Elis AM takes on a year of writing music in Estonian

Singer Elis AM has challenged herself to write music only in Estonian for a year, after finding the language difficult to write in, she told ERR’s morning programme Terevisioon.

She said she made the commitment nine months ago. Writing in English had become comfortable, while writing in Estonian felt almost impossible, so she decided to keep going regardless of whether it felt difficult or embarrassing.

Elis AM describes her music as alternative pop, though she said it has no folk influences despite her connections to Viljandi. She works with Vünex and producer Tony Melan, saying music brought them together and helped their friendship grow.

She also said using a stage name gives performers confidence and a distinct role on stage. Elis AM released her English-language debut EP, The Underlying Panic, in 2024.