Kings Elliot unveils her latest single, “I Hate The Sun.” This Swiss-British indie-pop artist has a knack for weaving heartfelt narratives into her music, and this release is no exception. With poignant lyrics and a melodic, melancholic sound, Kings Elliot explores the nuances of reflecting on her struggle with the pressure to feel happy simply because the sun is shining. Written in Los Angeles, the track showcases her willingness to explore new musical territories while remaining deeply personal.
As we look forward to her upcoming EP, “I’m Not Always Sad, Sometimes I’m Angry,” set for release this November, “I Hate The Sun” serves as a powerful reminder that mental health shouldn’t be framed around a vague and universal notion of “feeling happy” but more suited to each one’s personality, past and present. Kings Elliot has quickly become a standout voice in the indie-pop scene, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and connect with listeners who resonate with her journey.
We dive deeper into Kings Elliot’s world, exploring her artistry, inspirations, and the meaningful stories behind her music.
What inspired you to write “I Hate The Sun”? Can you share a bit about your personal connection to the song?
I wrote “I Hate The Sun” from a place of frustration, shame, and vulnerability. People often assume that sunny days should automatically bring happiness, but that expectation doesn’t reflect the reality of living with a mental health disorder. The sun, for me, can actually feel like a weight, making me feel guilty for not being as active or light as the weather suggests I should be. I’ve always felt more at peace with the rain.
How has your sound changed since you started making music? What’s new in this track or in the upcoming record?
My music has evolved to explore a wider range of sounds and emotions. Early on, my songs were mainly delicate and introspective, but “I Hate The Sun” has a bigger, more anthemic feel. This track plays with layers of melancholy and boldness, creating something that feels both sad and triumphant. My upcoming EP, ‘I’m Not Always Sad, Sometimes I’m Angry’, blends soothing, melancholic songs with unapologetic boldness, offering a deeper exploration of complex emotions.
What’s the hardest part of talking about mental health in your songs? Does it also feel therapeutic in a way?
The hardest part about talking about mental health is the fear of judgment or misunderstanding. It’s challenging to be so open, knowing people may not get what you’re going through. But at the same time, it’s incredibly therapeutic. Writing and performing these songs allows me to express things I often find hard to say in conversation. It’s a release, and when others resonate with my music, it feels like we’re all in this together, sharing the weight of those emotions.
What’s your songwriting process like? Do you have any go-to routines or habits, or is it just a flow-of-the-moment affair?
My songwriting process is a bit of both—there are moments where it just flows naturally, but there are also times when I need to dig deeper to find the right words or melody. I don’t have a strict routine, but I do find that when I feel safe and allow myself to be vulnerable and open, the songs come easier. Sometimes, a song starts with a simple phrase or feeling, and from there, it grows into something more complex. For “I Hate The Sun”, started with that moment of commenting on the LA sunshine and spiraled into a reflection on the expectations around happiness and how hard it is to live up to them when you’re busy fighting your demons.
You mentioned feeling pressure to be happy when it’s sunny. How do you deal with those expectations?
For a long time, I felt guilty for not being able to match that external energy. Now, I try to remind myself that it’s okay to feel however I feel, regardless of the weather. I embrace the fact that mental health doesn’t follow the same rhythm as the outside world. I find comfort in the rain and grey skies because they don’t carry the same societal expectations. At the same time, therapy has taught me valuable skills to improve any day, and I’m learning to be kind to myself, even on the sunniest days.
Can you tell us more about your upcoming EP, “I’m Not Always Sad, Sometimes I’m Angry”? What can fans look forward to?
The upcoming EP, “I’m Not Always Sad, Sometimes I’m Angry”, is a blend of melancholy and unapologetic rage, diving deeper into emotional territory that I haven’t explored as much in my previous work. Listeners can expect tracks that confront raw and uncomfortable subjects head-on, while also offering moments of catharsis, vulnerability, and comfort.
Who are your biggest non-musical influences? How have they shaped your style?
My biggest nonmusical influences often come from literature and art. I’m inspired by writers and artists who aren’t afraid to explore the darker, more complicated sides of life. Someone like Jean-Michel Basquiat because of his fearlessness in expressing complex emotions and challenging societal norms through his art. Basquiat’s ability to juxtapose the beautiful and the painful also inspires my own balance between melancholy and empowerment in my music. His work reminds me to stay authentic, to be messy if needed, and to never shy away from difficult subjects.
Tell us a bit about your interaction with your fans. They seem to have already developed their own curious little idiosyncrasies, such as calling themselves “sick puppies.”
I love them so much—they’ve built such a supportive and special community. The “Sick Puppy” name originally started as a bit of a joke, something I used to call myself long before I even released music. But now it’s grown into something far more beautiful and meaningful than I ever could have imagined. We’ve created this space, especially through platforms like Twitch, where people can come together, share their struggles, and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. It’s a safe space for all of us, and I’m constantly amazed by how open and supportive everyone is. They inspire me as much as I hope my music inspires them.
How does it feel to be back on stage after taking time off? What are you most excited about?
During my time away, I focused on intensive therapy, dedicating myself to getting to a healthier and better space mentally. It became clear that this was absolutely necessary for me to keep moving forward, not just in my career but in life as a whole. Now that I’m back on stage, I feel alive again! Performing live allows me to share my songs in the most intimate, raw way possible and allows me to create such a direct and precious connection with the audience. There’s truly nothing like it.
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