Behind The Door

Eliza Delf and The Wilderness

21/08/24

I have always believed that the power of nature and music are so similar- their beauty can be interpreted differently by each person, and they allow ourselves to be entirely immersed by their intensity.

Recently, I discovered an incredible musician whose band combines the energy of nature and music effortlessly- ‘Eliza Delf and the Wilderness’!

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to catch up with Eliza to discover when her journey as a musician began, the inspiration and creative process of the band, as well as their plans for the future, too!

When did your journey as a musician begin?

I’ve always loved singing, but I’ve only recently started to view myself as a musician. I was classically trained originally but started writing my own music at the end of high school. I took my first serious step as a songwriter when I recorded at the Mill Studio in south Norfolk during sixth form, recording some original songs. The next big step was recording my debut album, Into the Wilderness, with the amazing producer Jon Loomes up in West Yorkshire. Perhaps the most important moments, however, were my first proper live performances, the second of which was a headline gig at the Norwich Arts Centre, in my hometown. This was the first time I felt like a musician.

What inspired you to pursue music?

I’ve always pursued music, I think that was just a natural occurrence. But there are definitely figures that I look up to, Florence Welch, Kate Bush, Thom Yorke... Perhaps more unusually, the groundbreaking writer Angela Carter had a big influence on my music, and how I write lyrics, drawing on the dark and dramatic.

What was the inspiration behind the name of your band, ‘Eliza Delf and the Wilderness’?

The image of the wilderness ran through a lot of the songs on the album, which partly inspired the name Into the Wilderness, so when I put a band together it seemed a natural next step.

How would you describe your music?

I draw on so many different things that it’s quite difficult for me to define it too tightly. Reviewers and radio presenters have suggested that whilst it’s quite genre-defying, there are elements of indie art-rock, gothic melodrama, and flavours of folk-noir in the lyrics and imagery.

What impact do you aim to have on those who listen to your music?

Firstly, I want them to enjoy the music, but beyond that I hope they’re able to find their own interesting interpretation of what it means, and how it might relate to them. There are songs that have resonated with me and stayed with me for years, so if I can do that for someone else that would be really special.

Explain your creative process with music!

Usually I write lyrics like poems, and then work at the keyboard building up chords and melodic lines that capture the mood of what I’m writing. From there I’ll spend time building the structures (verses, choruses, bridges) and bring the song in its entirety out of that initial creative moment. Finally, I’ll take it to the band, and they’ll help me ‘produce’ it, adding their own creative ideas to the arrangement.

Do you like to experiment with your music?

I don’t experiment for the sake of experimentation, but I do push myself to be as creative and adventurous as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge during your musical career so far (and how have you overcome this)?

My first pretty big stumbling block was that when I was writing and recording my first album, some mental health issues worsened by lockdown made performing seem pretty unlikely. The next biggest challenge I’ve faced is something I think all musicians creating original music will relate to, which is a lack of funding and resources to help break into what is a very competitive industry. I’ve been very lucky to have support from people I’ve met and have come to see us play, so I hope to build on that and continue developing my music and taking it to a wider audience. On a personal level, family-support and outside support had an incredible effect on me, and I now view performing live as one of my great joys.

What power do you believe music has?

I think it has the power to create a visceral reaction in people, which can create deep, emotional connections. The intention of the person creating the music and the context within which it’s listened to can determine how powerful this effect is. I’ve had moments on stage where I get really lost in the music the way people get lost in the audience.

What do you love most about the local music scene of Norwich/ Norfolk (and how has it been to work with so many through recent gigs and performances)?

I’ve met some very talented people in Norwich and Norfolk working on impressive projects, and I’ve been lucky enough to share a stage with quite a few of them, which is always exciting. I think collaboration with people you enjoy working with is important.

Have you got any plans for the rest of 2024?

I do! We’re working towards recording the second album and will be releasing the first single later this year with the album scheduled to come out in the Spring. In addition to talking to venues across the country we’ll also be organising a headline gig
in Norwich to celebrate the single release – watch this space.

And, if you want to keep up to date with the work (and fantastic music!) of ‘Eliza Delf and the Wilderness’, then you can check out their Instagram (@elizadelfmusic)!