Elina Talks New EP, Single And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Fifth Element PR
Swedish singer-songwriter and Ivor Novello nominee Elina returns with her stirring new single ‘Scars’, a heartfelt duet with acclaimed British artist James TW. Her new EP ‘‘A Place I Recognize’ is released on Friday 14th November 2025. Elina spoke to us all about her new music here:
What is your earliest musical memory?
The first very vivid one is a Shania Twain concert in Stockholm with my parents. It was magical – the excitement, the energy, all the people. I remember the clothes they wore and how it felt hearing the songs live that we’ve listened to so many times in the car as a family and yea, it was the most beautiful night. I’ll never forget it.
When did you begin songwriting?
I’ve always been into writing in general but the more serious songwriting began around fourteen I would say. My songs were never less than seven minutes long and had the most incoherent structures!
You have your second EP ‘A Place I Recognise’ being released on 14th November 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?
With as little pressure as possible. I’m in a place in life where I strive to feel good in everything I do, so I wanted to approach this project as healthily as possible.
Where did you record the EP and who produced it?
I recorded it together with Anton Franzon and Max Thulin, who are the producers, in my home studio. Anton and I live in a small town called Karlsborg in Sweden, close to where I grew up, and we’ve turned our guest house in the garden into a studio. This is actually the first project we’ve made there, which feels really nice.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
It’s been a super easy and relaxed process, it’s lovely working with friends who make you feel safe. I remember me and Anton sitting at McDonalds waiting for our order, when we got the message that James TW wanted to join ’Scars’, the first single from the EP. Great moment!
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
We’ve recorded all vocals on a vintage Neumann U87 that I bought a couple years ago, which has been so much fun to record with. I’m starting to get more and more interested in equipment that brings out the best in your performance and vocals, which plays a huge part in how you feel about the end result.
You also have your new single ‘Scars’ featuring James TW released on 29th August 2025. What was the story/inspiration behind the track? How did the collaboration with James TW arise?
I went to London in January to have a session with James and Mikey Gormley. We wrote two songs, ’Scars’ being one of them, and I lived with it for quite some time before I asked Anton and Max to help me make a proper recording of it. We really loved how it turned out, and I sent it to James but never expected him to be keen. I’m really honoured to release a song with him, he’s incredible.
Is the single accompanied by a visualiser?
Yes! We’ll be releasing a performance video and a lyric video both shot by Glynn Parkinson, he’s amazing.
Does the EP’s title have a specific meaning/significance?
It’s about finally recognising yourself again, if that makes sense. The person who was gone for so long finally starts to appear again, once you start being true to yourself.
Was it a difficult EP to write?
I would say the songs came pretty effortlessly. I write a lot more directly inspired by what’s currently happening in my life nowadays than when I first released my own stuff, like literally, and that is so much easier. It’s way more vulnerable but it’s really the most natural thing to do as a songwriter I believe.
Who designed the EP artwork?
Her name is Natalie Michele, an incredible London based photographer who joined our video shoot in London in July.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Karlsborg – stillness, calmness, nature, water, sunsets.
How do you look after your voice?
I hate to admit it, but I’m so bad at vocal care. I haven’t toured that much so I haven’t had a proper reason to learn how to really keep it in shape but I try my best to warm up before recording and before shows (not just the voice, but the muscles in the neck and shoulders), and I use this resonance tube phonation that you stick in a bottle of water and blow into. It’s weird, really. Haha.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
Always keen to come play in the UK!
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
To bring people together and to give people something that helps them feel better, in any way.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I’ve always had a soft spot for very reverb-drenched electric guitars in interludes, intros and outros. It’s so beautiful to blend in pads and some soft vocals and harmonies on top of that.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
I loved a novel called The Call of the Wild by Jack London. I don’t know, there’s just something about that story that spoke to me at an early age (I’ve always loved nature and animals), and I can hear the music in my head that I would write with that story in mind.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
I have so many.. I’ve always been into rock music, I grew up listening to Kiss and Def Leppard which then turned into Thirty Seconds to Mars and Switchfoot in my teens. Nowadays it’s a little bit of everything, but I really love a band called The Paper Kites. Their musical world is something I’ve drawn inspiration from for so long now, they’re amazing.
What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice songwriter?
Always protect your creativity and always seek legal advice before signing anything.
What makes Elina happy and what makes you unhappy?
A cozy night in, in good company with a great series and awesome food – that makes me happy. Stress makes me really unhappy, haha!
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Fifth Element PR
Elina’s new single featuring James TW ‘Scars’ is out now.
Her new EP ‘A Place I Recognize’ is released on Friday 14th November 2025.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinasongs/
Official Website: https://www.elinasongs.com/
