When you’re twenty, your music often brims with a sincerity that more mature artists sometimes lack. In the case of Elena Rogers and her new album “Prelude to Whatever,” I would never have guessed that she is only twenty. Her young voice may reveal her age, but that’s all that hints at her youth. This album, filled with sharp guitar riffs and sophisticated vocal arrangements, is a true glimpse into the future, showcasing the incredible horizons of her musical expansion.

Elena Rogers hails from Woodstock, New York, but she grew up on the waves of North Carolina. Her voice is compared to Regina Spektor, and her songs to the modern pop sound of Björk or FKA Twigs. Yet, echoes of legends from past years can also be heard: Kate Bush, Queen, Frank Zappa.

photos by @elenarogersmusic

Elena Rogers has been dubbed the genius of Generation Z in music, and it’s no surprise, as she started at sixteen. Now, “Prelude to Whatever,” Elena Rogers’ original and at times humorous album, consisting of 14 tracks, is full of inspiring theatricality and poetic, sincere lyrics. The album clearly demonstrates maturity in songwriting, and sophistication. The creation of the album was made possible thanks to Elena Rogers’ fruitful collaboration with producer Jamie Hoover. Together, they crafted all the sounds presented in the album.

In the first track of the album, “Say It Ain’t So,” Elena sets a high bar, as if saying: “I won’t let you get bored.” This track struck me as very sensational. Every element of the track – from the lyrics to the instruments – is meticulously crafted, creating an atmosphere of tension. After the euphoria of “Say It Ain’t So,” my attention was caught by the song “A Life In The Day.” This track stands out for its creativity, as well as its lively vocals. Rogers masterfully uses her voice, which in this song has a playful, slightly grotesque tone. While I listened to “A Life In The Day,” my imagination painted scenes of absurd theater, where sounds form quirky, and sometimes surreal, images. The track has a complex structure and a changing rhythm, balancing from festive to something darker, reminiscent of theatrical scenes where emotions can change in an instant.

photos by Elena Rogers

Elena skillfully controls her voice, transitioning from lyrical notes to powerful climaxes. This is especially evident in the track “Broken Record.” The final chords of “Broken Record” smoothly transition into the track “Quiet Afternoon.” In it, the elegance of the guitar solo and Elena’s vanilla vocals blend in harmony. In the concluding part of the track, the sounds of Spanish guitar and tambourine lulled my ears. However, the song “I Don’t,” with its fast drums, jolted me awake. “I Don’t” is the golden midpoint of the album. The textured layers create a blend of light and serious themes that perfectly convey Elena’s youthful yet surprisingly deep nature. Its fiery alt rock with elements of chamber pop music and Elena’s dynamic vocals reminded me of a cabaret theater number. After all, cabaret is an art form that doesn’t shy away from shocking and surprising the audience.

The song “I Feel Alive” also surprised me with its memorable verses and carefree atmosphere. It seemed to me that in it, Elena tells the story of her creative journey. The variety of genres in “I Feel Alive” is striking. Elena Rogers, like an experienced alchemist, adds various elements to enhance the reaction. But perhaps the most reactive track on the album is “Queen.” Despite its pop sound, the song has an alternative edge that makes it more multifaceted. “Queen” is the prelude to the final track.

photos by Elena Rogers

“Mercy Mountain” sounds fresh thanks to its stylish melody. The linear drum movements, with a clear rhythm and well-arranged layers, effectively draw the final line of the album. “Prelude to Whatever” showcases Elena Rogers’s multifaceted talent, the world of her original songs, and vocal mastery. Inspiring and daring, it is filled with sound richness and innovative integration. “Prelude to Whatever” is a must-listen for all lovers of amazing music. Available on all platforms.

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