Eljuri joined the Anara Publishing roster at the beginning of 2018. We sat down with her to find out more about her influences and any advice she has for aspiring songwriters.
1. Tell us about how you started making music.
My introduction to music was as a young child. I would sit under the piano listening to my mother playing her beautiful compositions (tangos, boleros, pasillos). That’s when I fell in love with music and started playing piano at 5 years old. I moved on to singing, learning guitar, songwriting and leading my own all-original bands.
2. How important do you think music publishing is to emerging artists in today’s industry?
Publishing is a critical arm to a songwriter’s career as it offers a wonderful platform for the song to get better reach and to integrate with visual imagery. Music publishing is particularly critical in today’s industry where record sales do not provide the same financial support that they once did. As a performing songwriter, publishing not only furthers the exposure of my songs but also expands my fan base as an artist.
3. What is Eljuri’s typical songwriting process?
This is a tough one as initial ideas for songs come from many different starting points. This can be a lyrical phrase (in Spanish or English or both), a cool guitar lick, a hooky groove or bass-line. Once I am inspired with the seed of an idea, I often pick up an acoustic or electric guitar to flesh out the song itself. Once the song feels fully developed, I work out the entire arrangement in my home studio using a Pro Tools rig. This includes lead and harmonic vocals, guitars, bass, keys, drums, and percussion. In my intense songwriting phases, I am often locked up in my studio for many hours and days at a time. Especially when preparing for the recording of a new album release!
4. Describe a pivotal music moment for you in your favourite film, television show, brand partnership etc. Has this influenced any of your own compositions?
I wouldn’t say that my compositions are influenced per se but I am inspired by complimentary visuals. A perfectly placed song can transform a movie scene. I so enjoy the marriage of visual and audio and how much more powerful each can be with the support of the other. Some of my very favourite song pairings in TV and film are:
Big Little Lies (soundtrack including PJ Harvey, Martha Wainwright)
Slumdog Millionaire (M.I.A “Paper Planes”)
In the Name of the Father (Sung by Sinead O’Connor, co-written by Bono “You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart”)
Trainspotting (Underworld – “Born Slippy”)
Weeds (Malvina Reynolds, “Little Boxes”)
5. Do you have any advice for aspiring songwriters?
It’s so important to learn the craft of songwriting. This is different than singing or being a musician, engineer or producer. Musicianship absolutely helps you have more tools available to you when creating the composition. Listen to your favorite songs, dissect the structure and study what you like about them. When you write a song, open up your heart. Be yourself and be honest as that will connect the listener to your message. Remember that the creation of the song is finished when it can stand on its own without major instrumental accompaniment or arrangements. Is the melody memorable? Do the lyrics flow and tell a story? Most importantly, tell your unique story through your songs.
To find out more about Eljuri, take a listen to her music.