Buy/Stream: Elmar – Beneath My Skin
Emerging from the creative mind of Jack Froggatt, best known for his work with GRAMMY-nominated Mansionair, Elmar’s debut album Beneath My Skin is a rich, emotional journey into personal reflection and soundscapes that evoke a deep sense of sanctuary. A deeply introspective and sonically immersive project, Beneath My Skin showcases Froggatt’s ability to blend nostalgia, optimism, and vulnerability into a cohesive body of work that speaks to the soul.
A collection of ten tracks co-produced by Ross James (aka upsidedownhead), Beneath My Skin reveals a different side to Froggatt’s artistry, one marked by a return to organic, acoustic elements and a desire to create music that provides an avenue for emotional refuge. Drawing from experiences of late-night drives, beachside escapes, and the enduring calm of the ocean, Elmar’s music flows like the tides, offering a sense of calm yet powerful energy.
Speaking to the creative process behind the record, Jack shares, “Beneath My Skin is an album that wasn’t heavily laboured over, rather carefully refined in downtime between other projects for the better of three years. It traces the lessons I’ve learnt on letting go of control, and allowing myself freedom to explore, follow the less travelled path in search of something new, almost in hope of getting lost. It searches for meaning in sustaining relationships, whilst simultaneously pursuing a fulfilling artistic life, questioning if both can be done hand in hand.”
Further sharing his insights on how to best enjoy the body of work, he continues, “Ultimately Beneath My Skin is one of my lightest works, intentionally crafted to soundtrack the sunnier, carefree moments in life, whether that be surf trips up the Big Sur or the Surf Coast, or even late nights with friends at the dinner table.”
The album opens with delicately textured “More Than Life,” immediately drawing the listener into the dreamlike world Froggatt has created with Elmar. A period of uncertainty gave rise to this track, marking Froggatt’s reawakening to his creative identity, Jack shares, “A lot of this record, for me, was about figuring out how to live sustainably as a musician, and also how to have healthy relationships.”
Born within the very early days of the project, much like the opening record “Your Love Is Changing Me” was a very experimental record for Jack, whilst he explored the sonics that could become Elmar. The soothing intro of piano, drums, and Jack’s stand out vocals are soon joined by rich bass lines and oscillating vocal production.
The titular single from the record “Beneath My Skin,” is also one of Jack’s own personal favourites. One of the very first ideas he had for the project which came bursting out during a writing session. Despite the melancholic nature of the production, lyrically the song spoke to pursuing things that are positive, painting the story with gorgeous visual imagery “leaving my doubts against the shore.”
“Feels Right” is immediately soothing, invoking a sense of tranquillity and the confidence of knowing one’s true self and staying true to that path. Wanting to create a song that felt like a celebration, Jack penned “At Your Feet” – a delicate, yet inspired piece that blends nostalgic melodies with an optimistic outlook on new beginnings.
Referencing albums specifically from 1971 as the sonic influence for “Green Cathedral,” the atmospheric offering is an ode to surfing and the feel of euphoria riding a wave. However, speaking to the broader metaphor, Jack shares, “Waiting on my dreams, falling out of reach, trying just to hold on… It feels like surfing a wave.”
With the heartfelt title and lyrics “Can’t You Feel My Love,” is a song that seamlessly weaves together hypnotic melodies, textures, and heartfelt lyrics. Whilst “As The Sun Appears” offers everything you would hope for in the title – sun drenched bliss and the important message to “slow down.”
For “Hold On,” Jack “wanted to write a late night, hauntingly dark song that had a glimmer of hope in it.” Originally composed as the closer for the record until writing “So Familiar.” Built upon intricate melodies and emotional resonance, the track captures the heart of Elmar — an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around us. Speaking to the final song, Jack details, “I just wanted the closer of the record to feel like you could just listen to that on loop forever.”
The release of Beneath My Skin has garnered praise from fans and the music industry alike, with features across the likes of Rolling Stone ANZ, Happy Mag, The Music, AAA Backstage, PBS, and more. Praised for its introspective songwriting and lush production, the album is a striking debut that establishes Elmar as a unique voice in modern music. As Jack Froggatt steps into this new chapter of his career, fans both old and new will discover an artist unafraid to embrace vulnerability, experimentation, and reinvention.
