Elmiene has truly experienced an impressive overnight success, one that is well-deserved. Since his inaugural live performance featuring original songs in early 2023, he has been making waves globally with headline tours, increasingly prominent festival appearances, and millions of streams.
At the Jazz Cafe Festival, he was scheduled for the second-to-last slot on the main stage, but the set started late due to the preceding act. Fortunately, we were not deprived of a full performance, and he managed to deliver most of his expected time on stage. In his early performances, Elmiene played with a live band, and today, he retains those same musicians, albeit with a few additional members to reflect his rising status.
Dressed in a custom denim two-piece suit made by his housemate Jasper Lin (along with fellow housemate Jack Pluckrose of SoftLife who creates all his attire), his commanding presence was evident even before he sang a single note. Opening with ‘Marking My Time’, Elmiene enchants the audience with an introduction to his impressive vocal range. His soothing poetry and effortless singing gently transition us into other tracks, including the beautiful ‘Mad At Fire’ and his most commercially successful song thus far, ‘Someday’.
One standout aspect of an Elmiene performance is the contrast between his deeply emotional and hypnotic tracks and his casual chats with the audience. While it’s not uncommon for artists to engage with their fans, what’s noteworthy is his remarkably casual, friendly demeanor. It creates a disconnect between the introspective singer of "Crystal Tears" and his down-to-earth interactions, which only endears him to the audience more. You come to recognize that he is a genuine individual, wise beyond his years and overflowing with musical talent, rather than a distant guru of poetry.
A few hours before his performance, we had the opportunity to converse with Elmiene about his remarkable journey thus far, his preference for shorter festival sets, and how a video game inspired the song ‘Mad At Fire’.
Clash: The first time I experienced your music was in 2023 at the House of KOKO, and I was captivated.
Elmiene: That was my debut show as Elmiene with original songs, distinct from my very first performance in Streatham at an event called Vocals & Verses, where I sang covers a year earlier.
Your rise has been swift, transforming your life since that first show. When did you realize, "Things are really changing for me"?
About a year ago, I was in a room writing with Ray [Raphael Saadiq]. He said, “This is amazing, I want to play some bass,” and watching him play bass on my track made me think, “This is it.”
Which stage or audience has surprised you the most thus far?
One of my favorite performances was during my tour in America last year. We had a festival spot in the middle of our tour, having driven from Pennsylvania to Atlanta, then on to Texas. They initially told us we had a 50-minute set, but it turned out to be just 15 minutes. I was thrilled, as I was exhausted, and we could only manage four songs. Even then, we received signals from the side saying, “You need to cut it short.” My fans were confused, wondering what was happening, while I tried to explain, “Guys, it’s been real.” By the time I performed, it felt like it ended too quickly.
I also saw your headlining show at the Jazz Cafe later that year and at various festivals like All Points East. Which do you prefer: headline shows or festival stages?
I tend to be quite lazy, which influences my preferences. My absolute favorite is a 3 PM set at a daytime festival; nothing beats that. It’s frustrating now because I’m doing well enough to be just before the headliner, and I’m not satisfied. I don’t typically go to festivals myself, I’ve only attended my own shows. I’m starting to adapt; I don’t drink or indulge in anything that would make three hours of standing feel like a breeze.
I began enjoying festivals more because now that I finish my set by 3:30 PM, all my friends are around, and I can explore. There’s usually a nice artist camp where everyone mingles, which is enjoyable.
Do you feel nervous before performing?
I won’t lie and say I don’t feel nervous; it's mainly because I’m eager to get off stage. I enjoy my time once I’m up there, but everything leading up to it is uncomfortable. Plus, I know that what comes after performing is typically more enjoyable than being on stage. If you told me right now, "surprise, you're on in 5 minutes," I would genuinely love it—I’d be thrilled.
You’ve never attended live shows, yet possess the wisdom of a much older individual at just 24. How did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
I
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Elmiene is truly a genuine overnight success, and one that is well-deserved. Since his initial live performance featuring original songs in early 2023,