Interview With Irish Electronic Artist and Producer Elaine Mai

An interview with Elaine Mai on her latest single ‘Echo’ featuring MuRli, exploring her creative process, the challenges she has faced as an artist, thoughts on AI-generated music, dream collaborations, and more.

By Eugenia RoditisMusicngear Editor

Article photo - Interview With Irish Electronic Artist and Producer Elaine Mai


Elaine Mai stands at the forefront of Ireland’s electronic music scene, celebrated for her distinctive blend of emotive melodies and innovative production. A songwriter, producer, and performer, her latest single, ‘Echo’ featuring the acclaimed rapper MuRli, combines personal storytelling with social commentary.

With upcoming releases on the horizon and a steadfast commitment to pushing creative boundaries, Elaine Mai remains dedicated to pioneering new paths in electronic music.


Eugenia, Musicngear: Congratulations on your new single 'Echo' featuring MuRli! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this track and what it was like collaborating with MuRli?

The new album I’m working on is focused on the idea of context, how something can look or feel one way in one setting and totally different in another.

MuRli then came and added his unique perspective, which focuses on speaking truth in the face of adversity. I’ve been lucky to work with MuRli previously. He’s such a talented guy and a pleasure to work with.

We may have more in the works!


Article photo - Interview With Irish Electronic Artist and Producer Elaine Mai


As a producer and musician, the gear you use is crucial to your sound. Can you tell us about the equipment and software you rely on to create your music?

I use Ableton and Push, but my Moog Grandmother is the key part of my setup at the moment. I play it live and also use it to write a lot of the bass and arp synth lines you hear in my tracks.

I worked with my friend and producer extraordinaire Daithí, who has some unreal gear that you’ll hear on the new record: the Sequential Rev 2, Moog One, and Moog DFAM. The dream.


My advice is to remember why you’re doing it. For me, it’s for the love; it’s because it makes me happy, and I love working with others to make some magic. If you take the outcome out of the equation, it all gets much easier.


Your music carries powerful messages, as evidenced by the themes in 'Echo'. What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an artist, and what advice would you give to others encountering similar obstacles?

I think it’s really hard these days to make it work as a full-time gig and can be very challenging to balance everything when it’s not. For me, I have a full-time job and a young kid at home, so it can be challenging to fit music in.

My advice is to remember why you’re doing it. For me, it’s for the love; it’s because it makes me happy, and I love working with others to make some magic. If you take the outcome out of the equation, it all gets much easier.


Your debut album 'Home' was widely acclaimed and reached significant milestones. Can you share some of the strategies that have been most effective for you in promoting your music and engaging with your audience?

I think PR and making sure it’s being sent out and landing on desks is important.

With TikTok, etc., I think trying to highlight and show who you are and connecting with your audience is really important.


You’ve worked with many talented artists. Are there any other musicians or producers you dream of collaborating with in the future, and why?

Bjork, Robyn, and Romy would be top of my list right now. All absolute queens!


People will always want music created by people. Yes, AI can make music, but is that really the application we want?


You've achieved a lot, including signing an exclusive publishing deal with Nick Halkes. How has this partnership influenced your career, and what new opportunities has it opened up for you?

It’s been amazing to have someone so experienced in my corner, and it has really opened up new doors in terms of collaboration and opportunities, especially in the UK.

It’s also a real confidence boost and a big reason to keep working and pushing myself. I love learning and growing, and it’s been an amazing chance to soak up the experience of someone else who’s really great at what they do.


The rise of AI-generated music is reshaping the industry. What are your thoughts on this trend, and how do you see it impacting the future of music creation?

I think people will always want music created by people. Yes, AI can make music, but is that really the application we want?

Efficiencies in helping artists release and plan are where I see a real opportunity for things to be more streamlined, especially for independent artists.


Your live performances have been highly praised. How do you prepare for your shows, and what aspects of live performance do you enjoy the most?

Practice, practice, practice! The more confident I feel in my readiness, the more enjoyable it is for me.

I love it when my collaborators come on stage to perform with me. MayKay and I, in particular, have shared some unbelievable moments on stage together, and I feel so lucky to be able to experience that.


Looking ahead, you have exciting plans for new music releases in 2024. Can you give us a glimpse into your upcoming projects and what fans can look forward to in the near future?

More singles, some bootleg remixes, and a new album in 2025! :)

Listen to 'Echo'


Connect with Elaine Mai
Facebook / X / Instagram / Spotify / Website

About Eugenia Roditis

Eugenia's passion for music was ignited from an early age as she grew up in a family of musicians. She loves attending concerts and festivals, while constantly seeking fresh and exciting new artists across diverse genres. Eugenia joined the MusicnGear team in 2012.

Contact Eugenia Roditis at eugenia.roditis@kinkl.com

About Interviews

In this section of the blog we host interviews with established but also up and coming artists we love and recommend as well as music industry professionals with tons of useful information to share.

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