Floating In The Unknown with Elysaé
Floating In The Unknown with Elysaé
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Australian indie pop artist and globetrotter Elysaé who recently released their newest single "I Don't Know" which captures the feeling of the unknown.
Mustard has observed that some humans think they know it at all. Ask them about any subject or issue and they can provide you with a detailed explanation. While this human may be knowledgeable there is a good chance, that despite their retort, they are not all knowing. Mustard is fascinated by humans, this is not new information. But what is new is the concept of being unsure. Uncertainly can come from a place of being what is known as “indecisive.” Before proceeding forward a human who may be unsure could be seeking more information about an upcoming event. They want to, as some humans say - have all their ducks in a row.
Elysaé, indie pop artist, and our Australian girl next door, explores this concept further on their newest release I Don’t Know. I Don’t Know is the third release in a trio of singles that examine the concept of free will versus fate. Do humans get to do as they please or is there an external being who oversees their every decision? These are difficult questions to answer but important to ask.
Much like Elysaé themselves their songs will take listeners on a journey. You will get an opportunity to travel through Australia’s best-kept secret desert oasis with an old soul who enjoys dancing in the sunshine.
In our interview below we had the pleasure of talking about traveling, feeling awesome, breakfast, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
I'm doing well, thank you! I've always dreamed of chatting music with a condiment. Honoured to do it with you!
2. Mustard has observed that you are our neighborhood Aussie gal. If someone asked you to take them on a tour of Australia, where would you take them?
THE KIMBERLEYS in WA! It’s one of Australia’s best-kept secret desert oasis’s—fairly untouched, remote, and stunning. Most people head to the East Coast, which is fab, but I’d take them west for a little something special — plus there are waterfalls on waterfalls on waterfalls, what’s not to love?
3. They also have observed that you enjoy dancing in the sunshine. Where does the sun shine the brightest in Australia? Do you have a favorite dancing spot?
Up north, for sure! But the UV index is off the charts so maybe you want somewhere a little less intense, like Byron Bay where you can dance in the sun without melting away. But honestly, my fave dance spot is in my bedroom. I get that whole “dance like no one’s watching” vibe… by literally making sure no one’s watching.
4. Growing up, you knew you wanted to travel a lot. How have your travels helped inspire and influence your music? What was your relationship with music growing up?
Travel has been the ultimate game-changer. Even the smallest step, like moving from the Central Coast to Sydney, is enough to inspire so much. It gave me the chance to meet new people, experiment with new sounds, and collect all these experiences I wouldn’t have had in my hometown.
Growing up, music was always in my life. I’d rewrite TV theme songs (Winnie the Pooh, anyone?) as a kid, and took classical piano lessons up until my late teens. Classical music was great for skill-building, but when I learned four chords on guitar in high school… that was when I really fell in love with it. I was writing songs like it was therapy for slightly lonely, confused teen self, and, honestly, it still is.
5. You get the opportunity to book a tour based off all the places you’ve visited. What would this tour look like? Which location is your opener? Which is your closer?
Easy! We’d kick things off in Tasmania, which was my first interstate show, so it holds a special place in my heart. Then we’d tour up the East Coast—from Melbourne to Cairns—hit Darwin, and head across the Kimberley’s, Broome, and Perth (Adelaide can join too, even though I was there for only two days!). We’d finish back home in Sydney—ending things with a bang in my hometown.
And because I didn’t read the question right the first time, let’s throw in an international leg after Australia. South East Asia, New Zealand, then the States for a California-Utah-Nevada tour (if I’m only allowed to include the places I’ve been to).
6. As a condiment, Mustard is curious: what does it mean to be a pilot? Are there any specific requirements to fly a plane? How long have you been flying for?
Being a pilot means flying a plane (or other vehicles too I guess?). You need a license, and well, I’ve been flying for the last two years.. mostly as a co-pilot though because I don’t have a license, but I have touched the controls once or twice. That counts, right? Metaphorically though, you can be the pilot of your own life and you don’t need a license for that!
