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To “turn the other cheek” has been an idiom in modern English for over a millennium. While it has Christian origins, its staying power is testament to its universal application within the human experience. When someone wrongs you, it is often an emotional impulse to want to hurt them back – an eye for an eye, but oftentimes, taking the higher road will leave you better off in the long run than where you were originally. Singer Elysia Marie is an embodiment of this ideal as a lifestyle, as evident in her newest single, “I Ain’t Mad”.
Hailing from Chicago, Elysia has been quickly honing her craft over the years while sharing the stage with the greats, both new and old. From pioneers of soul and R&B The Temptations to rising stars like American Idol finalist Haley Reinhart, Elysia is not one to shy away from a self-defining experience. In preparation for her newest releases this fall, she formed an all-star writing, recording, and engineering cast in Damarr Salahudin (FX, Sons of Anarchy, HBO,The Affair), Mikal Blue (Colbie Caillat, Jason Mraz, OneRepublic) and Vanessa Silberman (Kimbra, Tony Visconti, Jello Biafra). Damarr helped write the song, Mikal recorded and mixed it, and Vanessa brought things together with her production and mastering. Ultimately though, it is Elysia who we can credit with letting it all work the way it did.
“I Ain’t Mad” is a personal anthem Elysia wrote not just for herself but for others who have gone through the same pain she’s felt. It’s a feel-good pop song about being cheated on and overcoming heartbreak by turning that other cheek. You may be unbelievably hurt in the moment, but instead of dwelling on that hurt, Elysia insists on celebrating! Now you know who that person really is, so you can freely celebrate moving on without regret. Party with your gal pals, take life as it comes, and in her own words, “We good!”
What’s next for Elysia Marie? She is hard at work booking her touring commitments for the next calendar year, as well as creating more music with her power team of collaborators. Much more is around the corner for this promising young talent, so enjoy this taste of what’s to come.
“I Ain’t Mad” is available on all streaming platforms. Check out VENTS’ exclusive interview with Elysia Marie!
We’re super-pleased to have some time today with acclaimed Pop-Soul-Rock artist – with a slight twinge of Country! Greetings and salutations, Elysia! Before we meander down the musical Q&A pathway, how is the freshly-minted autumn of 2023 treating you?
I am pleased as well and thrilled to have this opportunity to chat with you. Greeting and salutations back to you. This Fall has been incredible. First, I love the Autumn weather and fashion, so I can’t complain. This is a time for cool boots, leathers, hats, scarfs, and holiday fun with fam!
Congratulations on the beautiful new single “I Ain’t Mad”! What served as the inspiration behind this gem of a musical anthem?
Thank you so much. I am really proud of the song. It is a shift from some of the music I have worked on in the past. I wanted to do something fun but yet share a message of resilience. Sometimes heartbreak and healing are the best inspiration.
In full transparency, I had a break up a few years ago that was difficult. The person wasn’t trustworthy, which I unfortunately found out the hard way. But of course, after it was over and I was in a positive and supportive relationship with someone new, guess who starts calling and texting to make things right.
For a while I wondered how I could capture the idea in a song but not in a turn on the sad tunes way. I wanted to create something that inspired people to not look back, to be encouraged by what is on the other side of heartbreak and to not reminisce over some joker.
Who was your producer on “I Ain’t Mad” and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio while working on the new single?
Vanessa Silberman produced “I Ain’t Mad”. She is a phenomenal producer, and artist in her own right, based out of NYC. At the time we were working on another song, which we have not released yet but we enjoyed working with each other so much that we decided to create more music together. The second we completed was I Ain’t Mad. Once she heard where we were going with the idea, she was hyped. We just kept working on it until we got the song to a point where it felt right vocally and musically. It’s a blast working with her because she is obviously technically skilled and is a lover of music but is also just fun to be around. Vanessa is not rigid, she is open to different ideas, she is down to experiment musically, which is perfect for me.
In your humble opinion, what sets “I Ain’t Mad” apart from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music landscape?
“I Ain’t Mad” is pure, unadulterated, and unapologetically fun and let’s face it, not all breakup songs with a message fall into that category. It also has a mix of vibe vocals, belting choruses, and catchy phrases that can appeal to a variety of music listeners. It’s not everyday that you hear “If life’s a beach, then the sand are the men, so grab your bikini and catch some waves and a tan.” I had to say that, forgive me haha.
