At just 20, Elaine has already garnered many fans through her music and girl-next-door approach to life. The Pretoria-based, second year law student shares her journey and success tips
Tell us about your childhood in Pretoria, what were the highlights of your upbringing and the influences that made you consider music as a career?
My childhood in Pretoria was bliss. It was exactly how it was meant to be, and I wouldn’t change a thing if I could. My highlights were definitely being proactive in everything that I did. I was the child that participated in almost everything – choir, athletics, swimming and drama. I was also part of the Top Ten academic Achievers in my grade, which made me even more hungry to participate and do better. I’ve been in love with music since I was 6 years old. I loved music before I even knew I could sing. Its a passion I was born with. The choir was my first real exposure to music, I am obsessed with choral music, and that inspired me even more.
Share with us what made you decide to record your EP, and what inspired the songs that you wrote?
My love for music. I always knew I was going to make music sooner or later and when I got to varsity, I pursued that dream. It’s something I’ve worked towards since I was 6. Practicing everyday, teaching myself how to write songs and watching endless videos of artists singing. Each moment was in preparation of that moment. I wrote every song as a reflection and representation of what I believe love is and how it should feel. It was about putting the different elements of love together – the good, the bad.
Which artists do you look up to and would like to work with and why?
I look up to a lot of artists. Namely Beyonce, Lebo Mathosa, Brenda Fassie, Lauryn Hill and Whitney Houston. These are black women who all contributed to the music industry in so many ways, and whose impact is still present till this day. I have a lot of respect and love for them. I would definitely love to work with Drake, Beyonce, Wizkid, Pharell and Metro Booming, just to name a few. I think that their craft, versatility and work ethic is beyond amazing.
Did you anticipate your EP to reach this level of success? How does it feel?
I didn’t expect it to blow up the way it did. I always knew that my time was coming – I just never knew when. And it truly caught me by surprise because I didn’t expect it to be so soon. It feels amazing, I thank God everyday.
Who do you have in mind and want to resonate with the music that you write?
When I write songs, I never have anything specific in mind. I write from my heart, and everything I write is as honest and sincere as it can be. I want my music to be pure, and I achieve that by writing from my purest place.
What have been the highlights of your music career thus far?
Making a difference. Being the first independent female artist in South Africa to reach number one on the Apple music charts. Paving the way for the black women after me. Leaving a legacy with a genre that is not considered as prominent as others in South Africa.
What sets you apart as an artist and what would you like to be remembered for?
I am my only competition. Everything I do, is to outdo the last thing that I did. And only growth can come from that. I do not believe in failure, everything I touch will turn into gold, and with that mindset and drive – I am unstoppable. I’d like to be remembered for being a good person. A loving person.
How do you define success and do you think you have reached it?
Success is a state of mind, it is not measured by what you have or haven’t achieved. Instead, its about how you behave and carry yourself when you’re in either position. Indeed I will. Education and music mean a lot to me, and I intend on pursuing both.
You are studying law, will you juggle both music and law one day? Or what are your future plans?
Indeed I will. Education and music mean a lot to me, and I intend on pursuing both.
Which music events and festivals would you like to be part of and why?
Coachella, Lovers and Friends, Essence Fest, Glastonbury Fest – The list is endless! I believe that more women need to fill up lineups, and I would like to be one of them. Taking up space! 11.Share with us plans you have for the rest of the year? I am very secretive when it comes to my future plans, haha. Its a surprise. All I can say is, the best is yet to come. 12.What are your success tips to young people? You are capable and you are worthy. Your only limit and competition is yourself. Invest in yourself.
Tune into her single, Element
Follow her on: Instagram
