Elujay is an artist and producer from Oakland, California, who has developed a sound influenced by a variety of nostalgic genres. His second album, ‘A Constant Charade,’ will be released this Friday through drink sum wtr.
In this album, Elujay sheds his metaphorical mask, delving into his past and experimenting with found sounds like never before. His R&B foundations blend with elements of yacht rock, sophisti-pop, dancehall, and Al Jeel, alongside the warmth of Lovers Rock and the vibrant influences of his Trinidadian ancestry. The outcome is a dynamic and heartfelt project that examines behavioral cycles, social performance, and the facades we adopt to navigate through life.
In a conversation with Alice Vyvyan-Jones, Elujay reflects on his path toward self-discovery, discussing his shift to solo artistry, the stabilizing influences that keep him grounded in a digital world, and the transformative impact of affirmations and family.
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When did you begin creating music?
I started in 2012, experimenting with beats and rapping. I released some early material in 2014, my first mixtape in 2016, and my initial song as a singer in 2018. I used to be recognized mainly as a rapper, but around 2017, I picked up the guitar and began taking vocals seriously. I realized that I didn't want to compete with other rappers and that I had more to express as a singer, focusing on soulful music that felt authentic to me.
Initially, I wasn’t seeing results; my taste outpaced my skill. Learning to play guitar and sing at the same time was incredibly challenging—I literally taught myself just two weeks before a tour! However, I persevered, experimenting and reassuring myself that I could do it. Eventually, everything clicked, and I began to feel confident as a musician and singer. You just have to have faith in yourself and genuinely believe you can do it.
So, do you believe in manifesting your desires?
Absolutely. I strongly believe in positive affirmations. I aim to speak things into existence or even to feel them as if they’ve already happened—like manifesting that energy, you know? If I’m feeling anxious before a performance, I’ll tell myself, “I just completed an incredible show. This is how I feel after that amazing show.” Then, by the time it’s over, it’s remarkable because I’ve already experienced it mentally.
What you tell yourself is incredibly powerful. That’s how you train your mind to support you, not to undermine you. Often, anxiety can feel like an unwelcome intruder, tricking you into believing false narratives. So yes, staying grounded can be difficult, but that self-talk and those affirmations are what keep me centered.
Who influences your sound?
I’m deeply inspired by Joni Mitchell—she's always been my guiding light. I draw most from the artists I grew up listening to, like Pat Metheny, Prince, and D’Angelo. The guitarist I collaborate with is also a big fan of Pat Metheny, which has naturally influenced our sound. I love seeing artists like Mk.gee and Dijon maintain that vibe, but my true inspiration comes from the music I grew up with.
Who introduced you to music?
Definitely my parents. My dad was a big fan of Sade and D’Angelo, and their music was always playing in our home. I also got into vaporwave around 2014, discovering the artists they sampled, such as Michael McDonald and Hall & Oates. My dad owned a furniture store and received piles of CDs from labels, giving me access to a wide variety of music during my upbringing. That combination of exposure and the internet helped me develop my own tastes early on.
The internet plays an increasingly crucial role in music discovery. In today’s digital landscape, how do you maintain a connection to reality?
I try to engage in activities that bring me joy, like hiking, swimming, and yoga. I write, take walks, stay active, and just drive around—anything to counteract the effects of social media. For my last album, I participated in many hikes, which introduced me to great people, and even fans joined me. I really want to reinstate that. I miss that sense of connection. Before the pandemic, people seemed more engaged—it was easier to captivate their attention. Now, as we progress, we seem to be becoming increasingly disconnected from nature and each other. It was a great way to foster community, and I want to do that more often.
Let’s discuss ‘A Constant Charade.’ What narrative do you wish to convey with this project?
I want to empower people to embrace their true selves and be vulnerable. The album is truly about shedding masks, bypassing small talk, and addressing the deeper issues that lie underneath. We all face pressure to code-switch or adopt a persona, and I’ve experienced burnout
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Elujay is an artist and producer from Oakland, California, who has developed a sound influenced by a mix of nostalgic genres. His second album