forward to telling stories and performing as a duo with my partner again. I have some more exciting events on the horizon that I can’t announce just yet, so keep an eye on my show listings!
Q) How did this all start for you as an artist?
A) It really started with a decision to pick up my guitar daily, simply for the love of it. That love grew into weekly YouTube videos, open mic nights, recording and releasing my first single, then eventually quitting my job as a chemical engineer and moving back to the East Coast to pursue music as a career.
Q) Who's in your headphones right now?
A) On repeat: Ella Langley and WILSN. Two modern, timeless artists keeping the good stuff alive!
Q) Did you record this at a big studio?
A) I would say it’s considered big in our neck of the woods, but mostly it’s got big magic! - top-notch equipment and an incredibly skilled engineer/producer!
Q) What would you tell people they can expect on this release?
A) Expect an energetic roots-rock album with a pop-sensibility. It's my most honest, sometimes unedited songwriting with my whole range of emotions and vocal range. As usual with me, also expect lots of guitar, catchy hooks, and a timeless essence. You can put this record on while you’re having drinks with friends, driving in your car, or getting ready for a night out, and it will fit the moment!
Q) Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?
A) I would love for fans to know that they played a huge role in what this album means to me now. A big part of the creative process was questioning purpose, impact, and meaning. When this album was postponed after my September motorcycle crash, the outreach from fans showed me that my music has been connecting in ways I never knew. That connection has always been the ultimate goal!
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