Q: I love your voice and how intuitive you are with melodies. When did
you first start singing?
ELISHÉVA: I started singing in high school! The only elective and graduation requirement that fit into my schedule was choir, so I was accidentally forced to sing hahahha. I didn’t take it seriously until my senior year, though. I started taking voice lessons that fall when I realized I wanted to make music for the rest of my life.
Q: What inspired you to pursue music more seriously?
ELISHÉVA: My entire family works in the medical field, and for the longest time I truly believed I wanted to follow and also become a doctor. Right before starting my college applications I saw this broadway musical that absolutely changed my life. The song was “Dust and Ashes” from Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. The character talks about realizing that everything he thought mattered really didn’t in the end. He wishes he’d realized it before, but now it’s too late to pursue all the things he really loves. He regrets wasting time, love, passion, and prioritizing all of the wrong things. It’s really funny and kinda amazing to know the exact moment your life changed. The message and performance moved me so much, walking out of that theater I knew I had to do everything I could do to move people in that way.
Q: How did you come up with “Undercover”? What’s the story behind it?
ELISHÉVA: I wrote Undercover 2 years ago from the perspective of someone that’s stuck in the friendzone and planning their escape. I wanted to make it super mysterious and sexy with some real 007 vibes.
Q: How has your experience collaborating with other musicians?
ELISHÉVA: I absolutely love collaborating with other artists and musicians. I really enjoy communicating what I want for my music to the musicians I play with, they’re all so incredible they totally get what I want which makes the process so easy and enjoyable.
Q: What are some influences?
ELISHÉVA: My biggest musical influences are definitely Billie Eilish and Finneas. The production, songwriting, vocals…all so inspiring.
Q: Anything exciting for us to look forward to?
ELISHÉVA: There is so much music coming!! “Bring Me Back” and “Undercover” are just the beginning;) Next single is right around the corner.
Interviewed by Katrina Yang
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