Eli Dan Still Frames Interview

In 2021 Eli Dan released, Just Another Love Song to wide acclaim, with adds on ABC National Stingray, In Store Playlist Coles Radio, In Store DAB and KIIS – Feature.

That track followed the huge success of her debut single, Treading Water, a finalist in the 2019 International Song Competition, and expanded on an ever-growing listener base. Still Frames is an intimate musical portrait of self-discovery and self-reflection, utilising a streamlined backdrop to highlight a poignant narrative and Eli Dan's extraordinary vocal performance. As Eli says about the new release, 'Although it was written during a time of grieving, it is a song that celebrates the memories of the ones we have lost. The song looks back on the moments that may have once been taken for granted and honours the blessings that came about from having such amazing people go before us and shape us into who we are today.' Co-written with Danny Hacket and arranged, produced, mixed, and mastered by Elisha Apurado, Still Frames is an across-the-board contemporary pop ballad that harnesses a refined melodic sensibility that reveals not only notable songwriting finesse but a performance that bridges the gap between raw emotion and disarming sophistication. Still Frames will connect with a broad audience and surpass Eli Dan's previous achievements.

Question: How would you describe your music?

Eli Dan: It's definitely pop music at heart, but in terms of content and lyrics, the music definitely leans towards the more hard-hitting aspects of life. Lyrically, Danny and I always try to explore lyrics that are honest especially in terms of acknowledging the more painful matters of the heart.


Question: Can you tell us about Still Frames?

Eli Dan: Still Frames was written during a time of grief. For me personally (Elisha), I had just lost someone very important to me and right in the thick of it, I had a bit of a revelation that grief doesn't need to be sad. It can celebrate those we have lost and gratefully acknowledge the contributions they have made to our lives but just being who they were. In a way, Still Frames is a nostalgic look back at those moments that we forgot to treasure at the time, but it's not looking back with regret, it's looking back in fondness.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Eli Dan: I'd say if anything, I'd like the listeners see that it's ok to feel and that we all feel life differently and that maybe in some way they can relate to some of the lyrics and experiences we've had that we put into our songs.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Eli Dan: I'm (Elisha) quite an anxious person so performing always has it's ups and downs for me. I'm also a perfectionist and there are so many unpredictable elements when it comes to performing. That being said, nothing compares to that high you get when people are appreciating your art especially after you've put so much into it. Recording on the other hand is like painting, where every colour you add to your song can either make it or ruin it. The good thing about recording though is that you can do it again and again until you're happy with what you've created. They both have their pro's and con's but it can be like comparing apples and oranges.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Eli Dan: I haven't really performed many of my original songs live but of the ones I have, I'd say Treading Water is always a crowd favourite and generally gets a good reaction. There is one song though that we've yet to release that I love to perform because it means so much to me and every time I sing it, whether it's on a stage or all alone in my room rehearsing, I'm almost in tears.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Eli Dan: Everyday life. I'd have moments where I'd hear something or have a thought whilst at the supermarket and I'd just think to myself, oohh that's clever, or that's a different way of expressing that emotion or feeling. Sometimes it's a melody or a series of lyrics that just come to me and I'd just jot it down.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Eli Dan: I'm currently listening to HAIM


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Eli Dan: Well, if you're asking about my inspiration to pursue music as a career, I'd have to say it's Danny, my co-writer. He's the one that really believed in me at the beginning that we could make something of the music we were writing. I mean my family always believed in me and appreciated me as a musician but Danny was really the one who convinced me that my skills as a musician could be converted a career. I definitely would not have pursued being an artist if he didn't believe in me.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Eli Dan: That's such a tough question. John Mayer for sure, Sara Bareilles, Julia Michaels. I'd love to write a musical with Lin Manuel Miranda or write a score with John Williams. Gosh, tough question!


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Eli Dan: Every damn day!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Eli Dan: There's this line in a song by Maren Morris and JP Saxe where it says 'there are things that I sing that I'd never have the confidence to say.' I think my most favourite part of being an artist is having an outlet to say the things I'd sometimes never say out loud.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Eli Dan: Well, I have a day job so that's what it typically looks like. As an independent artist, evenings involve rehearsals, writing e-mails, working on music for next releases, working on the marketing and promo for them which includes music videos. I guess when you're an independent artist, you're the artist, producer, sound engineer, graphic designer, social media manager, public relations etc.


Question: What's next, for you?

Eli Dan: Well, we're hoping to release songs more consistently in 2022 and hopefully build up to an EP. We began releasing music in 2019 and since then we've only released 3 songs so definitely trying to step up on getting music out there.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Eli Dan: Website 
Instagram 
Facebook 
YouTube 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort