Justine Skye’s “Collide” and Justin Bieber’s “I Would” are from two distinct artists with completely contrasting styles, yet a behind-the-scenes force unites them: Elijah Blake.
Since he was fifteen years old, Blake has produced and written some of the most famous, chart-topping tracks in R&B. Using his masterful talent of storytelling, Blake has dominated the music industry, even boasting impressive award recognitions including two Grammys. Over the past ten years, the man behind the hits has been making his own, and most recently, Blake released his single, “Ghostbuster.”
Accompanied by a stunning music video, filled with Blake’s impeccable fashion sense and artistic expression through a black and white lens, it’s no shock that “Ghostbuster” has accumulated major success with more than 70,000 streams on Spotify alone, since its release. The track also includes Blake’s alluring melodies and captivating lyrical rifts and choruses, and is only one of many unforgettable songs that will be on his upcoming album, elijah.
The Knockturnal caught up with Blake in an interview where he gave insight into his next project, his journey as a solo artist, and this new chapter in his career.
The Knockturnal: Your recent single, “Ghostbuster,” has been captivating audiences. What inspired it, and how does “Ghostbuster” represent the overall direction you’re taking with your upcoming album, elijah?
Elijah Bake: The sonic experience of that record is mostly why I felt it should be the lead single off of the project. There’s really a cool blend of experimentation with live instruments such as the electric guitar wailing in the beginning to those orchestral strings that play peekaboo throughout that ultimately really brings the song home at the end. Lyrically I also feel there’s a ghost in everyone’s life some of us even more than just one that we can find a link to in this story. I love watching that connection happen with the listener most of all.
The Knockturnal: You’ve written smash hits for major artists like Usher, Rihanna, and Rick Ross. How does your songwriting process differ when crafting songs for yourself versus other artists?
Elijah Bake: The process for myself is extremely different seeing as how it’s often easier for me to help tell someone else’s story rather than my own. Strange. I know. My songs are so personal though so there’s always a tug of war internally before I go in the booth in regards to how much I’m willing to share that day or even prepared to relive. That is the greatest gift & cost of art in my opinion. I’m getting better at it and realizing the more honest I am the more lives can be touched through song & ultimately the feeling of community.
The Knockturnal: What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards of transitioning to being an independent artist?
Elijah Bake: Ownership! It may sound simple but Prince & Michael literally died trying to drive this point home. The fact that we as talent can have that opportunity because greats like them, Nina Simone & Hov fought so hard for it should tell you something. Having something I can leave my family with or just overall say so in my legacy matters a lot to me & should to all artists.
The Knockturnal: Can you talk about some of the themes or ideas you explore in elijah, and what are you most excited for fans to hear on the album?
Elijah Bake: I’m super excited for this project to really bring all the elements that make me who I am into one body of work. You get the church boy, you get the stories, you get the diaspora tones & cadences that I’ve come to find is signature to how I write and execute my vocal delivery. Musically this is the most free I’ve ever allowed myself to be. I’m sure every artist should feel like this for every project but it’s been a long time coming for me in this space and I’m extremely hopeful that it stays this way & gets better with the ones to follow.
The Knockturnal: As a constantly evolving artist, what keeps you driven to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues in your music?
Elijah Bake: Reinvention is the most fun part of the process. Finding characters within your consciousness & personality then being able to decorate them. Bringing them to life, watching people be liberated by your expression of self is the greatest reward.
Fans can listen to elijah on all music streaming platforms, dropping this spring.
Photo Credit: Maro Hagopian
