Damsel Elysium

Name, where are you from?
Damsel Elysium, born and raised in London.

Describe your style in three words?
Past, Present, Future. 

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Oliver Coates at the Jazz Cafe back in 2019, it was just before I returned to playing my violin and that's where I realised the power of stringed instruments and fell in love with music once again. I was completely under his spell. The way he looked up above in the light, I saw he was in true sonic bliss and I've admired that ever since. It's a show that changed my life.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Unsure of bands but absolutely Kate Bush and Tchaikovsky. I resonate with their sounds and their worlds, they tell abstract stories and emotions and I hope that's what I'm trying to do with my own work. 

Which Subcultures have influenced you?
I honestly don't know what I am influenced by, I suppose there's so many of them they have all merged into one thing for me. As a kid I've wanted nothing but to be dress like a Victorian or Rococo style, I was classically trained but my tastes were always quite eclectic, I grew up listening to my mum's jazz records and my dad's alternative hip hop instrumentals, I suppose I've always been drawn to film music... but I don't really think in genres or subcultures, I'm just drawn to things that evoke certain feelings.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Muhammad Ali, to understand his intense focus, mental power, faith, and physical determination.

Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
I seem to be at the Purcell Room at Southbank Centre quite often and have seen some wonderful gigs there. It's cosy and intimate and the sound in the room is just perfect. I've seen all kinds of things there and with the company of a good friend of mine, it has become our little home or it's like going to church. 

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
My wonderful friend Aden.