Welcome to the feature where we ask musicians or bands five really tough questions about music! Today we speak to the musician Tess Elena. The musician is based in New York City and has recently released the EP Fire Escape which you should check out. Today we get Tess to answer some tough questions.

What is the hardest lyric you have ever had to write and why?

I think one of the hardest lyrics I’ve ever written was when I wrote the chorus for my song “Heart Attack”, off of my debut EP.  I was trying to capture the feeling of what a first love’s heartbreak feels like. I didn’t want the lyrics to be cheesy since it’s such a popular song concept. So many greats have written about their first loves and I wanted to make sure mine felt original in its take. The chorus goes: 

I don’t know if I can take

Another heart attack

I don’t know if I can be brave

And not replay the past

But I just can’t stand the fact that

The only love i’ve ever had

Is etched in my veins 

Like a bloody name 

For a guy who didn’t want me back

So baby please, spare me,

Your heart attack. 

The feelings you have for your first love is unlike any other and it truly stays with you since it’s your first experience of love. 

What is the weirdest gift or compliment a fan has given you?

I actually haven’t received any weird gifts, I’ve just gotten some sweet compliments. Once a fan told me that I had a songwriters vibe similar to Sara Bareilles which was obviously a huge compliment!

Who is the best band or musician you have had the pleasure to share the stage with?

One of the best bands I have gotten to share the stage with is a really cool Reggae band called, Reggaelar People. They are super down to earth and play awesome reggae music. 

What one of your songs has been the most difficult to rehearse for a live audience?

One of the hardest songs to rehearse would be my song, “Emotion Mommy”. My band and I have performed it many times but it definitely took some time to nail down the transitions of the half-time breakdown that we do multiple times in the song. 

Dream Collaboration and why?

That’s a great question! I would love to work with Sara Bareilles, or Lizzy McAlpine, or Kacey Musgraves, or John Mayer. They all are super talented songwriters and I would be in awe to be able to write a song with them. I also would love to collaborate with Paramore or Lizzo because they both have incredible energy and we would put on amazing shows!!