Interviews
Elaine Mai Opens Up On New Song, “Waiting To Breathe” — Interview
Elaine Mai has long been synonymous with some of Ireland’s most groundbreaking artists and important musical moments. She has enjoyed huge success in her homeland due to her radio-friendly hits. The recent single, “Waiting To Breathe” is simply incredible as well as her debut album ‘Home’. Get all the details in this interview.
1 — Earlier this year, your track “No Forever” became a hit on Irish radio, and “Waiting To Breathe” got some 6 Music spins… they’re quite different tracks, so what made you pick these as the lead tracks from the album?
I think they showcase my style and the type of music I make. Also, for me, the vocal performances from both MayKay and Loah on these tracks are so striking that I wanted to make sure people heard them.
2 — I’m loving the sound of the piano keys on “Waiting To Breathe”. What’s something you would like to highlight about the recording process?
The first few notes you hear are the first few notes I wrote. They came into my head and I thought they sounded really beautiful. Then I needed to build around them, so I added the chords you hear at .16 and I knew I had something. I instantly thought of Loah for this and her vocals and melody work so perfectly with the track.
3 — How has been your experience working with Loah so far? When did you meet?
Loah reached out to me about doing a remix for her a few years ago. It was such a pleasure working with her on that and I immersed myself in her work during that process. Her talent and beautifully crafted lyrics blew me away, so I always hoped we’d work together on something again in the future and I’m so happy with how “Waiting To Breathe” turned out.
4 — What makes these lyrics so deep and unique?
It’s all Loah. She’s a really unique and special artist with a huge talent for storytelling. Her lyrics are just gorgeous and they draw you into her world and the story she’s telling.
5 — Is there anything special you want to share with regard to the music video?
The spark of a new relationship is so magical, new, and exciting and the track speaks to that. We wanted to reflect that in the video and the story of these two women meeting on Halloween night tells that story perfectly.
6 — Who directed these visuals? Where was it filmed?
The video was directed by Michael-David McKernan and filmed in Dublin. He’s a fantastic director and this was his first music video. I think he did an excellent job of adding another dimension to the track and highlighting its theme visually.
7 — Do you have any other favorite songs from your latest album ‘Home’?
They’re all favourites, I can’t choose one!
8 — Why is it titled ‘Home’? How would you define your music genre?
I try not to get hung up on genres. For me, all of the tracks related to that feeling of ‘Home’ and the ways in which we can experience that. That was the most important thing for me for this album and it’s the thread that ties it all together.
9 — What do you think will attract listeners to the new album?
The feeling the tracks give you, the pull of the dancefloor.