Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Elina releases “I Don’t Know Love”; Debut album out October 27
September 29, 2023 BY Emma Orland
Swedish singer-songwriter and Ivor Novello nominee Elina is set to enchant the world once again with her new single ‘I Don’t Know Love’, out today via Nettwerk. The single comes from her upcoming debut album Whatever Happens Now, scheduled for release on 27th October (pre-order here).
‘I Don’t Know Love’ is a story about when you don’t seem to get wiser with time and how confusing and difficult it is to navigate, an elegy about love and about the desperation and hopelessness people can experience in the search for it. Acting as a standout piece in Elina’s album so far, embracing a darker, grander, and more melancholic tone with an opening piano that gradually morphs into a full, sweeping band.
Listen & Share: I Don’t Know Love:
https://elina.ffm.to/idontknowlove
Written throughout the pandemic with two close friends, Whatever Happens Now was a therapeutic experience that helped Elina process and overcome challenges faced at the time, both in her personal and professional lives. The album boasts an array of unforgettable singles, including ‘I Should’ve Danced More’, a gentle reminder that life is short and is happening for us right now. ‘Apologize’, the seed from the entire album—a breath of fresh air, sung out of both desperation, anger, sadness, and most of all relief—is about the realisation that you have to stop living your life for somebody else. Meanwhile, ‘Sweet Night’ drew wide inspiration from the unique and creative landscapes of Sweden’s summer that surround Elina.
Going on to talk about her forthcoming album, she shares that it “… is about closing a chapter. Over the past several years, I’ve learned a lot about acceptance and letting go of resistance. There’s this glimpse of hope and peace to these new songs, which I think comes from a lot of positive change within.”
Nurtured in a small Swedish village embraced by the serene Scandinavian forests, she derives her boundless energy from this idyllic setting. Her artistic journey is influenced by the rich tapestry of ‘60s and ‘70s pop-culture icons, including the likes of Joni Mitchell and The Mamas & The Papas, while also drawing inspiration from the evocative contemporary soundscapes crafted by bands like The Paper Kites. These diverse influences converge to shape her unique musical expression, weaving a captivating narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Elina’s musical talent has garnered widespread acclaim, earning praise from influential tastemakers such as Wonderland, CLASH, The Line of Best Fit, and When The Horn Blows. Her remarkable second single, ‘Here With Me’, even secured a notable sync on US network show, The Bold Type. Since her debut five years ago, Elina’s music consistently graces the top charts on The Hype Machine, whilst amassing a devoted global fanbase of 1.3 million monthly listeners that have streamed her music well over 300 million times.
Elina launched her artist career in April 2018, but her rise to celestial glory began as a songwriter, having co-written the multi-platinum 2016 single ‘Sexual’ for NEIKED, and having penned songs for Zara Larsson, Astrid S, Maroon 5, and SZA, amongst others. As a testament to the strength of her songwriting, Elina has been adorned with nominations for several awards in her native Sweden, including nominations at the prestigious Denniz Pop Awards in 2015 and 2018, and in 2017 she claimed the title of ‘Song of the Year’ at the Swedish Publishing Awards.
Elina will be playing live in London, UK at Omeara on 27th October 2023. Tickets available HERE.
Whatever Happens Now [album tracklisting]:
- Intro
- Apologize
- Before we Fall Asleep
- You Make Me Think of Fire
- Sweet Night
- Whatever Happens Now
- I Should’ve Danced More
- Worst is Over
- I Don’t Know Love