Elle Massimo on “Drowning In Nostalgia,” Fleeting Romance, and Learning to Let Go

Oct 13

The independent alt-R&B artist returns with a cinematic new single, reflecting on the relationships we romanticize, the memories we hold onto, and the freedom of making music on her own terms.

Some memories are harder to leave behind than others. The kind that replay a little differently every time, making something brief feel much bigger than it actually was. For Elle Massimo, that feeling sits at the center of her latest single, “Drowning In Nostalgia,” released September 18.

The London-based alt-R&B artist, previously featured on Everyday Jams, has been steadily building toward her sophomore EP, arriving November 5. Following “RIP My Heart Out” and “Treading in Your Mess,” her third single finds her in a softer, more reflective space, revisiting a fleeting holiday romance and the strange attachment we can develop to something that was never meant to last.

“It can feel comforting in moderation but if I let myself indulge too much it becomes claustrophobic and sad too,” Elle tells Everyday Jams, describing her complicated relationship with nostalgia.

The Romance We Remember Differently

Originally written in 2023 alongside producer Jacob Tanousis, “Drowning In Nostalgia” began as a song Elle considered including on her debut EP, RED SKIES IN THE DISTANCE. Instead, she held onto it, feeling that the track deserved more time.

Returning to it over a year later, after releasing her first project, gave her a clearer understanding of where the song belonged. Longtime collaborator Amelia Rose eventually helped bring the production together, though not without a few changes along the way, including cutting a first verse Elle had initially loved.

The inspiration came from a short-lived holiday romance, the kind of connection that feels almost impossibly intense because there's an expiration date attached to it.

“You’re on borrowed time from the very beginning so the stakes just feel that much higher,” Elle explains.

She also recognizes how easily those brief connections become idealized. When you only know someone within a particular moment or place, there's plenty of room for imagination to fill in everything you never got to discover.

For the song, Elle returned to an old travel journal, revisiting the emotions of that period rather than trying to document every detail. The result was intentionally cinematic, with the atmosphere of a coastal city shaping the sound as much as the lyrics.

A Softer Side of the Story

While “RIP My Heart Out” introduced this era through feelings of betrayal, the singles that followed have gradually revealed a more vulnerable side of Elle's songwriting.

“I wanted the project to showcase all the different emotions both platonic and romantic love can inflict on you,” she shares.

It's an interesting progression for an artist whose music often sits somewhere between emotional honesty and carefully constructed atmosphere. Anger, longing, disappointment, and affection aren't treated as separate experiences on the upcoming EP. Instead, Elle sees them as different responses to the same underlying feelings.

“Drowning In Nostalgia” feels particularly important within that progression. There's still heartbreak here, but less of a desire to fight it. The song is more concerned with understanding why certain memories continue to pull us back.

Building Her Own World

Beyond the music, Elle has become increasingly involved in shaping the visual identity of her releases. From directing and producing content to helping develop artwork, she's approaching this chapter with a clear sense of how she wants her work to be presented.

For “Drowning In Nostalgia,” she co-produced the single artwork, photographed by Ella Costache and styled by Ana Pereira.

That creative independence is something Elle values deeply.

“I enjoy how authentic it allows me to be, there’s nobody I have to run anything by just myself which although can be scary is also very liberating.”

As an independent, self-managed artist, having that freedom means she can trust her instincts, change direction, or follow a spontaneous idea without waiting for outside approval.

It's also changing the way she approaches songwriting. Following a sold-out London headline show in May, Elle is preparing to return to the stage this November at Next Door Records Two in Stoke Newington, joined by a full band and support acts Dolphoe and Zenná.

Performing more frequently has pushed her toward increasingly personal lyrics, knowing those stories will eventually be shared directly with an audience.

Finding Freedom in What's Next

With her second EP approaching, Elle is learning to loosen her grip on perfectionism.

The pressure of being an independent artist hasn't disappeared, but she's becoming more intentional about enjoying the process rather than measuring every release against streaming numbers, engagement, or industry expectations.

“The version of myself now making the sophomore EP is one that's allowing myself to have more fun, be less affected by the ever changing industry, be more grateful & continue to congratulate myself.”

It's a perspective that feels especially fitting for a song about the danger of spending too much time looking backward.

“Drowning In Nostalgia” captures the beauty of a moment without pretending it was meant to last forever. And as Elle moves closer to her next project, she's finding that the most exciting part of growing as an artist might be learning when to let something go.

Stream “Drowning In Nostalgia,” out now on all major streaming platforms. Elle Massimo's sophomore EP arrives November 5.

Production& Co write @jacobtanousis
Additional Production + Mix Engineer @amelia.rose.music
Mastering Engineer @tuffmastering

Shot + Edited by @ella_costache
Stylist @anampereira_
Styling Assistant by @styledbynicolamorgan
Glam + Hair @okigaljuju
Production Assistant @jaeevolutionn

Dress from @ebesciak
Accessories @milliesavage_