“I” from Elly Kace interview and video.
I would like to introduce my readers to Elly Kace. I was given the opportunity to interview her and get the scoop on her new release titled “I”. The song should be listened to from the point of empowering one another and encouraging those around us.
TMB: What is “I”
EK: I don’t even want to answer this question- it is such a perfect full explanation of where this song was born! We are taught to identify ourselves so young. “I, me and mine” “you, yours, your” become these really intense personas that we carry, teaching us we are separate. But separateness is just an illusion . In my exploration of “I” as I wrote this song, I was focused on shedding the superficial “I” to find the deeper Self- the Self that brought me closer to everyone and everything. The Self that is more the same than different.
TMB: What was it like working with Jasmine Mendoza
EK: Jasmine inspires me so much. She has an incredible and rare strength around her impulses- she listens to what her body needs and acts from there- it is an honor to have her move to my music. I think her commitment to this authenticity is wildly radical in this time and something I aspire to in my own art and walking life. Collaborating with them on this series of videos was so fulfilling- it empowered and emboldened me to see their body express so clearly what I was feeling when I was writing and singing.
It was important to me that the whole team felt the project was a safe space for them to put a personal mark on the music and hold a sense of ownership. Jasmine brought an incredible vulnerability to every moment on screen and off. Because of that the whole team was extra excited to also get vulnerable and ended up creating something really special. I can’t wait for everyone to see the next few videos we have to share!
TMB: The video for “I” is amazing so tell me what was the concept behind it?
EK: Thank you! For me personally, “I” is about shedding the masks I have been taught are appropriate for me, to discover my truth. Shedding what is not needed. Shedding my attachment to my body as a measure of worth. Shedding the mannerisms that are not coming from my truth. Conjuring my authenticity, my honesty and the piece of me that exists beyond what is seen.
TMB: What do you hope fans of your music will take away from “I”?
EK: We are all so much more than our bodies. I think we forget sometimes with the messaging we receive in the world. I hope this song can offer a safe space for people to feel that and build some muscle around that faith.
TMB: So what plans do you have for future releases?
EK: On 11/19 the full concept album “Nothing I see means anything” will release along with a music video for the track “see”. I am so looking forward to learning about what everyone takes from the full record.
TMB: Are there any additional songwriting, producer, or cinematographer credits you would like to add?
EK: Absolutely. This project would not be what it is without my incredible team. The producers for “I” are Franky Rousseau and Dominic Mekky. Creating this song with them remotely during the pandemic while my grandfather was transitioning from Covid was a saving grace in many ways. The cinematographers for the project were Ryan Rivard (my partner in art in so many ways), Moll Jean and Whitney Chitwood (who I cannot wait to meet in person someday).
TMB: Women have been under-represented for years in the industry. What advice would you give the girl who might be afraid to take the leap into the industry?
EK: I am still learning, and am pretty sure I know nothing. But I will share that I think its really powerful to listen to your creative impulses above all else- for everybody. The parts of you that feel scary, the ideas that might be seen as “stupid” or whatever, the things that don’t fit in the boxes neatly — really listen to those parts of you. Mining those spaces can really tap you into the feminine side of creating from a place of love- regardless of how you identify. Listen to those impulses more than you shrink to please people. It’s hard, but I think it will be a big part of how we will create the change we are seeking.
TMB: Is there, or was there an empowering female in your life who encouraged you to follow your passion?
EK: There have been and are so many. The women in my family led by example in their own ways, my incredible mentors in my life- Josephine Lee, Linda Barker, Winfred Brown, Yarrow Bucans, Rebecca Causey- probably every yoga teacher I have ever had, every artist I have experienced.
TMB: Final thoughts?
EK: Thank you so much for taking the time to share my art and speak with me. It means a lot!
Make sure you go and follow the truly inspiration Elly Kace on social media and Spotify. Her new single “I” releases this Thursday, the 4th.
