Elina Filice
Canadian singer-songwriter Elina Filice discusses the heartfelt story behind “Bury Me,” the art of finding meaning in everyday moments, queer visibility in music, energetic live performances, and her evolving creative journey.
1. “Bury Me” turns a stolen Molson Canadian t-shirt into a deeply emotional story about love and memory. At what point did you realize the song had become something much bigger than the shirt itself?
I think it became a song about something bigger than a shirt through the process of actually writing it. It really unfolded for me like it does for the listener. The song opens with us joke-arguing about the shirt (which actually happened). Her joke about being buried in the shirt genuinely took me by surprise and made me laugh – which I was so grateful for after a long day. Verse two continues in a narrative fashion, getting up to go to work, dreaming about the future, chasing our dreams together. And then the final chorus is my response to all of it – reflecting on the love we shared and the life we built together by accident.
2. Your music blends nostalgic punk-pop energy with soulful melodies and storytelling. How did you approach balancing the upbeat, anthem-like sound of “Bury Me” with its emotional core?
I was going for the exact balance you mention! Something heartfelt and emotional while being upbeat and engaging, what I hope will be a timeless queer summer anthem. I actually started playing this song solo/acoustic. I met some nice Hamilton boys (incredible musicians) who offered to play on the track and they really helped it come to life, it really took its final form as a pop-punk tune with modern charms.
3. You’ve described the song as being about the ordinary artefacts that narrate our lives. Are there other everyday objects or memories that often inspire your songwriting?
I think prescribing meaning to everyday things, moments, and memories is a core aspect of my songwriting, if not all songwriting. I think artistry is simply noticing. Taking the time to really pay attention to the world around you. To me great art is about every-day beauty, small moments, life in the ordinary. The universe has so much to teach and show us. In this song, an inside joke, a quiet morning, a conversation sparked something in me, because I took the time to let it.
4. As an artist who openly advocates for queer visibility, how important is it for you to create songs that feel personal while also resonating with the wider queer community?
It’s such a core part of my purpose as a songwriter and artist. For so long, I was afraid to even use female pronouns in my songs. At some point, I felt I had a responsibility, to myself, my art, and my community, to be honest. I’m so blessed to feel like the more honest I was, the more people connected to the music. Of course the tunes are deeply personal, but I feel they’re also about universal and quintessentially queer experiences. I cherish the messages I get from queer folks from all over the world about how they’ve connected to my music. Part of my mission is queer visibility through music, and normalizing our unique experiences.
5. You’ve performed across three continents and built a reputation for interactive live shows. How do you imagine audiences reacting to “Bury Me” in a live setting?
I was blessed to be able to play it with a full band live at my recent single launch show! I think people enjoyed it, it’s fun seeing which lines people react to, I hope the infectious energy of the song continues to connect with people.
6. Beyond music, you’re also the founder of Drop Rocket, helping independent artists navigate releases. How has working closely with other musicians influenced your own creative and artistic journey?
I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible independent artists who inspire me deeply in my own musical journey. I’m inspired by their tenacity and perseverance. The independent artist life is not for the faint of heart, so it’s great to be able to support them and bring shape and structure to their creativity. I really love working on new ways to get our art out there and navigating the ever-changing music industry.