Between Water and Words — Elinborg Releases “Blood”

The summer days are fading, and the darker season draws us into quieter hours — a time of year when music often carries more depth. Today, Faroese artist Elinborg releases her new single “Blood” via Embassy of Music, a deeply personal song written about the loss of her father. Originally part of her debut album Í Ævir (“Forever”) and sung in Faroese, the track now appears in English for the first time, allowing a wider audience to step into its emotional world.

“I chose to release an English version of my song ‘Blood’ not only because it holds a very special place in my heart, but also because I wanted to explore how my sound might change when I switch languages…”

From her hometown Syðrugøta — surrounded by mountains, ocean, and the wild beauty of the Faroe Islands — to the darker electronic pop she creates today, Elinborg carries her roots into everything she does. We spoke with her about the landscapes that shaped her, the emotional depth behind “Blood,” and the way she connects with listeners across languages and borders.

Photography by Sigga Ella

Hey Elinborg! Let’s begin with where you come from — the Faroe Islands, more precisely the small village of Syðrugøta. Probably not everyone will know it. What makes this place so special? (smiles)

Hi! Syðrugøta has a very special place in my heart. It’s where I grew up, and it really shaped who I am as a person and as an artist. It’s a tiny village, but it feels huge in terms of atmosphere and inspiration. It’s surrounded by mountains and the ocean, and the landscape is incredibly beautiful — dramatic, calm, and wild at the same time. Every time I go back, I feel a deep sense of peace, like I’m reconnecting with something very fundamental in myself. Being there always inspires me; it’s one of my biggest sources of creativity and a place I’ll always carry with me.

You’ve said about Faroese culture that “in our gatherings, communal singing breathes life into every moment, infusing the air with tradition.” How is that spirit present in your new track “Blood”?

Our Faroese traditions are deeply embedded in me in so many ways. I’ve always been very proud of where I come from, and my parents made sure I stayed connected to our culture — especially the communal singing and the feeling of togetherness it creates. For me, the track ‘Blood’ captures both the beautiful and the wild nature of the islands — the raw energy, the emotional intensity, and that sense of something ancient running through you. It’s not a traditional Faroese song, but the atmosphere and emotion are very much shaped by where I’m from.

“Every time I go back to Syðrugøta, I feel a deep sense of peace, like I’m reconnecting with something very fundamental in myself.”

You describe “Blood” as being about searching for someone who feels impossibly far away — someone who slips through your hands like water. Is this rooted in something personal that happened with someone specific?

Yes, it is very personal. My father passed away when I was 14, and writing about him — and about the grief and longing connected to his passing — has been very therapeutic for me “Blood” comes from that place of reaching for someone you can’t hold onto anymore, someone who feels both very close and impossibly far away. Losing a loved one is, unfortunately, something most of us have to experience at some point, so I hope listeners can see themselves in the song and maybe find a bit of comfort or release in it.

What originally led you toward creating darker electronic pop music?

I studied at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen for five years, and that period really gave me the space to explore who I wanted to be as an artist. I started taking lessons in music production, and that’s where my love for darker electronic pop music really started to grow. It was a journey, but once I began producing myself, those darker sounds and moods came very naturally. I also think it’s important as an artist to keep moving, exploring, and pushing toward new sounds and goals — not to be afraid of trying new things. That curiosity is something I always try to hold onto in my music.

You’re part of a rising new wave of Nordic electronic artists. The region is known for long winters, quiet landscapes, and a particular kind of isolation. Do you think this atmosphere is also one of the reasons your music carries such a dark tone?

Yes, I definitely agree. Growing up in the Faroe Islands, you can’t really escape the darkness, the long winters, and the feeling of isolation — it’s in the weather, the landscape, and even the silence. But there’s also a very special kind of beauty in that mood. For me, the darkness isn’t only negative; it has a lot of depth and tenderness in it too. It creates space for reflection and emotional intensity, and I think that’s why my songs often carry a darker tone. The Nordic environment really shapes the emotional palette I write from — even when I’m not consciously thinking about it. (laughs)

“For me, the darkness isn’t only negative; it has a lot of depth and tenderness in it too. It creates space for reflection and emotional intensity.”

I have to admit, I’m a complete summer person. Do you ever find yourself longing for more sunlight — for a more southern way of living?

To be honest, I actually prefer the cold! I’m not great with too much heat — I even carry a little hand fan in my bag. (laughs) I also feel like my style works better in colder weather; layers and big coats make me feel more like myself. That said, I’m currently in Mexico City, and I’ve completely fallen in love with the city and the people here. So maybe the warmth and sunshine aren’t so bad after all. (laughs)

Who do you think your listeners are? And how important is it for you to stay connected with them?

I have quite a broad range of listeners from many different countries, and I honestly love them all so much — I’d give each of them a big hug if I could, for helping make my dreams come true. I find it incredible that people connect with my music even if they don’t necessarily understand the language. They create their own images and stories to the songs, which in a way makes the music even more personal to each listener. Some have even started learning Faroese because of it. Just last night, when I was performing in Mexico City, someone in the front row was singing along to the lyrics. Seeing that made me so proud and so happy, and it reminded me how important it is for me to stay connected with the people who listen to my music.

Your Instagram looks very curated and intentional. How much time do you put into shaping it?

Thank you! I’m actually a little bit conscious about it, yes. I do plan most of my posts, and I want a strong visual connection to the music and the universe around it. However, it also happens that I post more random, everyday things now and then. I like that balance. I really enjoy putting work into my socials and the visual aspect of what I do — it feels like an extension of the music.

Which question should we have asked you — but didn’t?

Hmmm. Maybe how many hand fans I own and which one is my favourite, haha. That feels like essential information at this point. (laughs)