Elliana Craig

Romilly L-C

A Fresh Voice in Edinburgh's Music Scene

Elliana Craig are more than just a band, they are a sonic experience. This student-formed ensemble weaves together their diverse musical influences to create a ‘forward thinking’ sound that pushes the boundaries of experimental music. Their unique live performance also encompasses visual elements and spoken word to create an immersive experience.

The group met as students in Edinburgh, having previously performed in multiple different bands. This collaboration brought together the best of their talents into “the band [they] want to do well". 

The band consists of:

Ronan on guitar, vocals and synthesiser

Oisin on guitar, vocals and saxophone 

Roan on Bass

James on Trumpet and synthesiser 

Alexander on Drums

Kirsten on vocals (spoken word)

Each member brings their own flavour to the mix, resulting in a sound that defies easy categorisation.

Elliana Craig's members draw inspiration from a tapestry of musical influences spanning Jazz, Post-Rock, Indie, Alternative, Folk, and both legendary and contemporary musicians. James draws his musical influence heavily from jazz musicians such as Eric Dolphy, Carter Jefferson, and most influentially, Don Cherry, whose staccato trumpet playing is “the kind of inspiration [he] takes on in Elliana Craig”. He adds, “Today I played into a delay pedal, Don Cherry did that first”. James Speaks of jazz as a genre that is candid and authentic; when the band speaks critically of the contemporary music scene, ‘rotten’ to its core, James is quick to exempt jazz from this assessment. An influence that jumped out as prominent for me was Oisin’s mention of Slint, a band he claims he tries to emulate in his guitar playing. There are clear parallels to Slint’s pivotal style; with the band’s narrative-driven rhythmic use of spoken word against dynamic instrumental backdrops, it's hard not to note similarities.

Ronan discussed the necessity of contemporary influence, seeming to suggest that if all musicians continue to derive their sound from the same influences, they have nothing to build upon. They take inspiration from what is around them and what’s relevant, yet they acknowledge the importance of the musical legends that laid the groundwork for the sound that they create today. Alexander’s interest in playing music started with alternative and rock genres, with Green Day being a significant inspiration in his earlier days. This eclectic mix of influences contributes to their distinctive sound, blending elements of different genres into something new. 

At its core, the band utilises a traditional setup of guitar, bass, and drums, but they expand this foundation with an array of electronic and acoustic instruments. A synthesizer weaves through their compositions, adding layers of texture and atmosphere. The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, employing an arsenal of effects pedals to create a kaleidoscope of tones. They also prove to be lyrically and vocally entrancing. Each of the three vocalists has a distinct sound, and between them, a diverse vocal range, at times a mellow crooning, at others visceral, guttural cries, and spoken word passages that add a poetic narrative quality.

Just one example of their impressive lyricism is seen in how Ronan took lines from the realist novel Madame Bovary and interwove them with lyrics about his own life, embedding himself in the narrative. He remarked that realist literature, “speaks to something fundamental and you can see yourself in it”, the novel, and therefore the song, speaks as both universal and intimately personal.

The band has a very collaborative creative process, where any of the members can bring forward an idea and the rest will expand on it and experiment with it. They trust each other fully to be able to see and actualise each other's creative visions.

When discussing the topic of recording, the band were hesitant. They explained that previous bands they’d been in had made the mistake of recording too quickly, before properly becoming in touch with their music or understanding their sound. Wanting to avoid that seems partially the reason this band has not yet taken their work to the studio. But to me, the main reason appeared to be more to do with not wanting to reduce any of their ideas into concrete form, as if it would repress their expressive sound.

This is because Elliana Craig isn't just about the music; it's about the immersive experience. The band embraces improvisation, allowing each show to be a unique journey. They also incorporate visual elements, using projectors and a TV screen on stage to create a multi-sensory experience. Kirsten, when not on vocals, is in charge of ‘media’, and casts visuals from a slide projector onto the stage. The incorporation of media stems from the band's belief that art should be ‘all-encompassing’ and that their performance should be about more than just the music but about “the image and the show”. 

We see this also through the band’s dedication to what I can only describe as a sort of pre-show build-up. As they prepare to take the stage they use a combination of synthesised sounds and projected visuals, creating an evolving sonic landscape to set the tone for their performance.  It appears to me the band are taking a deliberate approach in honing their live performances and waiting for the right moment to capture their essence in the studio. 

This commitment to creating a holistic performance sets them apart in the Edinburgh music scene and marks them as a notable presence in contemporary music. As Elliana Craig look to expand their live performances beyond Edinburgh, Glasgow is a likely destination for the near future. To stay updated on their upcoming shows, follow them on Instagram @ellianacraig_band. With their innovative approach and dynamic energy, Elliana Craig is a band worth keeping an eye on and their live shows are an experience you don't want to miss out on.