Tracklist:
- More Than Life
- Your Love Is Changing Me
- Beneath My Skin
- Feels Right
- At Your Feet
- Green Cathedral
- Can’t You Feel My Love
- As The Sun Appears
- Hold On
- So Familiar
It might be December 16th today, but Elmar’s debut album Beneath My Skin dropped on November 29th via Saint Lucky Records. Don’t miss out—give it a listen!
For more information about Elmar, go to:
Website | Instagram | TikTok | SoundCloud | Spotify
A place to escape the noise
When the team at Lydia Laws PR sent me Elmar’s latest release, Beneath My Skin, I was floored. I’ll admit, I wasn’t familiar with him before, but the moment I hit play, his sound was stuck on repeat. Track by track, I found myself captivated, itching to learn more about this inspiring artist who had seemingly come out of nowhere and completely taken over my playlist.
I couldn’t help but reach out, not just to thank him for producing such a masterpiece, but to request an interview—because an artist like Elmar deserves to have his story told. To my delight, he agreed. Before long, we were sitting down to dive into his creative process, his motivations, his inspirations, and what keeps him pushing the boundaries of his music.
I encourage you to press play on Beneath My Skin while you read this exclusive interview. Let the music sink in as you get to know Elmar—one of the most exciting up-and-coming artists I’ve discovered in a long time. This was a special moment for me, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to Elmar.
Jack, thanks so much for joining me today! I’m really excited to dive into this conversation. You’re the GRAMMY-nominated vocalist of Mansionair—such an incredible achievement. Could you start by telling us a bit about Mansionair and what inspired you to branch out into a solo project?
Hey Ricky, thanks for having me, and I really appreciate the kind words. Mansionair has been, and still is, such a huge part of my life. We’ve been working on the project for over ten years now, and I still feel like we’re just getting started. We’ve been busy these past few years working on what’s next, and we should be ready to reveal it very soon.
Towards the end of 2021, I began feeling a little disconnected from my love for making music. Songwriting and music have been my main priority and livelihood for most of my adult life, so it felt necessary to find ways to reignite my creativity. I started setting aside time every Sunday afternoon to write music purely for self-discovery. I went inward, embraced playfulness, and allowed myself the freedom to explore.
I had never been much of a producer, so I used this time to learn how to translate my ideas into tangible music productions. I continued this process for about six months, eventually accumulating enough songs that I felt represented a fresh creative expression. And so, Elmar was born—a project I hoped would capture the essence of my personal palette and vision.
During this process, I reached out to my good friend Ross James (upsidedownhead), who kindly offered his expertise as a co-producer and editor. Ross helped me navigate the often overwhelming task of starting and finishing songs, and his guidance was invaluable.
The ocean and surfing culture seem to play a huge role in your creative identity. How did these elements inspire the themes and soundscapes on this album?
I was deeply inspired by the landscapes I inhabited while making the album. In 2021, I took a van trip up Big Sur, and the beauty of that coastline heavily influenced the music. I also spent many weekends along Victoria’s Surf Coast in Australia. Having strong visual themes helped guide my decision-making process as I crafted the record’s sound.
As someone who enjoys listening to specific types of music in certain cities or situations, I had a clear purpose for Elmar: I wanted it to be a soundtrack for nature or a dinner party with friends—something that could support the environment in the background, yet carry enough lyrical depth to be appreciated through headphones on a train. Leaning into these limitations allowed me to focus without overthinking, helping the songs flow more naturally.
The album blends indie-electronic and soulful melodies with emotional depth. How did you approach crafting a cohesive sound while balancing nostalgia, optimism, and vulnerability?
As I was making the album, I spent a lot of time listening to artists I loved and building playlists of inspirations. I took notes on what my friends would play when we’d go surfing or have dinner parties. Since I was new to the production world, I was forming my own taste and learning how to transform my songs into productions that captured the feeling I wanted. Most of the time, I felt so out of my depth, with endless revisions and redos. But whenever I felt like I was losing ground, I’d go for a drive or walk to the ocean, listen to the demos, and remind myself to let go and enjoy the process.
