Elderbrook explains how his debut album ‘Why Do We Shake In The Cold?’ intricately explores themes of identity, emotion and the importance of human connection.
The Grammy and Ivor Novello-nominated producer and musician Elderbrook is a unique artist who has crossed over the electronic space, making emotive, uplifting music with a sensitive storytelling element attached to everything’s he’s released to date.
With collaborations already in the bag from Camelphat, Diplo, Black Coffee, Rudimental and Martin Garrix, Elderbrook has earnt a revered reputation as a live act, multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer/songwriter. Along with garnering notable recognition from tastemakers across within the industry.
His latest debut album ‘Why Do We Shake In The Cold?’ intricately explores themes of identity, emotion and the importance of human connection. His soft, melancholic vocals build into something euphoric while still managing to sound beautifully low-key.
Speaking on the album’s narrative, Elderbrook tells us:
“It’s all about human interaction and the way that we need one another as people. I think it’s really important, especially now, that people recognise it’s ok to feel lonely and to struggle sometimes but in talking and sharing that with others we can help to ease the burden a little.”
The album takes you on a vivid journey through personal relationships and how they better you in the long run. He manages to capture the importance of surrounding yourself with people over possessions for true fulfilment.
Elderbrook’s theory on why people shake in the cold could be a metaphor used to explain why as humans we feel loneliness and how we need other people to enrich our lives.
“Through lock down the idea of needing others became even more prevalent. I found that I didn’t miss going for dinners or travelling the world, which I’ve been lucky enough to do, what I really missed was being able to see the people I love,” he wrote.
Whilst keeping creative in isolation, the one-to-watch polymath continues to show his versatility as an artist with his ‘Quarantine Global Livestream Digital Tour’ which has surpassed over 250k views across all platforms; keeping his community entertained live and direct from his own home during lockdown.
The 11-record collective in its entirety explores themes of identity, emotion and the importance of human connection. Whilst displaying the breadth and versatility of his songwriting.
Speaking on the title track itself Elderbrook suggests that by incarnating shaking in the cold, shows people around you how they’re needed and how it’s not only a biological reaction to the physical cold but an emotional reaction linked to a deeper longing: “The ‘shaking’ could be all the small ways that we show someone that we need them.”
The stand-out single “Something About You” featuring Rudimental released back in 2019 has already amassed 50M combined streams and 18M video views to date.
“Writing the album helped me remember that even when things might feel dark and lonely there will be someone out there who can help make things better again.”
“Back To My Bed,” which was premiered by Zane Lowe on Apple Music ‘Worlds First,’ has been accompanied with a new music video which perfectly pairs the vulnerable and emotive lyrics and describes the inevitable stages of a breakup and where to go next.
Other notable moments from the album include the pre-released track “Numb,” a decadent hypnotic dance ballad cloaked by deeply reflective lyrics. The record blends elements of deep house and indie pop and is an ideal representation of his sultry sound. “My House,’” which showed off a new side to the producer, singer, and songwriter, showcased his artistry in the indie and alternative sector of the electronic music space and of course, the incarnate title track “Why Do We Shake In The Cold?”
“I’m so proud of this album, it’s a culmination of work over the last five years and I can’t wait to share it with everyone,” he said.
Ahead of the album release Elderbrook teased an exclusive one-off, fan-only show from the London Aquarium on Wednesday 16th September, debuting the LP in its entirety. He ended the live stream with his and CamelPhat’s global hit “Cola,” which was nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for Best Dance Recording.
No stranger to live performances, Elderbrook has also announced a 14 date UK + EU March 2021 tour stopping off at London’s Electric Ballroom.
Catch Elderbrook on his exhilarating one-man show tour kicking off in Belgium, March 2021.