7. Who (or what) influences Elysae?
As cliche as it sounds, life . Growing up, I was obsessed with artists like Delta Goodrem because she was this sweet young female pianist/songwriter, and I saw myself in her. Lately, I’m super into the 50s and 60s sounds and finding creative ways to inject that into modern music. Post-pandemic, I’ve been writing more for live shows, wanting to create joy and connection—because what’s better than a room full of people feeling good?
8. Mustard wonders: what are the key elements necessary to an Elysae song? Could you share more about your creative process?
A strong concept, a hooky chorus, and lots of dynamics. I want the song to take you on a journey. My process usually starts with a melody or a feeling. I grab my guitar or keyboard and just start singing mumbo jumbo, until something sticks. Sometimes the songs are good, sometimes they’re terrible, but you gotta keep flexing that songwriting muscle regardless of the outcome!
9. You love Breakfast food so much you decided to become it in March 2024. Are you able to tell us more about your shapeshifting process? What is Elysae's ideal breakfast?
Anything you want to be, you can be it—even breakfast. I love bringing wild ideas to life. To shapeshift as a musician, you just have to step into the world of the song and let it inspire you. Then enlist some equally as crazy people who will indulge in your ideas and then, bam, you just became breakfast.
As for the ideal breakfast? Smoothie bowls, weetbix, or oats with ALL the fruit. Sweet all the way!
10. Mustard has observed that you personify your music as our cool hip granny; one who tries to be trendy and youthful but is actually an old soul at heart. As a condiment, Mustard wonders, could you elaborate on what it means to be an old soul?
The old soul is that quiet, wise voice inside. It’s the deep, unshakable knowing you have that can’t be swayed by outside noise. The old soul is also often tired. They like lots of sleep.
11. In 2020 you released your debut single “Blinded,” which reminds listeners how awesome they are. When did you first write this song? What are some ways that Elysae reminds themselves that they are awesome? Do you have any words of wisdom for those who may not be feeling awesome?
I wrote “Blinded” in 2019 for my sister. She was struggling with friendships and self-confidence at school, and it made me so sad to see how much that dimmed her sparkle. I just wanted to shake that out of her! For me, I remind myself I’m awesome by unplugging from the online world disconnecting from the need to be always achieving more as that automatically makes you feel like you’re not good enough as you are. There’s nothing better than switching off, going on adventures, and spending time with loved ones who love you for you.
To anyone not feeling awesome right now: take a break, get off your phone, do something that you love! Take yourself on a self-date and treat yourself real nice. Although it can be scary to sit in the silence and be with yourself, that’s also really the only place where you can truly connect with yourself. And remember, you are inherently awesome. You just forgot.
12. Two years later you released your EP You Might As Well Shout which made marks in the Australian Songwriting Association and Listen Up Music. Could you share what it was like to put this EP together? How did it feel to have tracks from your EP be highlighted by the ASA and Listen Up Music?
It was such an incredible experience! ‘You Might As Well Shout’ was my first major go at recording and producing my own music. I started out extremely nervous and full of imposter syndrome but as time went on, I gained confidence and found my groove. Working with talented and supportive people was a huge part of that process, and it was incredibly fulfilling to see the project come together with a cohesive theme and narrative.
Having tracks like "Mystery" and "Love Was Child's Play" recognised by the Australian Songwriting Association and Listen Up Music was incredibly validating. Songwriting has always been my first love, so getting that recognition was a huge boost in my confidence and a reminder that my voice and stories resonate with others.
13. What does Elysaé like to shout? Have you ever had the pleasure of shouting something in a cave? As a well-seasoned traveler, what places have the best acoustics?
Shouting in a cave? Oh, it's one of life's greatest joys! Personally, if I need to shout to let off steam, I do it in my car or best of all, underwater in the ocean because nobody can hear you—terrible acoustics, but great experience.
Natural caves, gorges, and even halls have amazing acoustics. And don't underestimate the humble bathroom—even the worst of singers can become amazing in there!
14. Your most recent releases explore the concept of free will versus fate, starting with 'Mr. Man on the Moon.' What are some moments or experiences in which you feel like the universe is playing tricks on you?
"Mr. Man on the Moon" emerged from some almost comically frustrating dating experiences where it felt like the universe was repeatedly bringing the same types of people and patterns to me.
