Inspired #0028 - Eleni Drake
Greek Londoner Eleni Drake has just dropped new single ‘4’, providing us with a taste of her new EP ‘Songs for Sundays’. She talks to us about her love for Nirvana and all the other things that inspire her.
Who are you top three musical inspirations?
Mac Miller, the way he connected with his audience and spoke about his youth and the perplexities of growing up, made him incredibly relatable. Plus his jazz instrumentals and the collaborations he made with various musicians through out years, made we want to work with the same ethos he did.
Billie holiday, her voice is about the most mesmerising thing I will ever listen to. Her lyrics are laced with pain, love and hardships, and the way she portrays her songs with such emotion and depth, is something I would like to do with my music as I progress in my career. Her jazz background has heavily influenced my own sound.
Kurt Cobain, his lyrics are what made me understand how music can heal someone. I remember listening to Nirvana for the first time when I was 8 and I was totally transported. He writes with such openness and nostalgia. And that’s the kind of emotion I want to convey in my music.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
Forest Gump. What a fucking great sound track. Plus my man Tom is such a sick actor.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
Melbourne. The people there are so liberal and relaxed. There is street art everywhere and music pouring from every window, ranging from heavy metal to jazz. I loved how eclectic; and how benevolent the city was.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
My grandad. He taught me how to play guitar, and to appreciate the joy that music brings to people. He also taught me how to ride my bike, how to cook, and most importantly, being kind costs nothing. (Still working on that part though)
How would you like to inspire people?
I would like people to feel something when they hear my songs. I want to people to confide in my music and find solace.