For me, the biggest surprise in making this album was the lyrics. I was so preoccupied with creating the music and producing the songs that I tended to leave the lyrics until last. By that point, I’d heard the rough guide melodies filled with mumble words so often that it became easy to transcribe the mumbling into lyrics. I found that the less I labored over the actual content, the more I focused on the sound and feeling of the words. It turns out my subconscious was paying attention when my “editor brain” wasn’t. I think this process helped me be honest and vulnerable in a way I’d never really been before.
Your latest single, “At Your Feet,” has been described as a beauty of chill electronica with live elements. Can you tell us more about the creative process behind this track?
“At Your Feet” was a song that required a lot of effort to capture. My main collaborator, Ross, and I wrote it together in the studio one afternoon. We had the bones of the song, but something wasn’t quite right—it took us a while to find its musical foundation. The bassline in the verse was one of the last ideas we had, and I think it ultimately became the glue that held the track together.
I remember getting really stuck on the vocal performance until Ross suggested I jump into the vocal booth and sing three takes all the way through. In the past, I’d heavily comped my vocals (vocal comping is the process of combining the best parts of multiple vocal takes to create one flawless performance), but with this approach, I had to truly perform the song and connect with the moment. I think that made all the difference in the end.
Elmar is a nod to both Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and Café del Mar compilations. How has your connection to the ocean and surfing culture shaped your music?
I’ve always loved the ocean; it’s a vast unknown full of beauty and fear. Sitting out at sea, my mind is able to rest, and I think of nothing but when the next wave will arrive. I tried to channel this sense of freedom and carelessness that I find in the ocean into my creative process.
Surfing culture has such a positive impact on my mind and body, and I wanted to bring those feelings back into the music. I tend to gravitate toward a more contemplative sadness in my lyrics, but for Elmar, I wanted to shift that perspective and bring a little brightness into my music.
Beneath My Skin was refined over three years during your downtime. How did this gradual process influence the album’s direction and themes?
The gradual time spent making the album allowed the songs to marinate and grow. I began to live the moments I was writing about and see the full extent of the vision I had for Elmar. Because it didn’t need to be anything but a service to my creativity and my love for the ocean, there was no deadline and no financial pressure to release it. It stayed pure in its intentions as a place of reprieve for my mind.
Every time I grew stressed about it or didn’t know where to take it next, I’d put it down, work on another project, and pick it up again when I had the energy. I didn’t need another stressor in my creative process, so I did everything I could to keep the project untainted by my own expectations.
Obviously, I failed time and time again in that process, but it was such a healthy way for me to rekindle my love for making music.
The album could be compared to Radiohead’s In Rainbows, Portishead, and Cigarettes After Sex. Were these artists direct influences, or did your sound evolve organically in a similar vein?
That’s such a huge compliment—thank you! Yeah, those artists were definitely influences on the work. I was drawing moods and songwriting techniques from such a wide array of artists, but I think the one constant was that all the music I was inspired by could sit comfortably in the background. It wasn’t demanding attention; instead, it invited a sense of refuge for those who wanted it. At least, that’s what it became for me.
Rolling Stone and other major outlets have supported your work. How does this critical acclaim impact your mindset when starting a new project?
I found that it didn’t really impact the start of the project, but as release time approached, there was definitely an element of expectation based on my previous successes. Over the years, I’ve often struggled with defining my own success and have stumbled chasing the elusive feeling of ‘arrival’ in this industry. For me, this project served as a constant reminder to trust my intuition. The lessons I’ve learned in this industry have taught me that intuition is often the only thing you can rely on.
Of course, it’s always nice to be affirmed, but with so much incredible music and talent out there, I’ve realized that acclaim—especially the kind you can’t control—can’t be the driver for anything I create. At least, that’s the perspective I strive for, even if I often fall short of it.
You mention that the album traces lessons about letting go and following the less traveled path. Can you share a specific moment or story that encapsulates this journey?
In 2021, my partner and I packed up our apartment, put all our furniture in storage, and began living in a handful of cities, subletting apartments from friends and people we met online. This experience has reshaped our idea of what ‘home’ means, allowing us to step outside our comfort zones, meet new people, and form communities beyond our hometown. Writing on the road has always inspired me—whether during years of touring or throughout this journey—and it’s reminded me that the chances and risks we take in life often open new doors and lead to growth.