You’re based out of the Windy City, A.K.A. Chicago! How do those roots inform you as both an artist and as a person?
That’s a great question. Yes, I have resided in Chicago for over a decade now and the city is full of talent. I draw inspiration from everything and everyone that is around me. An interaction can inspire a song, a connection can inspire an idea. It is all connected in some way. However, my roots are in Michigan. I have to show love to MI. Growing up around my father who still is an incredible singer, I keep telling him to get in the studio himself. That helped shape me as an artist. Also competed in Open Mic competitions out there that my mother would drive me too. Those experiences built my confidence and stage presence. It also gave me an appreciation for the hard work that it takes to develop your craft.
With the release of “I Ain’t Mad”, can fans look forward to an EP or LP release from you in 2024?
You can definitely anticipate more music coming in 2024. We have quite a few amazing songs in the vault and others that we are currently working on. I feel like you need the right collection of music to release an LP to ultimately share a cohesive thought with the audience. So we are still deliberating on whether to complete an EP or LP or release a string on singles. I do know that I have a lot to say and can’t wait to share more of my thoughts and music in 2024.
In the wake of the release of the new single, what does your touring/performing dance card look like for the remainder of 2023 and going into 2024?
We are negotiating performing opportunities for 2024 now, as we plan to release another song at the beginning of January. I may have some great news to share soon, fingers-crossed. The plan is to record more music in the New Year as well.
Who inspires you musically?
So many inspirations, but right now, I would say my songwriting partner, Damarr. Also, growing up, my Dad did. He has a beautiful, soulful, big voice. I grew up listening and singing with him. I also always gravitated towards power vocal singers that inspired me, like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Whitney Houston, Janice Joplin, Anita Baker, Selena, to name a few. I also of course loved the iconic Michael Jackson, Prince of which I could still listen to their albums on repeat.
I also loved; Stevie Wonder, Patty Griffin, The Temptations, Sam Cooke, Christina Agulera, Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu, Tracy Chapman, Kelly Clarkson, and Heart. Then there’s the cross genres and styles, across decades, etc.. The list honestly could go on for pages. I still listen back to music from past eras feeling like I am listening to it for the first time, and being SO inspired to create music that means something.
You’re also a gifted singer and songwriter. When working on new material, which generally comes first for you: The lyrics or the music?
Thank you so much!!! When working on new material, usually the lyrics will be inspired by the music. So, I guess the music comes first. In this season actually, I have partnered with a phenomenal songwriter, Damarr Salahudin, who is also my partner that I mentioned in this interview. He’s a beautiful person, and writer. He also writes best when having music first, and is inspired by how that music makes him feel, think, or conceptualize.
At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving copious listens to your mesmerizing new single “I Ain’t Mad”?
I love this question. I want anyone who is in a relationship that is not nurturing,supportive, and healthy to use this as a catalyst to move on. And for those who may have just exited a relationship that is toxic to know that someone awesome is out there just for you. Don’t dwell on the past, don’t beat yourself up, enjoy life without that negative energy. Lastly, if you know someone who is in a similar situation, play “I Ain’t Mad” for them as many times as possible and dance with them every time. Be that friend that grabs them up and gets them out of the house, and says “Life is what you make it, and we good”.
11.) Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite movie about the music scene?
This is a tough one. There are so many great movies about the music scene! But actually relevant to this song, and discussion, I’d say “A Star Is Born”. Not only is Lady Gaga an absolute marvel of an artist and the movie is really moving.
But, you want to hear something wild? I actually went to see that movie on a day I was cheated on by the person I mentioned earlier. I knew what he was up to, what he had been up to, and I knew what he was about to do, that day. I didn’t even try to stop him or really even spend the day reacting. Instead, I went to see “A Star Is Born” and it felt so symbolic; that on a day where I knew a new chapter in my life would begin; this movie title came out. And I walked away from this movie SO inspired to not only push harder than ever to pursue music and MY own dreams; but I was also in a place of true peace with myself and God, and just knowing and accepting that the relationship had come to an end. It was a bittersweet feeling. Life is funny that way, that question really brought things back full circle.
