Digital Journal Magazine sat down with rising talent; Chicago-based powerhouse vocalist, performer, songwriter, entrepreneur and activist Elysia Marie to discuss her evolving sound, creative inspirations, and the stories behind her latest releases.

(PRUnderground) June 1st, 2025

Elysia is so multi-faceted and known for her blend of pop, soul, rock, and country influences, she continues to captivate audiences with her empowering anthems and high energy heartfelt performances! She is creating a lot of buzz and we are here for it!

Hi Elysia, please tell us a little bit about yourself:

I’m a Midwest native, grew up in Michigan and now a true Chicagoan having lived here now since 2012. While I have hustled HARD in a lot of different areas of my life; like school; being the first out of both sides of my family with a college degree; sports; I played college basketball, boxing, I competed in golden gloves; and now getting back into it, and a rewarding career in the CPG/FMCG and entrepreneurship world; Music has always been my deepest passion throughout it all.  It is what I feel I am called to in this life; and I strive to sing songs that connect with people on a deep level while also having fun and changing it up!…. not always fitting into a box or a style per se. I am a little bit of everything, pop, rock, country, and everything in between, and I am very proud of that because it illustrates the eclectic person that those closest to me would say that I am. I aim to blend genres and push boundaries, delivering messages, while rocking out the stage with high energy.

Describe your sound in three words:

Soulful, Edgy, Empowering.

Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?

I’ve been inspired by artists like Patti Griffin, Etta James, Mariah Carey, Whitney Huston, Christina Aguilera, Joan Jett, Demi Lovato — the list could go on…. strong women who have beautiful big voices.  Also, …. My Dad influenced me in music. He has a beautiful soulful voice, and he would sing with me when I was little, or I would listen to him and I could listen to him for hours. I feel connected to him through music. My Grandmother (mom’s, mom) also influenced me, just for the fact that she was always my biggest fan in the world!! My siblings (I have 5!) … all still believe in me with all their hearts, and always have. I am forever inspired and influenced by them and their support. Last here but a deeply influential person in my life… my mom. She would go with me when I was younger to singing competitions at random bars where a few times we won some good $ out of it! Faithfully by Journey was a song I would sing that got me the W!…. she was always so proud no matter what though. It was a fun time and good memory. She also went with me to audition for various shows like X Factor, The Voice and American Idol.

Tell us about your upcoming music releases:

I’m excited to share that I’m working on new material that has a bit of a POP and Country feel to it!!…. Maybe a Pop/Country era I am entering??…. well see!…  I have some songs that are in this Pop Country realm, but then also a HOT Pop song that sounds like it could be on a “Stranger Things” episode!  The one I will release next most likely will be called UNICORNS!  – This song is an ANTHEM!… about being AUTHENTICALLY YOU!…. Be a unicorn in a world of horses. (I do love horses in real life a lot) … but the concept is that no matter what you face, or who you face who might try to deter you from your purpose, or be little you, or discourage you…. Don’t let them!  Shine anyway! Be Unique in only the way YOU can be… Don’t Dim your light for anything or anyone.  This song I am EXCITED about right now, it just feels right.  I will be singing it on my live show set!!… so if you make it out to an upcoming show, you will be able to be the FIRST to hear for the first time!… & let me know what you think!

What’s the story behind your hit single “Gonna Take A Woman”?

“Gonna Take A Woman” was inspired during a trip to Los Angeles, where my partner and I were discussing the need for change in the world. He said, “It might take a woman to solve all these man-made problems,” and I laughed and said… “you got that right!”  that sparked the idea for the song and we were both instantly captivated by the concept. We wanted to create an anthem that highlights the strength and resilience of women in addressing societal issues. But also emphasize the need for unity in the nation and encourage that no matter what your belief system or background is, we can all come together to make change.

My favorite lyric in that song is ;  “We can argue over who’s right or make it better for a new life.”  – You might have to agree to disagree, but still can come together to do the right thing for the greater good.

What’s the story behind your hit single “Persecute Me”?

“Persecute Me” was born out of a spontaneous writing session my partner had after watching “Avengers: Endgame.”  – ha!… true story. The songs theme while initially meant to be a sexy and soultry, fun song!…. a lot of feedback I have gotten is that people feel it is an empowering song  of self-expression and defiance against societal norms. It’s about embracing one’s true self and not being afraid to stand out, even if it means facing criticism.   I love how someone articulated  this to me! Proved to me, that a song can mean a thousand different things to different people!

Take a listen and let me know what you think its about! “Persecute Me” – by Elysia Marie

Can you walk us through the creative process for your music? How do you come up with the lyrics?

In this season of my music career…. Collaboration is key—I work closely with my partner and producers to bring the vision to life. When you work with extremely talented and gifted people, when they use their gifts and you use yours, and come together, it can be POWERFUL and IMPACTFUL!  – Shout out to Damarr Salahudin, co-executive producer and songwriter on the projects.

Are there any specific experiences or emotions that fuel the writing and composition of your music?

Absolutely. Personal experiences, social issues, and the emotions they evoke.

“Gonna Take A Woman” marks a new chapter in your sound. What inspired the song, and how does it differ from your previous work?

This song represents a shift towards a more assertive and socially conscious sound. Also a little Country pop we have going on!!! …. It ROCKS… & when people sing it all together and you hear some harmonies, live… WOW… it is enough to blow the roof off of the building. It is fun and fun to watch people listen close to the lyrics and then start to sing.  It’s a bold, rock-infused anthem, and you will see this intertwined within my music to come!… combined with some pop elements.

How involved were you in the production and arrangement of “Gonna Take a Woman” and  “Persecute Me”?

I was deeply involved in every aspect of production. My partner too. From songwriting to production. Collaborating with my team, we experimented with different arrangements and sounds to capture the emotional depth of the song.  Sometimes perfectionists, we really push hard to make top quality productions that we feel strongly about and believe in, and believe they will resonate with others too!

What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?

I would tell my younger self that I am proud of her!….to continue to trust her instincts and embrace her unique voice. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to have a voice that you feel can fit into a “mold” or a certain “sound”….but authenticity is what truly resonates with people and what sets you a part. Believe in your vision and the dream God put in your heart, don’t be afraid to take risks!

What’s next for Elysia Marie Music?

I’m looking forward to releasing new music that I talked about here! Unicorns is up next!… Additionally, I am planning live performances in Chicago, LA, GA, NYC, and other  midwest hot spots, that will allow me to connect with all of you! I might even be making some special appearances at some fashion events coming up!  I believe this is the year. And I hope and pray for everyone I am partnered up with, that we all flourish in great ways as we work together. I am excited for what’s to come.

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