Zelijah maps creative journey with new EP ‘Press F To Drop Out’
Zelijah collaborates with rising rapper Ellis G with his long-awaited EP Press F To Drop Out. The 6-track release navigates a story of two college dropouts. They pursue their passion for music and the arts. Meanwhile, they face the challenges of juggling adult responsibilities and landing a lucrative career out of their chosen paths. Lyrically, it’s a self-assured work that thwarts expectations, which allows Zelijah and Ellis G to break out of their mold and embrace vulnerability.
Zelijah maps creative journey with new EP ‘Press F To Drop Out’
From a musical standpoint, Press F To Drop Out remains an innovative piece of work that explores music beyond the fringes and outside of the two artists’ comfort zone. He points out:
“We made it happen by incorporating unusual sounds and instruments, as well as trying new genres we wouldn’t usually dive into. The ending result is a colorful EP that caters to every emotion.”
Instead of focusing on a specific music sensibility and movement, Zelijah and Ellis G have resorted to music experimentation for a more diverse musical journey.
“In today’s era, there’s a growing openness within listeners and musicians in terms of genre-bending. More people are developing a liking towards bizarre genre combinations and ‘weird’ sounds you don’t usually hear from a song. This became our driving force in creating the EP.”
On the brooding tune Hellhound, the multi-hyphenate artist borrows inspiration from hyper pop and UK drill. Meanwhile, on 17, he mines bossa nova and lo-fi hip-hop influences for a more laid-back, summery vibe. While Zelijah maintains full creative control over his songs, he also feels grateful to Ellis G for the latter’s esteemed contribution to the record and for challenging him to separate his work as a featured artist and a producer.
“This is where Ellis steps in. He freestyled his verses in most songs from the EP and he often gives valuable input in writing. He sets the mood and separation between producing and recording and it’s really helped in the overall process of the EP.”
Press F To Drop Out is produced, mixed, mastered, and written by Zeliah, and is co-written by Ellis G.
As for notable collaborators, his song Hellhound features Malli with Manila-based producer Tashi co-producing it. Rags 2 Racks and Fake Friends also feature a guitar arrangement from Lexus Cabanting. The atter also highlights a saxophone solo from SUD’s Carlos Dela Fuente.
The EP’s carrier single Black Silk became a stylistic effort that blends Miami bass with electronic and hip-hop music. It makes the listeners feel like they’re “walking down the runway.” According to Zelijah, the track is “basically a song about fashion, lifestyle, and the interconnections of both.” It also brings a “certain feeling of confidence and power, perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up.”
Zelijah’s new EP, Press F To Drop Out is out now on digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.
