Elvira Kalnik is an artist who defies categorization—an award-winning producer, singer-songwriter, model, and mystic whose work blends musical innovation with spiritual depth. Her latest release, “Water Knows,” is a stunning audiovisual experience that dives headfirst into themes of emotional release, personal transformation, and the elemental power of nature. In this revealing interview, Kalnik opens up about the inspiration behind the song and its cinematic music video, her fearless approach to genre fusion, and how water—as both a metaphor and a medium—serves as her muse. From underwater filming challenges to metaphysical musings, Kalnik offers an intimate glimpse into the soul behind the sound.
“Water Knows” is such a deeply emotional and visually rich piece. Can you share what inspired the song and how that personal experience shaped its message?
When we can’t control or change a situation, we have to learn to control our own perceptions and think positively. Sometimes, it’s not easy, so we can find a solution to let go of our heavy feelings and emotions. In my experience, water is the best listener, healer and teacher. We can release all worries and pains in water and learn from it how to go around or over obstacles while following our own path and accept everything as is.
You performed all the underwater scenes in the music video without diving equipment, while wearing a costume you designed yourself. What were some of the biggest challenges during the shoot, and how did you prepare physically and mentally for it?
I grew up near the sea and am naturally a good swimmer. It was a great experience, but a bit challenging. I had to perform the same movements several times under the water without breathing obviously and looking beautiful. The costume that I created had multiple long pieces of colorful see-through material. Often, I got caught up between them, and we had to start from the beginning. We spent two days filming under the water scenes. We’ve been filming in fall, so the water wasn’t warm anymore. On the second day, I was really exhausted to be honest. Someone from our team made a joke at the end asking if I wanted to swim a little bit while I was cold and literally shaking from the wind. Everyone felt the same. We all laughed. I’m really grateful to the team that was so brave, positive and supportive.
The track blends Deep House with jazz, jungle, and dance elements. What draws you to genre fusion, and how do you approach combining such diverse styles in a cohesive way?
The song also includes Electro pop. I went with my feelings. Sometimes, it takes a few genres to deliver a story. To me, every song is like a mini theatrical show. Maybe it’s related to my theatrical background. I just follow internal flow. Somehow, I end up mixing multiple genres in one song. Then, I can’t really describe my song as one genre. Same thing happens when I have to answer a question about who I sound like.
You’ve called water both a healer and a destroyer in your description of the song. What does water symbolize for you artistically and spiritually?
We live in a dual world. Everything can be good on one hand and bad on the other hand if there’s too much of it. We can quench thirst, but it’s not safe to drink too much water. We can get relief while swimming in the water, but water can create floods and be dangerous. Artistically, water is multi faced. It can be mild and quiet sounding as a warm trampet. That’s how the song “Water Knows” starts and ends. On the other hand, water can be epic and powerful under the influence of strong wind that represents worries and emotions. That’s where I incorporated powerful drums and bass. Spiritually, water is a teacher and healer. There’s a lot that can be learned from water. We consist of water, we came from water, water provides electricity. Our emotions are basically electricity. They are charged with certain frequencies. Water absorbs them and carries them through your body. In the same way, we can release our worries into water in our imagination and let them be carried away. It brings emotional relief.
As someone with a classical music background who now works primarily in electronic and experimental genres, how has your musical journey evolved over the years—and what keeps you exploring new sonic territories?
I like synthesizing my own sounds from what I hear around. Often, I get a sound in my head that I try to replicate or create a similar one. Sometimes, I just go with a flow without knowing what will come out of it. It’s like chemistry where you experiment with different elements. I like electronic sounds, because they aren’t predictable and can be created and recreated in various characters and tones.
“Water Knows” has already made it onto Groover’s Top Global Tracks even before its release. How does that early recognition influence your mindset as you prepare to share the full video with the world?
I’m very grateful to all the good people around me that help me to promote the song and let the world hear it. I believe that this song resonates with many people. I got very positive feedback from music professionals and listeners. When I wrote this song, I didn’t expect anything as it’s pretty personal and being honest, I can say that I just cried this song out. There wasn’t any strategy on genres or lyrics. I just let it flow as it goes. I’m very happy and grateful for all the recognition and believe that the video will find as positive feedback as the song.
Your lyrics often explore metaphysical themes like perception, consciousness, and transformation. Where does your interest in these topics stem from, and how do they influence your songwriting process?
I’ve been a mystic since childhood. I’ve always felt that there are multiple realities, and we live in all of them simultaneously. In the three-dimensional reality, we can perceive one thing at a time. It’s very interesting as we define ourselves in certain ways and stick to these definitions. In reality, we can’t even tell who we really are if we remove all our names, titles and descriptions. I wrote more in my self-help book “Practical Universal Knowledge” that’s available in all major bookstores and reading platforms.
You’ve previously performed at major events like the UN Humanitarian Gala and walked the runway during Miami Swim Week. How does performing live compare to creating immersive music videos like this one?
I’ve been performing music a lot starting at age 6. Also, played in theater including lead in the theatrical drama “La Divina”. As a model, walked multiple fashion shows including NYFW and LAFW. Live shows are really live. I wrote in my “Water Knows” lyrics: “There’s no “undo” button, life is like a theater. All we do, can be done only once…”. If during filming or recording, we can re – record several times and bring it to perfection through post – production, in life shows, there is only one take. You have to be well prepared and be on top of your performance ability and be ready for any outcome. That’s why many artists are worried before public performances. The biggest fear is the fear of the unknown. Once you accept the possibility of any outcome, you’re already mentally prepared. I love everything related to creativity: live performances, writing, recording songs, filming videos, designing art or clothing… It’s always exciting to learn new skills and ways to deliver an idea from your heart to an audience.