His latest Afrikaans album, Êrens In Die Middel Van Nêrens, cleaned up during award season taking home a Ghoema and a SAMA earlier this year. Now, Elvis Blue is back with his third English album ‘Optics’. The album was preceded by his new single ‘The Tide’ which shows a younger, edgier sound than we’ve ever heard from the star. This week, I chat to the singer about the new album, awards and what lies ahead.
I love ‘The Tide’. What inspired the song?
We all have struggles in life that we have to overcome, and sometimes it feels like it’s almost impossible, like you are pushing against the tide. When I wrote this I spent time with someone who had a particularly large challenge.
The song sees you explore a brand new sound. What attracted you to this style of music?
South African music and rhythms inspired me to do this with this song. It’s slightly different but I really like it, and I guess that is always a determining factor for me.
You’ve just released your brand new album ‘Optics’. Tell us more about that.
Optics is a word that describes the way you view things and I’ve always felt that that is what music does as well. My albums are always a collection of stories and experiences but ultimately my hope is always that people can identify their own stories and experiences in the songs. Whether you have a deep experience or just tap your feet, that is mission accomplished for me. I just want people to enjoy it!
This is the first English album you’ve released in a while. Why now?
I write both in English and Afrikaans and I guess if I could speak another South African language I would also write songs in that language. As South Africans we are spoilt for choice. I also have both English and Afrikaans supporters who have been so good to me. I want to create something for them that they would enjoy.
How different is it planning an Afrikaans album versus an English one?
The planning is similar. I have a varied audience and I try not to split them up into groups. Ultimately the goal is that they enjoy the songs regardless of their language or background.
You recently won a SAMA as well. What went through your head when your name was called?
It is always an honour to receive a SAMA. When I was a youngster I always thought it would be so great to receive something for doing something you love. A SAMA not only means a lot to me, but also to everyone I work with. It’s a tap on the back, a nice one at that.
What do you have planned for the next few months?
At this stage as in the last 5 years, my main focus has been touring. We have never done less than 130 shows per year and I want to continue doing that because I absolutely love it! Then I am also always writing the next project and I guess those 2 aspects enjoy the main focus in my work life, and then I have a beautiful family to love and take care of.
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