Elohim: the power of panic [Interview]

“I want the music I make to be interpreted and ingested in whichever way makes the most sense for the listener at that exact moment,” says Elohim of her new album.

Channelling her struggles with panic attacks, anxiety and other aspects of her mental health and turning it into art, Elohim doesn’t shy away from expressing these things within her music. These are the themes she has also put at the forefront of her new musical era, starting with singles ‘Tiny Human, ‘Can’t Remember Your Name‘ and ‘Didn’t Sign Up For This.’ Now, these singles have culminated in what is Elohim at her finest, with her most personal project to date: ‘Power Of Panic‘.

The full-length album showcases Elohim’s abilities to not only provide a beautifully unique listening experience for her fans, but also take them on a journey into a whole new world. For Elohim, the album is also a cathartic way of self expression. Aiming to shift perspectives and show fans that they’re not alone, this is ‘Power Of Panic’. To go more in depth with the woman herself, we spoke to Elohim all about the album, influences, creative experiences and much more.

Congratulations on the release of your album ‘Power Of Panic’. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the name, and what led to calling it that?

“Thank You! It is no secret I have been very open (maybe too open) about my struggles with panic attacks, severe anxiety, depersonalization etc. But it is really interesting as I’ve been on this journey and met hundreds of other people who similarly struggle, I’ve realized there is this beautiful depth in those humans. A depth I don’t see/feel in most. So this idea of wow maybe all of us who struggle in a deep way have this superpower? Almost like we know too much. So I tried to shift my perspective instead of why me to there is a reason why it is me.”

With ‘Power Of Panic’, is there a message you’d like to be sending to fans, or a particular journey you want them to go on when they listen?

“I want the music I make to be interpreted and ingested in whichever way makes the most sense for the listener at that exact moment. I want my music to be what the listener needs.. Whether that is to cry, to scream, to dance, to have an emotional purge, to laugh, to feel bad a$$. That is why I create. I think I am just the vessel and then the music can live its own life beyond me.”

Did you find the creation process of the album cathartic in a sense? How was it for you?

“In all honesty, it was some of the most cathartic music I’ve ever written. I had a lot I needed to get off my chest and I wanted to create in a really empowering way. I wanted to scream on the mic and let it all out. I needed to make this music to be able to make the next chapter of music in my life.”

Leading up to the full album release, you released singles ‘Can’t Remember Your Name’, ‘Tiny Human’ and ‘Didn’t Sign Up For This’. Why did you decide that those tracks would be the ones to represent the album?

“I had done a few shows testing out music and I loved how I felt while playing those ones. I also loved the way the crowd reacted! It is definitely a team effort and we all sit with the music and come up with a plan. And I almost always end up messing up the plan and changing direction and switching out the songs last minute. Keeping everyone on their toes haha. But I love being open to letting the universe and the listeners guide where the music may twist and turn. I actually added the call after I’d officially finished the album. I created that randomly with Funkin Matt, I sent him voice notes and within the same day he sent something back and it felt too perfect to not go on ‘Power Of Panic’.”

What have you thought of the huge successes that each single has garnered?

“Being an artist is really challenging. It’s this constant internal fight of never feeling like anything is enough. I suppose that is just humans in general though.  I’m really trying to work on enjoying moments before they become memories. For me it’s so easy to look back on past things and be proud of myself but I even remember in those moments not feeling like I was enough, doing enough, or succeeding enough.”

In a way, the album is also igniting conversations around hidden struggles that people go through daily, reminding them that they’re not alone. How important do you think this message is to send through your music?

“This message is essentially everything to me. All I ever want is for people to feel understood validated and less alone by listening to my records and diving into my world. I am as honest as possible and I just pray that helps someone else get out of bed and face their fears… Because I know truly how hard it is. I know how daunting life can feel and how absolutely isolating it is especially when you’re struggling with your brain. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I PROMISE! LIFE IS WEIRD AS F.”

How do you think ‘Power Of Panic’ will change or influence your career going forward? What are the next steps?

“I am ALWAYS always creating and this year especially I’ve dedicated completely to creation. I’ve basically already written 4 albums worth of music this year. Always continue on the journey and really let my feelings and art guide me. I don’t know where I’m going but I really want to enjoy the ride and meet amazing people through it and keep spreading love and joy and empowering music.”