EXCLUSIVE: Elijah Woods Talks Navigating Grief Through Self-Discovery

Earlier this year, independent pop phenom, Elijah Woods surprised his worldwide fans base with a 3-track EP, silver lining.

Originally an outlet for processing the devastating end of a friendship, the project has become a collection of anthems for others navigating grief and rediscovering themselves along the way.  

We sat down with the multi-platinum artist and producer to delve into finding solace through music, embarking on his sold-out Asia headlining tour, and more. 

What inspired your new EP, Silver Lining?

The EP was very much me going through the grieving process of losing a friend. I tried to be as vulnerable and present in the songs as possible.

What was the writing and production process like?

The writing and production process was pretty tedious for the most part. I thoroughly enjoy writing the tough songs, but it was painstakingly meticulous. I sometimes get really overwhelmed when I’m trying to find the best lyric and the best sound, especially when the lyrics are so emotionally loaded. In contrast, when I write happy songs or love songs, I find the flow a lot easier sonically.

How did creating this project help with grieving the friendship? 

I think it took me through the whole journey — the anger, the grief, the sadness, and then the acceptance. Writing this project genuinely helped me process everything. Writing music is a form of therapy.

How do you hope this project helps others? 

I would hope that this project speaks to anybody going through the loss of a friend or a loved one or a relationship of some sort. My goal lately with writing music has been to say the things for people that can’t say them themselves.

You shared on instagram that “losing a friend was written at one of the loneliest places of my life.” Has seeing how this has resonated with people made you feel less alone? 

I think on some level it has made me feel less alone. I very much want to make the distinction between alone and lonely. I have so many amazing people and friends and family in my life that I’m so grateful for, but sometimes I feel alone on my path. I think the response to the project has given me some solace in knowing that it is helping people through tough situations.

If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to the EP, what do you imagine it looking like? 

Driving in the rain by yourself.

You’re about to head out on your first ever Asia tour! What are you most looking forward to? 

I’m so excited to see so many new faces. I think the piece I love the most about touring is connecting with human beings. Also, I can’t lie, I’m very excited for the food!

What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?

Creativity operates on a conveyor belt. Our job as artists is just to show up every day and hope something good comes by.

Featured Photo Credit: Elijah Woods