Elmiene has been building his catalog one song at a time since releasing his debut single “Golden” in 2021. He’s subsequently amassed a healthy fanbase and dropped numerous singles, several remixes, a few EPs and even a live album late last year. All of these drops have prepared him for his biggest one yet: his debut album sounds for someone. He began the rollout in December with the lead track “Cry Against The Wind,” and now that the project has been announced and is scheduled to arrive in March, he shares his latest single “Reclusive” and its visual.
“Reclusive” grew from a real-life situation for Elmiene, and its lyrics were inspired by a hip-hop legend.
“I’m grateful for a pretty debilitating sickness I had in December 2024, it’s the reason this song exists,” the British-Sudanese artist shared via press release. “When writing ‘Reclusive,’ the goal was to make it painfully autobiographical, zooming in on the most mundane moment of my life and seeing if it could carry a song. Turns out it could.”
“Biz Markie was a huge inspiration; he mastered making everyday life feel funny, honest and memorable, all tied together with a genius hook,” he continued. “I’m trying my best to do the same here.”
Elmiene did more than try — he accomplished his mission with the help of producer Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman. Over a simple foundation of piano and drums that evolves into a bit of a bop when more instruments come in, Elmiene sings an anthem for anyone who battles between craving their solitude and wanting to be social.
He shares his innermost thoughts and gets real with himself throughout the lyrics. “I ain’t even gonna lie / Not a social butterfly / I keep to myself / I think I need a little bit of time away / Is it healthy to be this alone? / Wonder should I take a stroll / Should I just go outside?” he ponders on the second pre-chorus that leads into the catchy chorus. “’Cause I get so reclu— / I get so reclusive,” he sings.
In the music video for “Reclusive,” Elmiene finds himself on a packed elevator surrounded by a cast of rowdy characters. He looks drained and pained as he sings the lyrics and is forced to interact with those around him. He plays the role and goes through the motions, shaking hands and dapping people up, but all this activity is clearly exhausting him. Folks enter and exit the elevator as it travels from floor to floor, but it’s not until everyone leaves and Elmiene is all alone that he can exhale and feel like himself again.
- Advertisement -“Reclusive” and “Cry Against The Wind” are two of the dozen songs that will be included on sounds for someone. The album features duets with Raphael Saadiq and Baby Rose and production from Sampha, No I.D., Gitty, Saadiq and more.
Elmiene’s sounds for someone will be released on Friday, March 27th by Def Jam Recordings. The album is available for pre-save/pre-order now.
- Advertisement -Elmiene sounds for someone tracklist:
1. Moment
2. Cry Against The Wind
3. Saviour
4. Reclusive
5. Time Doesn’t Heal
6. Honour feat. Baby Rose
7. Don’t Say Maybe
8. Special
9. Lie With Me
10. Light By The Window feat. Raphael Saadiq
11. Lonely People
12. Told You I’ll Make It
