If you haven’t heard of Elyse Aeryn, you’re missing out on a powerhouse of musical skill. This singer-songwriter is dominating the rock and roll world with her fiery and rebellious style, which is both authentic and timeless.
Elyse’s bluesy melodies, along with her powerful, warm voice, create a distinct sound that captures your attention from the first note. But what distinguishes Elyse from the rest is her ability to create a story through her music. As a lifetime writer, she pours her heart and soul into each lyric, exposing the truth about her own life in the hopes of connecting with others more deeply.
After a decade in the business world, Elyse decided to pursue her passion for music and has not looked back since. She has performed alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, including Amanda Marshall, Blue Rodeo, and Matt Andersen. And, as one of the JUNO Wavemaker Ambassadors for the 2024 JUNOs in Halifax, Elyse is cementing her status as a rising star in the Canadian music scene.
Her debut album, Joy State of Mind, has already been named Music Nova Scotia’s 2023 Country Recording of the Year and is up for a 2024 East Coast Music Award for Rock Recording of the Year. Elyse’s powerful voice, passionate lyrics, and compelling guitar riffs are winning over listeners everywhere.
Do yourself a favor and turn up the volume on Elyse Aeryn’s song. You will not be disappointed with the raw talent and passion that shine through in each song. Prepare to be blown away by this emerging star of the music world.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I call it rock and roll but not many people use that term these days so it’s been called everything from country, to rock, to Americana to indie. I know I have a sound and everything I make sounds like me, but I’ve had a tough time distilling that down for the industry. I am a writer first and I love the organic and storytelling nature of country music. I also love being on stage with a full band and turning that story into a high energy experience. Rock and roll was born out of blues, R&B, and country and all of that influences my work. I want to make something that stands the test of time.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist
I most enjoy expressing myself through my art and seeing it connect with another person. My deepest feelings can be translated into a tangible medium like a song and I can share that through my recordings or live performance. And someone can say to me, “I feel that too”.
What about your music is rebellious, unconventional, or unusual
In a world where music is leaning more toward programmed instruments, tracks, and samples, I’m reaching back into more traditional ways of making music. I love the magic and surprise that comes from those experiences. But at the same time, I love pop music and what those elements can add to a song so I’m exploring that too, especially with songs like “Cowboy” and “I Don’t Smoke”. It’s a little against the grain and sometimes takes more time and patience, but I think it’s what’s made me standout. A vintage girl in a modern world.
What is your creative process like?
I always have ideas running around in my head and an ongoing note in my phone with lines, words, titles, and concepts. My life as an independent artist is pretty hectic so I have to make time to sit down to write. Everything I’ve written so far has started with just an acoustic guitar. Most of the time what I bring to the session doesn’t end up being what I leave with. I’ll write the song I wanted to write first, then I’ll write the song that wanted to be written. The second is always a little more effortless and a little more interesting. Creativity is like a faucet. Sometimes you have to let it run for a while before the good stuff comes.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
If we’re talking -any- artist, it would be Stevie Nicks. She is my all-time, ultimate, number one inspiration and influence. I even have her tattooed on my arm.
What would you be doing now if it weren’t for your music career?
As cliche as it may sound, I wouldn’t be doing anything else. I believe music is my calling and I’ve never felt so grateful and at peace since aligning with it. However, it did take me a little while to get here, so I guess you could say I would be still working as a chemical engineer somewhere. If things were different in my childhood, I may have been a professional dancer. Eventually I think I would still end up here.
What are your musical plans for the next 12 months
I’m getting back in the studio this summer to start recording my sophomore album. I’ve been writing every chance I can get and I’m really excited to hear what the band brings to these songs. I’ve grown so much as an artist since “Joy State of Mind” and it’s reflecting in my writing and my sound. We have a handful of shows coming up in Eastern Canada and we’ll be bringing some of the new material to the stage. Expect a new album by summer 2025.
You are a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
Red hot rouge” – a dark and mysterious red. Red has been kind of overlooked as a primary color but I have a thing for it. It’s the color of love, passion, and the blood in my veins that makes me feel alive.
What was the last TV Series you watched?
I recently finished Yellowstone and both prequels (after writing “Cowboy”!) and I am still hooked on the whole culture. I am impatiently waiting for the third prequel or maybe a new season. Come on Taylor Sheridan!
If you could learn any language, what would it be?
I have always wanted to be fluent in French. I think it’s such a beautiful language.
Are you a valuable asset on a Pub quiz team?
Only for the music questions!
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give her?
The odds will always feel impossible until you’re on the other side. And when you get to the other side, because you will, you will see just how powerful you are. Go for it.
Stream + share “Cowboy” here: https://listen.elyseaeryn.com/cowboy