The themes in Beneath My Skin explore the tension between sustaining relationships and pursuing an artistic life. How have you managed—or struggled—to balance the two?
It’s an ongoing process. Being a touring musician and songwriter can sometimes isolate you from the people you love most, and I’ve been learning how to put work aside to prioritize my relationships. I’m also learning to hold space in my relationships, focusing on listening more than speaking—though that’s often easier said than done. At one point, I questioned whether I could remove tension from my life completely, but I soon realized that was both nearly impossible and counterproductive, as it led to creating mediocre art. For me, it’s ultimately about building the right foundations: allowing space for personal growth while also acknowledging the importance of being present for the relationships that matter. Finding that balance is something I’m always learning.
How has your personal nostalgia and love for the Australian coast shaped the emotional tone of the album?
So much of this album was inspired by the Australian landscape – such a beautiful and unique country. I feel incredibly grateful to call it home. Many of my most treasured memories were formed on its stunning coastline during the summers, and I hope this album reflects my deep love for Australia.
I imagine your performances resonate deeply with your audience. How does it feel for you to be on stage, connecting with them through such emotional and heartfelt music?
The best part of the process is hearing the crowd resonate with something you wrestled with, re-written, re-sung, and re-crafted. It makes those endless battles in the creative process feel worth it and fuels the desire to do it all over again.
I’ve noticed that the tone of your Instagram posts perfectly matches the vibe of your music. How intentional is that, and how do you see social media as part of your artistic expression?
It’s very intentional. We have so many tools available now as artists to communicate a vision, and I’ve loved trying to reclaim social media as another tool to showcase art. A few years ago, I got really caught up in chasing the algorithm, hoping to feel validated by what I was doing. With this project, I just wanted to create a world where people could explore and learn more about the music and the story behind it.
I’m so inspired by many creators online, like Ain Raadik, who shot all the visuals for the campaign, as well as visual artists like East China Records, Joel Clare Studio, Zzikkzikk, and 1ST VOWS. These amazing creatives make beautiful content on a platform that can truly serve the artist community.
How did you decide on the number of songs to include on this LP, and what influenced the order in which they appear? Was there a specific story or flow you wanted to create?
I love a 10-track album — I think it’s just the right length to communicate a complete set of ideas. The tracklisting follows the journey I went through while creating the album. It evolves as I navigate the process, starting with questioning and letting go in More Than Life and ending with the mantra-like statement, ‘couldn’t let you go’ in “So Familiar.”
I love listening to full albums, and I wanted to create something you could enjoy from start to finish. I was careful to maintain a consistent mood while varying the songs enough so the record doesn’t feel repetitive.
What does your songwriting process look like? Do you sit down with intention, maybe jotting ideas on paper, or do lyrics and melodies come to you spontaneously, even in unexpected moments like in your sleep?
I mostly write songs by sitting down with intention. It’s a daily practice that requires me to turn off my editor brain and allow my ideas to flow freely. It often takes writing many songs to find the direction I want. Once I establish a sonic foundation, I become more focused on the songs I write and refine them until they’re complete. When I’m deep in the process, I sometimes wake up with lyrical ideas, but I can’t rely on that—and I’m usually too impatient to ‘wait for a spark.’ I’ve found my best work comes when I show up every day and put in the effort.
Now that your LP is out, are you already thinking about your next single, or are you fully focused on promoting this release for now?
I’m excited to dive into the next piece of music! Right now, I’m working on a few collaborations with artists I connected with in Berlin earlier this year. For the next Elmar release, Ross and I are considering renting a house by the ocean for two weeks to see if we can write a full album in that time. I think it could be a really fun and inspiring way to keep the momentum going.
What do you hope listeners take away from Beneath My Skin, and how does it reflect your growth as an artist and individual?
Honestly, I just hope people enjoy putting it on in the background as they go about their lives. This album was a refuge for me, and if it resonates with even one other person in that way, I’ll be incredibly grateful.
Where’s the best place for fans to stay updated on your latest news? Should they visit your website, or do you have a newsletter they can subscribe to?
I’ve got an instagram here – instagram.com/this_is_elmar + my website for tours, merch, and news here – dontelmar.com.
Thanks for doing this, man. I really enjoyed it. In all of my interviews, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you for chatting, Ricky, and thanks to everyone who read along.
