Elujay

Elucidates His Creative Talents Through Newest Project, “Circmvnt”

By Taylor Marie Contarino

Elujay's musical passion not only translates through his unparalleled soundscapes but also his intense visual creativity. Hailing from Oakland, California, the multi-faceted talent excels in singing, songwriting, producing, directing, and more. He is the definition of artistry without borders, and his newest project, Circmvnt, is a true testament to that.

The project, released on January 21st, 2022, includes eleven powerful melodies that showcase the dynamic state of R&B music today. Exuding feelings reminiscent of jazz music mixed with island music energy, the artist presents us with alternative R&B at its highest level.

“The past two years and the pandemic inspired it,” Elujay explained. “I wanted to convey the themes of what we’ve been experiencing the past two years while exhibiting pain through audio form and make it sweet.”

With more than 400,000 monthly listeners immersed in his soul-filled, genuine tracks, the artist sets himself up for a big 2022. Elujay’s latest music video for “Ratrace” was released earlier today. We asked the artist all about the new project, his Bay Area upbringing, and more!

Hey, Elujay! Thanks for speaking with us, and congrats on the release of ‘Circmvnt’! How are you feeling now that it's out?

I feel good, a lot of relief. It feels like I can finally breathe and do my thing. I'm also less stressed, which is beautiful.

Is there anyone or anything, in particular, that has inspired the album?

The past two years and the pandemic inspired it. Times of solitude in a crazy headspace, in a crazy exterior world. I wanted to convey the themes of what we’ve been experiencing the past two years while exhibiting pain through audio form and make it sweet.

What would you consider the perfect situation to listen to ‘Circmvnt’?

I think the perfect situation is any situation. I think late-night driving is pretty fucking cool, also a foggy hike. When I was mixing the album, that’s where I would usually listen to the music.

How did you get your start in the music industry?

I got started because I needed a publicist and thought to myself: “How do I get my shit poppin’?”. I was growing tired of putting songs out and not having anybody care about it. Trying to take the right steps to build a fanbase and build a community in the Bay Area.

Did your Bay Area upbringing influence your music career at all?

Oh for sure, I think the sonics and production style were pretty influential. Big drums and heavy bass lines are a prominent thing in my music, and reflective of Bay Area culture.

One thing that sticks out to me is your creative song titles. How do you go about choosing these?

I just name something, and I hope to not change it again last minute. It’s not really a lot of thought that goes into it. I think that’s the best way to do it — don’t even think about it and just use the first thing that comes to mind.

Your music is very distinguishable through your use of unique sounds. How do you pick and choose which sounds you want to sample in your songs?

I think for this album, I picked an array of sounds that I thought would sound nice all throughout the project. I can say I made several different albums over the past three years. Scrapped it all and changed it a bunch. For this one, I wanted a very unique palette…like the bass chords, siren horns, and screaming that you hear on the album. Not a lot of people might have caught it, but it’s featured heavily on half of the tracks. That’s the way to keep a consistent theme throughout the project.

Another thing that stands out is your incredible visuals. What significance do these visuals have when going about creating your music?

A lot of the time, before I come up with a treatment, I listen to the songs and try to see the song in a visual sense. Directing is pretty similar to music-making, the skills are transferrable across mediums, so it was pretty seamless in going between both worlds.

You participated as both a producer/composer and model during last year's New York Fashion Week. What was that experience like for you?

It was cool, man, making music for a fashion show that happened to be for my friend’s brand. It happened so fast, and it was hard to take a second and step back and appreciate the whole thing. I definitely hope to do more of those in the future.

How do you feel about the current state of underground hip-hop on Soundcloud?

I think it’s sick! Shoutout Z Loopers, Shoutout to D Savage, Shoutout Yeet, Shoutout to Mike. Those guys are fire.

What are your feelings towards your future in the music industry, and what do you hope to do next?

I hope to just continue to make new and better music…and more shows!

What is your best piece of advice for another up-and-coming artist?

Make great music, and be around people who are not there to lie to you. Be around people who want to see you improve. Having a good team is important as well, and most importantly, NO YES MEN!

Watch Elujay’s “Ratrace” Music Video Now!

Elucidates His Creative Talents Through Newest Project, “Circmvnt”

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