E!ena (pronounced Elena), is an artist from Northborough, Massachusetts but is currently based in Burlington, Vermont. She recently released her new single “cognitive dissonance” and she showcases her vocals on this track in a way that listeners have not seen from her yet.
The new single utilizes various sounds and instruments, and can be described as having a jazz/pop feel to it. E!ena goes above and beyond with the carefully selected beat and thoughtful lyrics as she allows the music to convey a mood.
“[This song] was inspired by a series of unfortunate events I’ve experienced in my past, as well as my experience of anxiety and depression,” E!ena says.
In her own words, she says that “cognitive dissonance” is meant to illustrate what it feels like to have anxiety and depression.
“It’s all about a mental health episode I had near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she explained. “I experienced a lot of traumatic events that I had dismissed for a while. They eventually sort of just culminated and hit me all at once. That song truly helped me get through that experience.”
Remixd Magazine had the opportunity to chat more with E!ena. Keep reading to learn more about her artistry, and be sure to stream the new single “cognitive dissonance” below.
What city are you from/ Where are you based now?
I’m from Northborough, Massachusetts but am currently based in Burlington, Vermont.
What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
My real name is Elena, my artist name is e!ena. I honestly just thought the “!” looked cool and it sets me a part from other artists named ‘Elena’.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
While my first song, “bittersweet” is very folk/pop, the rest of my music is much more jazz/pop/R&B.
What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
I love music because it really helps me better understand myself and my past experiences. It also serves as an incredible outlet for my anxiety and depression. With that said, the urge to share my own difficult experiences throughout my life thus far is one of my main inspirations. I’m also greatly inspired by the people who listen to my music and are able to relate/feel understood.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Definitely Amy Winehouse and Billie Eilish. They are both such unique artists with very personable lyrics and distinguishable sounds. If I could even have a fraction of their talent I would be enthralled.
Tell us the name of the project you are currently promoting? What inspired this project?
The song I’m currently promoting is called ‘cognitive dissonance’. It was inspired by a series of unfortunate events I’ve experienced in my past, as well as my experience of anxiety and depression.
Date that this project dropped or is set to drop?
October 26th, 2022!
What is this project about in your own words?
It’s all about a mental health episode I had near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I experienced a lot of traumatic events that I had dismissed for awhile. They eventually sort of just culminated and hit me all at once. That song truly helped me get through that experience.
It’s meant to illustrate what it feels like to have anxiety and depression, on top of those traumatic events I endured; it depicts that feeling of utter hopelessness and almost like you’re going insane. The turnaround in the melody near the end represents that gleam of hope that truly does exist and the possibilities that are to come, (cliche, I know. But it’s true!)
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the
lookout for? Include some dates if you have them.
I have a third single that should be out either in December or January. I’m hoping to drop my first EP by the end of 2023.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from this project?
That they are never alone.
Where can we follow you on social media? Include links.
I use Instagram the most, but here are all my links:
