Q&A – Elderbrook

“Everything is going to turn out ok, try not to worry about it so much.”

Elderbrook aka Alexander Kotz is a British musician, songwriter and producer.

Though classified as an electronic artist, Elderbrook has a versatility that can take him from electronic to gospel.

With his star on the rise, we wanted to find out how he keeps himself well.

How have these chaotic times affected him?

Hi Alex. How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

I’ve been really lucky through lockdown because I have a studio at the bottom of my garden, so I’ve been able to still work whenever I want.

I’ve been able to be at home with my fiancé and our baby girl too, who was born in December.

It’s been tough not being able to see other family and travel in the same way we normally would, but I just feel really grateful for the time with them both.

Are you doing anything differently to look after your mental health during this period?

I’m focusing a lot more on family, as well as cooking lots of new healthy meals and running whenever I get the chance.

It’s been important for me to still look after myself physically.

I always have music as an outlet too so if I’m feeling overwhelmed, I can just go and work for a few hours and get lost in that.

What are you looking forward to doing once things improve?

Travelling is probably the thing I am most excited to do.

I really just want to be somewhere warm with a pool where me and my family can relax and enjoy being with each other.

I also really love going out to restaurants. I’m really looking forward to be able to go out for some great brunch and lunches!

What new TV, films, music or books have you discovered during lockdown that you’d
recommend?

I watched the Serpent which was amazing although quite a stressful watch.

I thought the Marvellous Mrs Maisel was excellent as well, would definitely recommend that.

What advice would you give to a 16 year old you?

When I was 16 I was angsty and in a band and I really just wanted to be a musician.

Even though it’s difficult in lockdown sometimes, I try and remind myself that my life right now is all I ever would have wanted at one time.

If you had to draw a pie chart for what keeps you mentally well – what would it look like?

50% my fiancé Sophie who is my emotional support in everything. 25% music. 25% running.

What are you passionate about?

I have always been really passionate about music and I’m so lucky that I have that as an outlet.

I also really enjoy running even though I’m not very fast and I like cooking too.

If I can do all three in a day as well as spending time with my family then it’s a really good day.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

When I was in primary school, I was in a hand bell group, where we all had to wear white gloves because the bells were expensive.

We played at Christmas fairs in the local area, and I was numbers 10 and 11 aka the baritone bells.

What’s the biggest challenge/s you’ve faced and how did you overcome it/them?

Sometimes I find it quite difficult to get motivated, particularly when there is a long list of things that I need to do.

It feels quite overwhelming and then I just want to do nothing.

I try to just break things down into small tasks now, rather than facing everything at once.

That really helps me.