Other cosmic jokes may have been the time when five of my flights were canceled or rescheduled within a span of three days.. And honestly, my entire journey has been a bit of a cosmic comedy, with unexpected moves and experiences over the last few years. I find it funny to picture some guy in the sky, pulling the strings and making things happen, all for his entertainment.
15. Following 'Mr. Man on the Moon,' you released 'Mirrors,' which deals with the concept of humans making their own choices or being destined to repeat patterns. How have your own experiences shaped this conversation? Do you believe humans make their own choices, or are they simply repeating patterns?
"Mirrors" was inspired by my struggle with an eating disorder, a personal battle where it often felt like I was trapped in a repeating cycle despite my efforts to heal. The patterns felt so ingrained, almost like I was destined to face these challenges.
I think we all grapple with patterns, whether it's traits we inherit or habits we form. While patterns are part of who we are, I believe we have the power to recognise and alter them. It’s about reflecting on our choices and actively working to evolve beyond our defaults. We can break the cycle by acknowledging our patterns and consciously choosing a different path.
16. On your most recent single 'I Don't Know,' you capture the feeling of floating in the unknown. As a condiment, Mustard is curious: How can some humans be so sure about things? Are there things you know you are certain of? What things in life have you feeling unsure?
That's a great question. I think "knowing" feels like an unshakeable gut feeling—an intuitive sense that something is just right, even when it defies logic. As the cliche goes ‘when you know, you know’.
I feel certain about some aspects of my life - mostly about the things and people that I love. However, life’s constant flux means that even certainties can shift. For instance, I’m unsure where I’ll be living in the next six months or how my career will unfold. And I have to say, I’m a little unsure of how I ended up talking to a condiment but you just have to go with it sometimes.
17. Mustard is not a detective, but they feel like each of these releases is potentially leading to another EP or album. Would this deduction be accurate?
Mustard's detective skills showing! While ‘I Don’t Know’ yet what it’ll all turn into, I think it’s likely that these releases will culminate in an album. Currently, I'm enjoying sharing the songs as trios that explore similar themes, so I’m going to continue with that into the next year and see what comes of it all. on a new trio of songs that will continue exploring similar themes.
18. Mustard loves the artwork for each of these releases. Did you do the artwork for each? How does the album cover art help elevate and tell the stories told?
Thank you - I’m glad you love the artwork! I collaborate with an amazing artist named TAKI. I share the song, lyrics, and concept with him, and together we create visual art that complements and expands on the music. The artwork helps build a unique world around the songs and adds another layer to the storytelling.
19. A human invites their friend to see you perform. What three words best describe your live performances? Do you have a pre or post-show routine?
Three words: Fun, groovy, and colourful!
Before a show, I set an intention and spend some quiet time alone to get in the zone. At the venue, I hang out with my band and then have a brief solo moment in the bathroom before going on stage (no one can interrupt me there haha). After the show, I always love connecting with fans and soaking in the post-show chaos.
20. What is on the horizon for Elysaé?
I just released a brand-new music video for 'I Don't Know.’ After that, I'll be doing more recording and finishing off the next trio of songs while spending time in the Kimberley before moving on to the next chapter. I’ll be living life, gaining more experiences to write about, and hopefully, there will be more festivals and new music in 2025!
For “I Don’t Know” we built a surrealist world and made all the sets and props by hand so I can’t wait for you to see that! After that, I'll be recording and finishing up the next trio of songs while spending some time in the Kimberley so soak up some more of life. There’ll be more festivals and music to come in 2025 so stay tuned!
21. Where can readers listen to your music?
Look up Elysaé on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube—basically, any of the places you can consume music! You can find all the links to the streaming platforms and social pages before. And you’ll have to let me know what your favourite tunes are!
Music Shelf with Mustard is a publication that interviews independent musicians from all across the globe. It is read in 39 states and 35 countries. Check out previous interviews here.
Music Shelf with Mustard originally began in early 2021. Inspired by independent musicians on social media application TikTok Mustard knew they had to do something to help share their music. Shortly after Music Shelf with Mustard was born. Its goal is to highlight independent artists from all across the globe. Mustard appreciates you taking the time out to read this interview.