Eli Greeneyes is exactly the kind of artist we need right now, eccentric, exciting, guitar-driven pop with a classic Oasis and Something For Kate sound with a touch of modern pop rulers Yungblud and even Billie Eilish. A sound his new song delivers and well. ‘ She Dont Care’ is like ‘a track from the 2000’s written for 2021 Audience”.. Not only is Eli Greeneyes producing killer tracks for himself, but he’s also collaborating with other artists, most recently collaborating with Perth hip hop royalty DRAPHT on his new song “Hypocrite” . Eli Greeneyes is joining DRAPHT on the road for his WA Album Tour that will see them hit 13 stages in October and November this year, as well as his own solo shows. So before Eli hits touring mode we took the time to talk to him about the new song and its importance, his influences and his Trent Reznor collaboration aspirations.

For those that haven’t heard your music before , how do you describe your sound?

EMOTIVE, SOUL BARING, ANTHEMIC.

Tell us about your new song?

She Don’t Care is about someone who came along at a time when I was having a lot of mental health problems. Their intentions were extremely different to mine and I thought that It was all very much their fault when it went down but after writing, recording, producing the song and releasing it, my understanding has changed. My part in it was letting that relationship go in that direction, sitting back cause I was too scared to say anything or rock the boat. Releasing this song is important for me in gaining back my “no taking shit” self.

What does the song mean to you?

It means a lot! To be 100 percent un-fuckwithably myself is always the aim in creating any song and I feel like we’ve been able to capture the same feeling I felt when everything was going down in She Don’t Care. To be myself and try and explain it in a way that other people can connect with and heal with in their own similar experiences.

TRIPLE J’s Unearthed Reviews of “She Don’t Care “

Who came up with the concept for the video? Any memorable moments during the making of it?

The best time I have had making a video. We had the concept in a rough state so we could be spontaneous and raw and follow our instincts. Ben Matei and James Mooney really allowed me to feel it out as well as coming up with their own ideas. I feel like videos work best if the vision is mainly peddling off instinct rather than being too planned. That way we go with what actually looks and feels good. Everyone including the girls (Alex Maher and Amber Harrison) woke up at 5 to start shooting the first half of the video with a break at about midday to start editing. We then realised we had to get more shots to finish and tie the video together. We found this big park near the beach in Bunbury and I just started dancing and running around, there was so much freedom in that shot! When all the shooting was done I wanted to celebrate and party with everyone, Ben and James were keen to edit and celebrate so I got some champagne from ALDI and we finished the edit at about 2:30 the next morning. I felt bad along the way, I was just like “you guys have worked your asses off. How bout just a hang now ?” but everyone was so excited and proud to get it done! LEGENDS!!!

Can we expect an album/ when is the album out?

I have 1643 voice memos, books, notepads and iPhone notes all over the place. I feel like I’ve been working towards an album for years now just trying to find the best songs “from the vault” so to speak. The songs that feel the best and that I think will connect with people the most will be the ones I pick, cause that’s the point for me. Connecting with people who listen to my music because the artists' music that I listen to connects with me . There’s no way I can’t pass that same thing on!

What can fans expect from the new release?

PASSIONATE, RAW, HONEST, INTENSE.

Are there plans to tour for the album?

I WOULD LOVE TO I cannot wait to live out of a suitcase and become a little rock n roll gypsy! Within WA most likely but I really miss all my EAST family! I’ll let ya know!

What's your Favourite thing about touring and being on the road?

The people you meet, the adrenalin filled non stop chaos that goes on while you’re trying to get from one place to the next. The stories that you tell and that you hear from fans, sound engineers, bar staff. That tired and withered feeling in the morning before you get your ass out of the hard hotel mattress and into the white tiled shower with the LED light that's too bright for anyone's eyes. The always rushed drive in the hire car to the airport so you can get more sleep on the plane. Every single part of touring I love and respect!

What's the worst part about touring and being on the road?

Nothing, it’s an adventure

Do you play a part in the production side of your music?

Yes, I am the main producer along with James Mooney who helps me with a lot of sampling and drum production. She Don’t Care had help from Mark Mckewen with drum and vocal production.

Who do you credit as your musical influences?

Too many Gods! Ahahha! In no particular order….Prince, Sinead O'Connor, Adele, Beyonce, Oasis, The Verve, WAAX, Deb Never, Frank Ocean, Amy Shark, Billie Eillish, The Strokes and the list goes on and bloody on.

Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?

I have been performing since I was about 10 really but my first show that I can remember was at a youth centre in Perth and I can’t remember the exact name of it but it was in high school and my family and friends came, I was bloody shitting myself even though there was about 10 people there. The first show I did under Eli Greeneyes was in Melbourne where I started the project and even though there was about 50 people there I had a ball!

Who would your ultimate Collab Partner be?

Right now ? Trent Reznor.

Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what do they do that keeps your world turning?

My Mum and Dad. They have helped me with so much in my career and I owe a lot to them for their sacrifices. It will all be worth it one day, they’ll see!!

Interview Michelle Symes

September 2021

‘She Dont Care’ but Eli does !