Ellanika Shares Her Mesmerizing EP, “Quicksand”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
When it comes to music, I am always searching for artists that defy genre norms and push the boundaries. I yearn to hear the unheard, and I fight for the those that I believe deserve to have a voice. Although the industry is very saturated, there are these rare times where I come across a diamond in the rough. This week, I was impressed when I came across emerging singer-songwriter Ellanika.
Ellanika is an exceptional singer known for crafting records that evoke raw emotions out of her listeners, Her songs are dark, daring, and they are carried by big hooks and hypnotizing melodies. Although I’m new to her sound, she has impressed me. I rarely come across singers with the vocal tone and range she has. She is truly a star in the making. Now, she debuts on our pages with her mesmerizing EP “Quicksand”.
“Quicksand” is 5-track masterpiece, and it’s an unforgettable introduction to the burgeoning star’s sound. There is a song for everyone on the project. Over the EP’s duration, she delves into themes of love, loss, & freedom. Ellanika takes listeners on a sonic journey that they won’t want to end, and you will feel grateful for each lyric and note on this EP.
I recently had the chance to speak with artist about her influences and the process of making the project. This is what she had to say:
1.) What was the creation process behind the album?
“I feel like this EP offers an interesting sonic experience if you listen to it straight through from top to bottom. It takes you on a journey from the surface into the inner world, just like falling into quicksand. It all starts with “Lumen,” where the imaginary world collides with reality. It’s kind of Ut pictura poesis. “Quicksand,” on the other hand, focuses more on feelings rather than surrounding images. The lyrics are akin to a love poem, full of metaphors, wordplay, and allegories. The piano piece “Nocturne,” being an intermezzo in the EP and fully instrumental, is a breaking point where you take in the flow of your emotions, you don't fight anymore, and experience a sense of reincarnation. The final two songs, called “bedroom versions,” are reminiscent of a previous life. The voice comes from deep, beneath the sand. The words are the same, but your voice and perception are different, it's pure, naked sound, the essence of “Quicksand.”
“A fun fact about the production: I recorded vocals for “Lumen” and “Quicksand” in four different cities across two continents (Frankfurt am Main, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal), as I always felt somewhat unsatisfied with certain parts. The “bedroom versions” are closest to what I had in the beginning of the production (demo). On top of that, we did the production with Nora and Rafael from Next of Din in Berlin in the fall of 2023. I would love for listeners to walk this path through the quicksand with me. One day, if someone catches the lyrics “You asked for my hand” and “I gave you two,” I would be super happy too!”
2.) What was your favorite song to make?
“My favorite song to create was probably “Lumen,” although I loved the process for each song equally.”
My personal favorites from the EP were “Lumen” & “Quicksand”. Overall, this project deserves to be heard. It is raw, daring, introspective, personable, and it is a knockout. Ellanika’s talent is well beyond her years. She is making people fall in love with music again, and I can’t wait to see her continue to grow. “Quicksand” is a project that deserves to be heard so stream it below!
