Swiss-British artist Kings Elliot creates songs that capture the raw, sometimes hidden layers of emotion that many of us keep under wraps. Her latest EP, “I’m Not Always Sad, Sometimes I’m Angry,” takes a candid look at feelings often labeled too intense or uncomfortable. As she puts it, “Thriving isn’t about always being happy; it’s about letting yourself be real and finding strength through that honesty.”
Growing up in a small Swiss town, Kings Elliot immersed herself in lyrics and melodies from a young age, fascinated by how songs could capture both solace and tension. This early obsession with songwriting has shaped her unique, introspective style, resonating with fans she affectionately calls her “Sick Puppies.”
Reflecting on her new album, she says, “Every emotion has a place, and we’re allowed to feel them all.” It’s an EP that invites listeners to make space for the full range of their emotions. And especially now, as the year comes to an end, emotions often run wild, bringing a mix of reflection, anticipation, and a hint of nostalgia.
In our discussion, she shares her creative inspirations, her connection with her audience, and what authenticity means to her in both her art and personal life.
photography by Céline Müller
Anja, given that we all have emotions that fluctuate, is “I’m Not Always Sad, Sometimes I’m Angry” your way of reminding people that it’s okay to feel a spectrum of emotions—and even thrive through them?
We’re so often told to hide certain feelings or feel guilty for them, but I believe there’s power in accepting and expressing them. Thriving isn’t about always being happy; it’s about letting yourself be real and finding strength through that honesty. This EP is my reminder to myself and to others that every emotion has a place, and we’re allowed to feel them all.
What lyric from this EP resonates most deeply with where you are in life right now?
Will they be sad at my funeral saying how she was no fun? Only remembered for everything I could’ve done?
The title ‘I Hate The Sun’ is bold—how should we interpret it? I read that you sometimes feel pressure to be happy when it’s sunny, and I can relate. There’s this expectation to enjoy every sunny day outside, but sometimes it’s about appreciating the little things, like sunlight coming through the window. Do you have ways of reframing these moments to feel more positive?
Some days are harder than others, and although ‘I Hate The Sun’ is meant in a literal way it is also meant in a metaphorical way.
Your music often focuses deeply on your personal journey. Is there anything in the world that helps you focus on a sense of ‘we’—something that connects you with others?
Absolutely. For me, that connection with others often comes through shared vulnerabilities and honest conversations about the struggles we all face but sometimes feel too afraid to admit. Music is such a powerful way to build those connections, and when I write, I try to be as open as possible about the darker parts of myself—anxiety, fear, feeling out of place. I’ve found that, in doing so, people respond and share their own experiences, and that gives me this incredible sense of unity.
It’s like we’re all holding each other up by sharing these parts of ourselves that aren’t always easy to talk about. Social media can be a great place to nurture that sense of “we” too; other people share how they relate to my music, and that reminds me I’m never truly alone. It’s incredibly grounding and inspiring to see how much we all have in common beneath the surface.
“Quiet moments are like little resets that give me space to breathe and reflect.”
In an interview you’ve mentioned feeling emotional and empty after putting your music out there. How do you recharge or find inspiration again, especially after pouring so much of yourself into a piece?
After releasing music, I often feel drained, like I’ve given away a part of myself. To recharge, I find comfort in small, grounding things—being with my bunnies, being by the sea, spending time with loved ones, just letting myself breathe. Inspiration always returns, usually when I’m not looking for it. I’ve learned to trust that emptiness and not rush myself; it eventually leads me back to creating.
Having had songs featured on major shows like Grey’s Anatomy and performing at iconic venues, what means success to you?
True success is when my music connects with people in a meaningful way. If a song I’ve written helps someone feel less alone or gives them comfort, that’s what really matters.
Do you feel your relationship with fans has grown deeper as you’ve shared more of yourself?
Absolutely. The more I share, the more listeners open up in return. It’s like we’re building this space together where we can be completely honest about our struggles. I feel so connected to them because they’re not just listening—they’re sharing their own stories and finding their own reflections in the music. It’s a beautiful, vulnerable connection that I’m incredibly grateful for.
“I’ve learned to trust that emptiness and not rush myself; it eventually leads me back to creating.”
Reflecting on your journey from a small Swiss town to international stages, what advice would you give to aspiring artists facing self-doubt or external challenges?
Self-doubt and challenges are always going to be there, but they don’t define you. Be persistent, stay true to yourself, and keep going even when it’s hard. I never thought I’d be here, but every step—no matter how small—gets you closer. Trust your voice, and don’t let fear silence it.
What role do quiet moments play in your life and creativity?
Quiet moments are essential for me. I need that stillness to process everything, to recharge, and to reconnect with myself. It’s often in those moments of silence that ideas come, or that I understand emotions I haven’t fully processed. They’re like little resets that give me space to breathe and reflect.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself writing a lot of music, expanding my horizon and I’d love to keep growing as an artist, reaching more people, and hopefully making a difference in their lives.
Thank you so much for your time! Thank you! (smiles)
Follow Kings Elliot for more:
www.instagram.com/kingselliot
www.facebook.com/itskingselliot
