“Some people journal and write diaries, and I write songs.” ELIJAH JENKINS releases tender ‘Stay Tonight’

FOLLOWING last year’s ‘Made of Moments’ EP, Mancunian ELIJAH JENKINS returns with ‘Stay Tonight,’ an acoustic, soulful, raw, honest song, greatly enhanced by the addition of a dreamy, Elbow-esque string section.

“We originally planned for the song to have a mandolin, and then we changed the plans for a guitar to play at a higher octave, but nothing seemed to be working,” he said. “I sat down with my producer Roger Hughes [Attic Studios] and he suggested some strings. He messed around with some ideas whilst I was there and then sent me a version two days later. I was delighted with it, showed it to my friends and family and they loved it, so I knew it was the right thing to go forward with.”

But despite his obvious musical talents and early success, Jenkins readily admits releasing music was the furthest thing on his mind when he first took to the guitar.

“It’s great being from Manchester and from its rich music scene. I grew up minutes away from Edgeley Park where Blossoms played in 2019, so they’ve always been a massive inspiration. I didn’t start writing songs until 2022 in my first year at university. I saw Gerry Cinnamon in 2021 and that was it for me, I knew I wanted to be a musician, and I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made in my first twelve months or so. 

“Writing songs for me is a way to express creativity and get my feelings out. Some people journal and write diaries, and I write songs. Pursuing a career in music is great, I’ve played some great venues and have some exciting things lined up, but it was never the plan when I first picked up a guitar. I picked up a guitar because I love music and that’s why I do it today. I love writing songs, I love being in the studio, and I love playing gigs so long may it continue.” 

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‘Start Again’ (℗ Elijah Jenkins)