Elkvilla – Better To You (2023)
Founded when the world was facing uncertainty, instability and change in 2019/2020, Adam Dudek took a bold step forward with his solo project Elkvilla. From his debut single ‘Through The Winter’ to ‘Hunting’, ‘Just Kids’ and the EP Strangers, he entranced listeners with his charismatic music. Not only was he turning heads, but it was on an international scale to great critical acclaim; in fact, Elkvilla has appeared on ABC and BBC television broadcasts alongside coverage from global blogs and playlists. Described as delightful, wonderfully warm, wistful and achingly beautiful, the masterful artist uses his indie-folk sound to endear, enchant and escape.
When we left Berlin-based Dudek he was taking a nostalgic walk down memory lane reminiscing on youth and young love in ‘Just Kids’. Skip ahead a couple of years and we find his new single ‘Better To You’ exploring the same intricate experiences of human relationships. Exploring human fragility in a delicate way, Dudek’s rich vocals capture feelings of vulnerability, confusion and melancholy in ‘Better To You’. Yet, while there is a painful loss, the poetic lyricism offers ideas of empowerment, resilience and hopeful acceptance. Dudek explains:
“’Better To You’ started with the line “I am the salt in your wound” and is about how you stay with somebody even when there is pain. However, this person overcomes it by self-empowerment which is reinforced by the hopeful guitars and textures.”
As the moving lyricism captures the core of this complex theme, the melody plays it out in a sweep of sound. An ethereal combination of hazy keys tipped by a wistful guitar gives the impression of stepping out into a kaleidoscopic sonic fog. With his rich vocals, Dudek holds your hand navigating through the mist to a brighter light on the other side.
After taking almost two years’ break to work on his production skills, ‘Better To You’ shows growth and evolution in Dudek’s music. A rawness exists on ‘Better To You’ but the arrangement and production seem more sophisticated than previous material. An intriguing element is how the melody expresses poignant intensity in wistful indie-folk before shifting to a bold, confident tone filled with tender clarity and optimism. The thing is, while this shift is noticeable it is not plastered together like two styles with sticky type but an elegant swoop retaining a tender sincerity without.
For more from Elkvilla, check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
