Meet Elysia Way

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elysia Way. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elysia below.

Hi Elysia, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is a very common, frustrating challenge. While I haven’t entirely conquered it, (and I’m not sure that’s even possible,) I have spent a lot of time developing strategies to manage and live with it. One of those is journaling, which allows me to reflect on my journey and acknowledge my growth. When bigger feelings of self-doubt arise, I find that a conversation with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor, can help provide me with valuable perspective and some solid reassurance. I think it’s important to remember that imposter syndrome is often a persistent feeling, but it doesn’t define your capabilities. By recognizing and strategically addressing these thoughts, you can start to build resilience towards them, and continue to strive towards your goals. It may not feel like it, but you can be humble and incredibly proud of the work you’ve done at the same time. You have to let go of the fear of how others may perceive you, and learn to trust that the people who truly love, support, and value you, will WANT to see you embracing the amazing things you’ve done, and the incredible person you are. 🙂

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Elysia Way (pronounced E-leesh-uh), and I’m a 24-year-old independent musician and multidisciplinary artist based in Denver, CO. Originally from Colchester, Vermont, I graduated high school in 2018 and went on to earn a B.S. in Music Business from CU Denver in May 2022.

During my time at CU, I dedicated my free time to learning the art of recording and producing my own music, which led me to discover my passion for crafting intricate vocal arrangements. In November 2018, I released my debut single, “Show Me Your Mind,” followed by my first EP, Sincerely, in March 2020. Afterward, I felt it was time to reimagine my sound, and I began collaborating with producers and artists across the country. Some highlights include “Bad Habit” with The Kuzari and Solly, as well as “Anything” with rapper Chuck The Spittah, and producers Whodidit and Ayo Papo. Since releasing “2yrnxtgf” in February of 2023, I’ve felt much more confident in my sound. Since then, I have been slowly debuting tracks off my sophomore project “Aimless,” including “Aimless,” “Lessons of Losing,” and most recently, “Raincheck”. However, flexibility in this industry in essential, especially when you’re doing it all on your own, and while the full project was initially set to release late 2024, some unforeseen life changes have delayed the timeline of this project, now set for early 2025.

In my first Voyage article, I shared more of my journey, which ended with my role as a full-time retail manager. Unfortunately, after nearly five years, the company declared bankruptcy, and by the end of summer 2024, I found myself without a job. With only eight weeks’ notice and no severance, it was a challenging time, but I quickly shifted focus to what I wanted to build next.

While music has always been central to my life, I also have a strong connection to visual art. Post-college, I explored this side more, doing freelance graphic design work and building my personal portfolio, which led to my first series of paintings. The timing of losing my job allowed me to dive fully into my passions, and I’m excited to be launching my art officially on my website (www.elysiaway.com) this November. This will include original pieces, prints, and other merchandise, as well as opportunities for commissions.

Another recent project I’m proud of is a giant paper mache mask I created for artist Dolo Tonight’s upcoming release under Epitaph Records, which showcases the versatility of my creative skills beyond my usual black-and-white painting style.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The first quality that’s been crucial in my journey is staying authentic. I create what makes me happy, and that has always been a foundational part of who I am as an artist. When I try to make art or music for others or what’s trendy, it loses its purpose. For example, with my EP I was experimenting with a more pop-oriented sound, aiming for catchy and memorable lyrics. But in the end, it became my least favorite project because I don’t feel connected to it at all. When I’m truly connected to my art, that’s when I perform at my best. Even if what you’re creating feels unconventional or doesn’t align with current trends, it doesn’t define your success. I believe the most remarkable creators are those who stay true to their own pace, focus on their own path, and prioritize the art itself over how it’s received.

The second quality that has been essential in my journey is the ability to say no and stay assertive when needed. One of the earliest lessons I had to learn the hard way was turning down opportunities or projects that didn’t align with my personal brand or goals, even if it disappointed someone or seemed like the wrong choice in a world that often encourages you to say yes to everything. you don’t need to say yes to everything! Especially for creators, there’s this intense pressure to take every opportunity that comes your way, and if you don’t, it can feel like you’re holding your career back. But I believe that channeling your energy into what truly lights up your soul and inspires you will ultimately pay off much more in the long run.

The third quality is the ability to collaborate. I really honed this skill during my teenage years in the Contois School of Music band, where I worked with musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals, several days a week. We often had deadlines, like preparing for a performance at a wedding, so effective collaboration was crucial. You have to be flexible and understand that even when everyone is working toward the same goal, people may speak in different “languages” musically. Patience is key, and it’s important to remain assertive when necessary to keep things on track. However, much like knowing when to say no, you don’t have to collaborate with everyone. That also goes to say, in the music industry especially, word spreads fast—if you’re difficult to work with, it can limit your opportunities. Even if you never want to work with someone again, it’s important that YOU always remain professional and respectful throughout the experience.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is honestly learning how to rest. I tend to set very high expectations for myself, especially when juggling multiple projects at once, which can lead to having way too much on my plate. Even though much of the pressure comes from excitement, which isn’t always a bad thing, it doesn’t take much to completely burnout. Your body has a way of letting you know when it’s been pushed too far, make sure you’re listening to it! If you’re like me, I say this for the both of us: eat enough food, get enough sleep, and believe it or not, you don’t need to be constantly available to everyone. do not disturb is a beautiful tool. uphold healthy boundaries, and protect your peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elysiaway.com
• Instagram: @elysia.way & @elysia.way.art
• Other: My website is currently down and being updated, will be launched by Nov. 1st.

  An additional note that says my music is available for streaming on all music streaming platforms such as Spotify, apple music, etc.. would be so great if possible. thank u so much for this opportunity once again!!

Image Credits

Brittany Cobble