London native Alexander Kotz has been making entrancing music since 2013 under the moniker Elderbrook. His musical resume is extensive, as he is a singer, songwriter, producer, and classically trained multi-instrumentalist, and he’s set on taking over the world with his ever-evolving hypnotic melodies. Following up the hype of his recent single “Go”, he has just released his single “Closer”, a love song of a different kind.
“I’ve never been closer to a love gone right” is the takeaway line from this track, as it’s heavily lined with repetition, both in composition and lyrically. It is both a mid-tempo dance track and anecdotal evidence of his evolution as a human being.
We got to chat a little bit with him as he preps for his insane fall tour across the UK. Check it out.
Where did the ‘Elderbrook’ moniker come from?
I was watching a Reggie Watts show. He parodied an English accent and in the midsts of doing so ended up saying “Elderbrook” (suggesting it was a typically English sounding name). At that time I was already using my real name for the acoustic music I was making, and was looking for a new alias through which to release the new, more electronic based music I was starting to experiment with… So I thought I’d use “Elderbrook”
What has influenced you the most as an artist?
I’ve worked with a lot of people in a lot of different genres and this has encouraged me to mix certain aspects of different styles in new ways. I think whats influenced me the most as an artist is the idea of somehow creating something completely new by combining different aspects of the old.
How would you describe your single “Closer?”
“Closer” is, in a way, more electronic than many of my pervious songs. It starts very minimal and dark – kind of drawing on techno vibes. Having said that, the vocal style and the lyrics are much more folk-esque in the verses. Its a song I’ve wanted to do for a long time; combining four to the floor electronic style with folk.
What was your favorite part of creating “Closer”?
Probably recording the backing vocals. I always leave that till the very end and I’ve put them in all over the place in this one. Its a fun thing to do cause when recording the backing vocals I feel like I can get away with singing in new, almost ridiculous ways; as if they are someone else, another character in the song.
Do you have a mantra or favorite saying when creating music?
I kind of just bare in mind that I shouldn’t think too much about it and let the song make itself. If something sounds right just roll with it. If it doesn’t then don’t spend hours making it right.
Do you have any unique preshow rituals?
I always warm up my voice by singing old gospel tunes. I don’t know proper warm up techniques so this has become my ritual in a way. Its usually “Soul Stirrers – Blessed Be the Name” (check it out). I’m not religious… I just love gospel.
What is your favorite part about performing live?
Trying new variations on the original songs. Mainly in my vocals. A lot of the time I’ll be performing and think it would be a good idea to try something different… if it works then thats great and everyone (me included) gets to hear a cool new variation. but if it doesn’t work and sounds shit then, generally speaking, the audience are forgiving and give me a chance to do good again.
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
I would be a domesticated parrot. But my owner would let me fly around when I feel like it. Cause I want to fly but I also like talking.
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Probably a Lebanese mezze platter. Mainly because of the amount of choice in one single meal.
What can we expect next from Elderbrook?
Have been working with Gorgon City on something new. Also playing some dates in America with Hayden James around october and there are some very exciting remixes of “Closer” on the way as well.
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Elderbrook Global Tour Dates
with Gorgon City
Oct 12 – ABC, Glasgow, UK
Oct 13 – The Warehouse Project, Manchester, UK
Oct 14 – Academy, Liverpool, UK
Oct 15 – The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA, Norwich, UK
Oct 18 – Academy, Newcastle, UK
Oct 20 – Rock City, Nottingham, UK
Oct 21 – Academy, London, UK
Oct 22 – Institute, Birmingham, UK
with Hayden James
Oct 25 – Fortune, Vancouver, BC
Oct 26 – Crocodile, Seattle, WA
Oct 27 – Holocene, Portland, OR
Oct 28 – The Independent, San Francisco, CA
Oct 29 – Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO
Nov 2 – Casbah, San Diego, CA
Nov 3 – SOHO Music Club, Santa Barbara, CA
Nov 4 – The Bunkhouse, Las Vegas, NV
Nov 5 – Crescent, Phoenix, AZ
“Closer” is out now via Kobalt.
