Eleri Ward is a singer/songwriter originally from Chicago but now based in New York City. A theatrical and unique songstress, we at Mesmerized have been keeping close tabs on her recently, and were thrilled when she agreed to have a little chat with us!
Having just released (literally a few hours ago) the first single from her forthcoming album, ‘There You Go’ is a tune that marks a new sonic adventure in the artist’s journey. Entirely pieced together by Eleri, it also showcases her impeccable production skills.
Talking with us about her hopes for ‘There You Go’, her adoration for fellow musician Caroline Polachek, and why she can’t wait for her new album to come out, please welcome our new friend Eleri Ward!
Hi Eleri, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! I’m so excited to introduce you to our ever-growing audience! Let’s kick things off with an easy one…What first drew you to music, and how did you discover your passion for it?
I’ve been drawn to music since birth. I was told stories of me humming endlessly as a baby and toddler, making up melodies without knowing I was doing it. I even asked my mom if I could take violin lessons at 2 years old because “I used to play”.
My family believes I was a musician in a past life because of it, and I believe it too because the second I picked up a violin I knew how to hold it and play it. And while I no longer play the violin, every instrument I have picked up since feels like an organic language for me to speak. Even if I don’t know exactly what I’m saying, I still feel at ease with the language.
We’ve been fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at your brand new single ‘There You Go’, and it’s a deeply compelling piece of music that, quite frankly, has stolen our hearts. We’re thrilled to finally be able to share it with the world and wondered what you hope listeners take from it.
I hope people listen to this song and take a few things from it. Firstly, as always, I hope people listen and feel empowered to be themselves, sing authentically, and make music that is true to who they are. I hope by doing that myself it inspires others to do the same.
Secondly, I hope people who believe in karma, justice, and humility feel as though the right thing, the moral thing, and the true thing will always overcome ego, corruption, and blind entitlement. Even in a world where we don’t necessarily see those justices carried out, may we still have faith in the goodness of humanity overcoming the evils of insecurity.
Which of your songs would you select to skyrocket to the top of the charts and achieve massive success?
I have a couple of favourite tracks on my upcoming album that I would choose for this, but you’ll just have to decide for yourself what those tracks are when the album comes out 😉
You made quite a name for yourself with your collection of imaginative cover songs of the late great composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. What connected you to Sondheim’s work and was it a challenge to reinvent it?
Since my early teen years, I have always been drawn to Sondheim’s depiction of the human condition, which inherently dances between dark and light, bitter and sweet, pain and pleasure. I don’t think anything is challenging when you’re working and creating from a place of pure enjoyment. I didn’t even see what I was doing as reinvention. Ignorance is bliss.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? And who would I see under “Recently Played” on your streaming service of choice?
Caroline Polachek, Sufjan Stevens, Caroline Polachek, Lianne La Havas, Caroline Polachek, Andrew Bird, Caroline Polachek, Father John Misty, Caroline Polachek, Joao Gilberto, Caroline Polachek, Eloise, Caroline Polachek, Jade, Caroline Polachek, James Blake, Caroline Polachek, St. Vincent, Caroline Polachek.
When you’re not creating music, what keeps you busy and happy? Walk us through a non-music day in the life of Eleri Ward.
Journaling, coffee, reading, walking, pilates, lunches with friends, dinners with friends, cooking at home with my husband, movies with my husband, loving my dog, working as an actor on new musicals, seeing shows, and drinking wine.
If you were allowed to collaborate with any musician or band, who would you choose and why?
I know this may seem to be a surprise after my response to question 5, but I would have to say Caroline Polachek 😂
She’s the artist who drastically changed my life by way of reawakening myself. I heard her music and immediately realised I had been suppressing my authentic voice because of the way musical theatre conditions people to sing. I feel like our sensibilities are very similar and our blend could be lethal.
Thanks again for chatting with us Eleri! It’s been a treat getting to know you better! What comes next for you musically?
I’m so excited to be releasing new music that is all my own. Everything you hear on every track I’m soon to release is me. After being so known for acoustic covers, I’m excited to open up a whole new realm for listeners to get to know the true me through my original tunes. This is the music that I identify with the most. This is the me I identify with the most. Blending electronic sounds with acoustic textures, living in an ethereal and poetic space, letting my voice be exactly what it is without alteration, and making melodies that move with fluidity and surprise. I’m so at home in the music I’m coming out with and it couldn’t make me happier. Thank you for letting me share it with you!
