Review Fix Exclusive: Elessar Thiessen Talks ‘A Rainy Week in Paradise’

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Elessar Thiessen, who breaks down the creative process behind his new album, “A Rainy Week in Paradise.” Silky, fun, yet deep and even funky at times, Thiessen’s tunes featured on “A Rainy Week in Paradise” are a great companion on a long road trip, where you’d rather smile than think.

Review Fix: How did your childhood influence your sound?

Elessar Thiessen: Well to start, I grew up admiring my uncles and cousin who all played guitar. They were the coolest in my eyes. They inspired me to get my first guitar at 8. From there, it just took off. I had an instrument that made noise… I could create, what a thrill.

I grew up listening to a wide collection of music, but when I started writing myself, I was heavily influenced by the “emo” “screamo” scene of the time. There was something so passionate about that style that I clung too. I wanted my music to be infused with passion. I started playing solo acoustic shows when I was around 13 or 14, I think. Then I joined a hardcore band. I started off playing bass for them, then eventually moved to vocals. Keep in mind this wasn’t “singing” this was screaming. lol. We gave it a good run! We went on a few tours across Canada and dipped into the States for a few gigs. Hardcore music taught me a lot about vocal control. The idea was: you scream “wrong” you’re gonna destroy your voice. So I made a real effort to learn how to properly control my diaphragm etc. All that boring stuff. That has transferred into my singing today.

Review Fix: The album has so many flavors. What was your creative vision for it?

Thiessen: It kind of took on its own vision as the process went on. It started off as all of my songs do, I needed to express something of importance to me. I eventually had a collection of songs I could blend together to make one. The name “A Rainy Week in Paradise” best metaphorically captures the songs as a whole.

Review Fix: What’s the story behind When the World Ends? How was it written?

Thiessen: A good friend of mine had me over one night and we saw something in the sky. Some unidentified object. Friend or Foe. Human or Alien… we didn’t know what it was. That got me thinking about how fragile life really is. How in an instant, our life could be over. I wanted to challenge people to be aware of how they’re living their lives. A healthy punch to the gut.

Review Fix: What was it like to work with Alexa Dirks?

Thiessen: Super cool! It’s funny, I work as a producer in a recording studio along side a well established and success partner. So you’d think I’d be pretty confident around super talented musicians by now. Not to mention Alexa and I even went to the same high school too! But for some reason, I was super nervous when Alexa came in to the studio. I had ran into her at a gig she was singing at in Winnipeg a year prior. We had a super short conversation. But it got me thinking: I gotta get Alexa to sing on a track! One year, and a text message later, she’s in the studio, tracking “You Girl” taking the song to a whole other level. She’s super outgoing, super friendly and caring. It was such a pleasure working with her!

Review Fix: What do you think makes you special?

Thiessen: I guess I’m pretty diverse. I don’t worry too much about fitting into a mold. My live show can vary in style depending on how I’m feeling that day. I wouldn’t be surprised if my next album is quite different. I haven’t finished writing any songs since the release, but what I have been writing is definitely different. I’m open to experimenting… is that special? lol.

Review Fix: How do you want this album to be remembered?

Thiessen: Hmmm. A good record that opened some doors.

Review Fix: What are some acts that have had an influence on this album?

Thiessen: Gungor, John Mayer, The Bros. Landreth, Sufjan Stevens, Steve Bell.

Review Fix: What are your goals for this album?

Thiessen: I just want people to listen to it. This album is a deep expression of my life over the last 2 years. I know some people can relate with it. I want them to be encouraged and know there is hope.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Thiessen: Back at the studio (producing) for the next few months. I think I’ll be touring come March. Probably do some travelling. Get some inspiration for another album. Living life as a fearless explorer!