NMR Interview: Elena Rogers 🇺🇸 talks to us about chihuahua’s, Cardiacs and her new album ‘Prelude to Whatever’.

NMR: Hey Elena, thanks for taking the time to talk to us today!

Firstly, just checking that everything’s ok over there on the other side of the (big) pond? I’m pretty sure I saw a man on TV last week saying that aliens were landing and abducting then eating all your puppies and kittens….? 

Elena: “Ah, Hello! Thank you, my friends from Nordic Music Review, for taking the time to reach out! This side of the pond is doing just swimmingly. I have indeed heard rumors about the puppy and kitty abductions, and as a space alien myself I can assure you that I have no intention of kidnapping any of Earth's beloved creatures. Unless it's a hairless chihuahua, because I want one really bad...!”

NMR: Ok so I love your album ‘Prelude to Whatever’, it’s an album that brings a huge smile to my face, packed full of tunes and utter joyfulness. Was it as much fun writing and recording it?

Elena: “I'm so charmed that you've enjoyed my latest album! I certainly had a great time writing those songs. The words and music seem to spill out of my ears, becoming a tangible thing, and it's really quite satisfying to see a somewhat invisible concept in my mind turn into something I can share with others!”

“The words and music seem to spill out of my ears, becoming a tangible thing.”

NMR: You started writing songs when you were just 16, I’m curious what your original inspirations were. Was it your family being immersed in music, school lessons, what inspired you so young? 

Elena: “As far as my inspirations, the truth is that most of the time I don't even know what my song is about until much later, after it is written. It's almost like the meaning of a tune is created subconsciously, and sometimes I have to experience some sort of life event in order for the lightbulb to go off. I'm like "Ah, okay, so THAT'S what my brain was talking about." There are times when I do have a song meaning planned already, but most of the time I don't actually figure that part out until later. Weird!”

NMR: Anyway it’s always a good sign when i see an artist classed as ‘songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’, but I’ve always wondered…. how many instruments do you have to play before you get the official ‘Multi-Instrumentalist’ Badge and what did you play on the new album?

Elena: “I have been labeled a "multi-instrumentalist", which is true- but my main two instruments are (currently) guitar and piano. I have a knack for any instruments with keys, such as a melodica, accordion, and even a little organ here and there. The other stringed instruments I play include ukulele and banjo. My next instrument I plan to learn will be the violin! I have one, but my electric guitars have been keeping me quite busy. I also have a dream of being a trombone player, but it will most likely be a while until I get my paws on one of those. I may be leaving out a few, but those are all the instruments I can think of!”

NMR: Is there a particularly song on the new album that gives you particular satisfaction and that maybe we should all take an extra listen to? 

Elena: “All of the songs on 'Prelude to Whatever' are near and dear to my heart, but I must say that the seventh track titled 'Alone Again' may be my favorite. It really captures the way I was feeling when I wrote it. Truthfully, that goes for every song I've ever written... When I listen to one of my tunes, I'm teleported back to whatever emotion I felt while writing them.”

NMR: One of the highlights for me are the inspired instrumental sections such as in ‘A Life in the Day’ and of course ‘In the Meantime’. This seems to have developed since the 1st album, are there any particular inspirations that have taken you in this direction?

Elena: “It brings me much joy to hear that my instrumental pieces were highlights for you! That is because writing instrumentals is 100% what makes me the most happy in the world. My entire life I have dreamed of scoring films and potentially hearing a real live orchestra play what I write. That is really my major goal in life. When you write instrumental music, there's no limits as to what you can express. Of course I love to write lyrics as well, but words can only take you so far. Music is a language in itself, and you can recreate any given emotion with no restrictions. Anyone, no matter what language they speak, can appreciate the vibrations of sound, and anyone can insert their own feelings into the music they are drawn to.”

NMR: Ok, so there’s a compulsory Cardiacs question. I’m always interested in where people 1st heard Cardiacs: how did you come across them and what was the 1st track or album you heard?

Elena: “Oh my, don't even get me STARTED on the Cardiacs! Tim Smith and his gang all changed my life. Their music speaks to me like no other, and it holds a very special place in my heart. In turn, I have changed many others' lives by showing them that epic band! The way I discovered them is actually a funny story. Of all places it was actually the ska fanclub I'm a part of on Facebook. I'm constantly seeking out new music so I made a post listing my favorite artists (Frank Zappa, Danny Elfman/Oingo Boingo, XTC, Mr. Bungle, among others) and I asked the group to suggest ska music based on those artists. Several people said "Well, this isn't technically ska but I bet you'd get a kick out of Cardiacs." After coming across the song 'Dog Like Sparky', my life was officially changed for the better!”

“After coming across the song 'Dog Like Sparky', my life was officially changed for the better!” (Elena on Cardiacs)

NMR: I may be wrong but I’m guessing you’re the kind of artist who’s constantly working on new ideas, so what’s in the pipeline next? Or are there any collaborations or other sideline projects you’re working on? 

Elena: “You are correct that I'm constantly working on new ideas! I write new songs almost weekly, and sometimes daily, depending on how busy I am. You can definitely expect more songs from Elena Rogers in the very near future, so stay tuned!”

NMR: Right so if you don’t mind…. we need your help. We’ve been on a hiatus and we’re also kind of a Nordic website primarily, so would be really interested in your 1st impressions (assuming you’ve not heard them before) of 1 or 2 tracks, one new one we need to review and one older Nordic one. 

Elena: “Wow, ARMY of MOTHS is just excellent! What's not to love? It is simply a whimsical, whirling and swirling wonder of pleasant thoughts and sound, fantastically combined. Thank you so much for introducing me to this!”

“a whimsical, whirling and swirling wonder of pleasant thoughts and sound” (Elena on Army of Moths)

NMR: And this is an older one from Major Parkinson. 

Elena: “Major Parkinson is also amazing! Wow, I really really dig this. I can almost smell the creativity through my screen! I simply cannot wait to explore more of this band.”

NMR: Finally we know a bit about your influences and inspirations, but are there any new artists from your music scene locally you’d recommend we go away and listen to? 

Elena: “If you want to hear some music from other artists from my music scene, check out my producer, Jamie Hoover. He has been a part of the band 'The Spongetones' for over 40 years! If you don't know where to start, check out their compilation album titled 'Always Carry On: The Best of The Spongetones 1980-2005'. His solo work has also been phenomenal. While you're at it, I implore you to search 'The Happy Eggs', which was another band he was a part of. Their music absolutely kills me, and if you like Cardiacs then you will love The Happy Eggs. Go online and search 'The Happy Eggs Wake Up - EP' and I promise you will not be disappointed.”

NMR: I love The Happy Eggs, thanks for the recommendation and for talking to us Elena!

Don't forget to check out her album 'Prelude to Whatever' , and follow her on Instagram here.