Elsa Jayne

"I have long considered the creative impulse to be a visit — a thing of grace, perhaps. Not commanded, owned, so much as awaited, prepared for. A thing, also, of mystery."

•Loreena McKennitt

Elsa Jayne recently met acclaimed Celtic/World songstress "music hero" Loreena McKennitt.

"Although the music genres are different, I think she has influenced my new songs." says Jayne. "For my first album (2008's "Elsa Jayne") I was figuring my (folk-pop) musical sound out. And my voice has matured since then. I am inspired by how Loreena controls her voice because she sings pretty classically," notes Jayne adding that her upcoming EP, electro-synth pop "fantasy adventure" "Heart" is also more "musically themed."

Jayne's faith has an underlying tone and presence in every song she writes. She often prays for inspiration and "lyrical depth" in her songwriting process which explores many themes from her personal and married life, (with musician/writer Graham Ruck) to nature, and God.

Clad in signature floppy hat, Jayne, also models for her pal's downtown Kitchener fair trade clothing store in addition to playing at many fundraisers for various social issues. She has the same visual vibe as a modern day Michelle Phillips from '60s folk rockers The Mamas and the Papas. Jayne's ethereal vocals summon the mystery of McKennitt, the spiritual vibe of Christian musicians LaRue and the cool indie pop beat of singers Robyn and Lights. But within the creative pulse and wonder of "Heart" there also beats an '80s essence which hearkens back to Jane Siberry, ("Flowers") and The Spoons for the EP's "Nova Heart" like title track.

Jayne started playing piano at age six, then studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music. At Bible college she embraced singing and songwriting. She then enrolled in a classical upright bass program with K-W Symphony associate principal double bassist George Greer.

And though the petite beauty was adept at playing upright bass, it was Greer who told her "to let the bass go" and follow her true singer/songwriter's heart. Jayne played the coffee house/café circuit with Stratford musician Jeese Maranger, and their band Chicago Fire. She met fellow socially conscious songsters Richard Garvey and Janice Lee, at the (now defunct) Branches View From Here house concerts and JoJo Worthington at Queen Street Commons.

Alt-folk release "Elsa Jayne" was recorded at Sundown Studios in Guelph produced by Jordan Valeriote (Nick Johnson, Intervals).

But a brief move to downtown Montreal, in 2011, fuelled Jayne's interest in the "sparkles and sequins" of electro/synth/pop. Upon her return to K-W, Jayne had several songs ready to record.

Cue producer Eric Duerrstein from DSP Studios (Beat Noir, Craig Cardiff) who immediately understood "the oomph and the pace" of Jayne's new full synth pop sound. "Heart" also features the drum beats of Jayne's husband Graham Ruck.

One "Heart"-song is about to receive a most unusual music video treatment. Jayne is also a proud member of Mississauga's Scugog Island Anishinaabe First Nation. Thanks to recent arts funding, Jayne will honour and represent her ancestry by creating a full ribbon regalia fancy shawl dance for "Heart" track "Fourteen Days" to be produced by Erik O'Neill of Hey Cadet Films.

"You are supposed to look like a butterfly floating on the ground." Jayne exclaims. "The song's beat lends itself really well to the steps, I'm excited for it!"


www.coralandrews.ca - The Record

"Anthemic, dreamy synth-pop that gets stuck in your head for days." - CBC Music

Come be captivated by the dreamy voice of Kitchener, ON’s Elsa Jayne. Her smooth and sultry delivery pairs perfectly with the dulcet synpthpop tones of her music. Jayne, a First Nation artist, has had a busy year, releasing new EP HEART this past March and playing live in and around Southern Ontario.

Jayne also recently filmed a beautifully shot video for the EP’s lead track, “Fourteen Days” in which she dances fancy shawl. If you’re in the Kitchener-Waterloo area this month, be sure to catch her live with Scary Bear Soundtrack at Seven Shores Urban Market & Cafe in Waterloo. More Elsa Jayne live date information is available here. - Quick Before It Melts