There’s something about the way Elina Lee replicates the feeling of a distant memory with a distant someone from the past. In her debut track “Deja Vu”, the young artist displays the many different levels of shared intimacy that come with modern day romances. It is a sexy, pulsating tune that captures the reflective musings of love and lust with potential romantic partners.

“It’s about having a shared moment or experience with someone, and moving on, but having this sensation in your mind that it never happened,” she says of her debut release. “It’s a sort of brain fog similar to the feeling of deja vu.”

As it shifts from regret-filled lust to unintended negligence, “Deja Vu” may just be the perfect soundtrack for reminiscing those drunken nights brought to you by messy situationships and late night texts. She sings over retro-like synth waves,

“2 AM I think about you/4 AM you alright now?/5 I forgot all about you/Morning, you’re still on my mind” 

In an intimate delivery of lines, the Swedish native places herself in hot-and-cold states that leave her unsure about her own feelings and desires. This is a glimpse into her mental discord. It is a story of two souls that meet every now and then, yet the only common ground they actually share is the feeling of loneliness.

Based in Sweden with Thai roots, Elina Lee first found her passion of making music while riding the Stockholm metro to school on the daily. Growing up, she would often use this downtime to scribble lyrical poetry lines in her notebook. Vastly inspired by the beautiful underground art of Stockholm’s subway stations, this hobby would soon develop into a full-fledged talent in songwriting.

Citing Majid Jordan, Joji and Snoh Aalegra among her influences, Elina Lee embodies similar modern production trends in “Deja Vu”, as she blends elements of trap, electronic, R&B and mainstream pop undertones into her own sound. In all her manifestations, her lyrical ambiguity bounces over ’80s-inspired synth presets, in sync with the nostalgic feel at the song’s core.

Constantly growing inspired by other creatives and close friends, the multifaceted musician is among the many contemporary acts of 2021 that elevates and bridges different genres to new heights on the music scene.

“It’s like a shared experience,“ she reflects over her musical journey. “I just want to keep producing music while also being able to bring up and showcase fellow creatives and friends in the process. It’s a beautiful thing.”

And Elina Lee’s debut single “Deja Vu” is just the beginning. Whether she’s reflecting desire in all its complications, or inspired by a wave of new creatives, Elina Lee brings forward a refreshing form of storytelling that is bound for success.

Stream Deja Vu on Spotify now.
Watch the official music video here.

Kristal Dela Cruz