Meet Elwood

A self-portrait by, Elwood

Would you rather…

be the greatest juggler in the world or the greatest hypnotist? What would you do with your new found powers?

Probably juggling, but I wouldn’t want to be world famous for it because it would be cool to do, like, once as a party trick. Also no more than once or twice though, or else I’ll become the guy that’s known for juggling at parties.

Some questions with Elwood

Hi, thanks for putting this together with us. Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

Hi! This is my first real interview apart from some other weird one I did in the city when I was probably 8 years old. I’m an 18-year-old artist of all trades from just outside of Woodstock, New York! More about me… let’s play two truths and a lie. I once got lost at a Halloween party at Bill Murray’s house, I’m in a Celtic punk band with a bunch of middle-aged men, I once watched some episodes of Cyberchase in an autobody shop with a nun.

Where do you hang out while watching a show? What’s your usual activities?

It depends! Every venue has a sweet spot. If I’m apart of the show, I like to hang backstage the whole time. I like to be as close as possible.

I am a huge fan of illustration on top of photography. Can you tell us a little more about the cove art for your 2022 release “The Big Deep”

The photo itself was one that I took at the Big Deep itself. It’s an actual swimming hole not far from where I live. The art on top was done by my best friend and endlessly talented artist Natalie Horberg. I cried when I first saw it.

Which was better: Rock Band, Guitar Hero, or Dance Dance Revolution?

I’m about to sound really lame, but I’ve never actually played any of them. I do remember this one computer game that accompanied the Barbie Diamond Castle movie that was essentially just a ripoff of Guitar Hero. So I guess I’ll say that one… if that counts.

What was the creative drive behind your album “The Big Deep”?

The beginning part of the writing process started out as an extracurricular project when I was in high school, where I worked with my family friend & music genius Kevin Salem, who produced the track esoteric and mastered all of them. The story behind it came from a party I went to where we all carpooled to the Big Deep.

Do you like scary movies? Why or why not?

I LOVEEEE scary movies. I am so glad I got this question. I have a couple of music video ideas that are very much like horror movies or inspired by horror movies that I love. I like body horror a lot in particular. I think queer people are the masters of it. I’m not sure why exactly I love horror movies. It’s exciting being scared by something and knowing it can’t actually harm you. At least not in that moment. Some horror is very real. It’s fear without… fear. I don’t know. The human psyche, man!! Get into it!

How do you feel about the reception to “The Big Deep” so far?

It’s funny, I actually put it out on other platforms almost exactly a year ago. I only put it on Bandcamp, which is where you had discovered it, and I’m not sure if it’s possible to change the release date on there. So I guess now it just has two birthdays. The reception has been totally positive so far. My friends/local community are the most supportive, fantastic people.

What keeps you inspired to create more music?

The people in the last answer are a big part of it! Not only do I love to make art and share it with my friends and the the world, but 3/4 of the stuff I write songs about are either directly about or inspired by the people I know, love, and (very rarely, thankfully) dislike. Every day I find inspiration in the world around me and human beings in general. That and the music I listen to and the movies I watch.

Have you gotten a chance to play any of the tracks out yet? If so, how did it go?

I have!! I was test driving songs from the Big Deep since before it was even released anywhere! It’s always nerve-wracking playing lyrics I’ve written especially for live audiences and also my mom. I’m learning to be less nervous.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Thank you so much for having me! This definitely beats out that city newspaper interview I did dressed as a witch for Halloween in 2000-whatever that neither my mother or sister remember. Thank you for the support on the Big Deep and keep an eye out for more stuff in the near future. Stay safe and stay freaky!!

Elwood