Pop-Culturalist.com

All eyes are on alt-pop artist Cori Elliott, who’s experienced nothing short of a remarkable rise in the music industry. This August, she is releasing her gripping six-track EP, Between Two Places, and she’s already giving listeners a taste of what’s to come with her pulsating and sonically immersive lead single, “Eyes.” We caught up with Cori to learn more about her and the big year ahead.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Cori: The reality is I started learning how to play guitar out of rivalry. My best friend in elementary school told me he was going to start learning. I thought “Well, I’m going to learn how to play guitar too!” Once I started lessons, I started to dive deep into the musical histories of the artists and bands I was learning songs from. Who were their influences before them and before them? My knowledge of those things—and once I got good enough at guitar to write songs—is what really sparked my deep passion for music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Cori: A few different things. Bob Dylan really got me into songwriting, especially in the realm of lyrics. I went to Amoeba Records in Los Angeles and bought all his early stuff on CD. Singing-wise, I would say Billie Holiday. I would listen to her and those old jazz singers on repeat, singing along, trying to nail their phrasing.

I would say LA as well. When I moved here in high school, I never thought I’d be doing music. From the influence of the city itself to all the people I’ve met along the way who have helped me and seen my potential.

PC: You have a new single out now. Tell us about “Eyes” and the inspiration behind the song.
Cori: The inspiration behind “Eyes” comes from the tug of war of bettering yourself versus changing yourself for the person you’re with but then coming to the conclusion that maybe that edge and those off-kilter/unique qualities you possess have been the attraction the whole time and ultimately, owning it.

PC: You’re also releasing your debut solo EP, Between Two Places, later this summer. What can fans expect?
Cori: Fans can expect my wide array of influences coming through each track in their own way. Sonically and musically, there’s a plethora of sounds that really help illuminate the message of the songs.

PC: What did you learn about yourself while putting together the collection?
Cori: Because I wrote all of these songs on guitar first, I learned how malleable my songs can be and that you can approach songs in many ways. I did decide to sit on the songs for a while while in the process of mixing them to get a fresh perspective. In the process of making and creating, you get so close to them and can sometimes lose your objective perspective. In some ways it tested my patience, but you spend so much time and work on them, you just want them to be right. I really felt how many different influences I have and honestly was unsure if it would be too drastic, but ultimately, I felt it could be my strength.

PC: f you had to pick one song off of Between Two Places that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Cori: I would have to say “Lie To Me.” It’s moody and intimate. It’s got an interesting-sounding beat that grabs you right away and encompasses a cinematic landscape full of highs and lows. As an artist, I definitely want people to feel many emotions when listening to my songs—to be taken on a journey and be moved by the end of it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Cori: [laughs] Probably Britney Spears’ song “Toxic.”

PC: First album you bought?
Cori: The first album I remember buying is blink-182’s Take Off Your Pants And Jacket.

PC: First concert you attended?
Cori: The first concert is kind of blurry. I think my mom took me to see Switchfoot.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Cori: Honestly, there are a lot, but I really remember Jeff Buckley’s Grace changing my life because he was such a gifted singer yet there was so much rawness there too. The production of that album is beautiful, and the arrangements are so great. He was super special

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Cori: I think it’s the Wiltern in Los Angeles. I love the history of the building and the art deco design of it. It’s a bit nostalgic too because I’ve seen so many good shows there.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Cori: My thirty-five-millimeter film camera, gummy bears, and jalapeño Kettle chips.

To keep up with Cori, follow her on Instagram and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Eyes” today.