The transition from a quiet songwriter with a notebook to a recording artist with a definitive sound is often a journey of finding the right mirror for your own creative soul. In the bustling creative landscape of Columbus, Ohio, that mirror was found in a local coffee shop where a chance meeting between Elia Giuliani and producer Jeff Martin set the stage for one of the most promising independent releases of 2026. On March 20, the result of that harmonious partnership officially took flight with the release of the five track EP titled Flying. This project is a celebratory acknowledgement of the coming of age experience, acting as a sonic bridge between the intimate honesty of a bedroom diary and the vibrant, textured world of modern indie pop. By blending heartfelt storytelling with a minimalist, engaging production style, Elia Giuliani has delivered a masterclass in authentic vulnerability, proving that the most profound songs are often the ones that start with big feelings and end with a courageous leap toward a confident sound.
Elia Giuliani is the sole architect of the lyrics and melodies on Flying, but the project truly began to breathe when she stepped into Jeff Martin’s home studio. Working as a dedicated duo, they played every instrument themselves, meticulously crafting a sound that honors the bedroom pop aesthetic while pushing it into more colorful, expansive territory. This hands on approach ensured that the record remained a human first production, avoiding the clinical polish of major label studios in favor of something that feels lived in and genuine. There is a strategic and soulful balance throughout the EP where the acoustic guitar stays front and center, but the atmosphere around it is constantly shifting with unique, creative textures. It is the sound of two artists following their intuition through a series of late night sessions, resulting in a lyrical journey that invites the listener to sit in the story of the heartache rather than just observing it from a distance.
The sonic identity of Flying draws from a rich lineage of modern indie icons, including Ingrid Michaelson, Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. However, it is the influence of Bridgers and Dacus that shines through most clearly in the clever irony between the production and the lyricism. Elia has a penchant for touching on deep, often heavy emotions while ensuring the tracks remain sonically attractive and easy to vibe out to. This dichotomy allows the listener to engage with themes of heartache and the struggle between dreams and reality without feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the sentiment. The production is kept intentional and simple, relying on that signature light and engaging bedroom sound to let the poignant storytelling shine through the mix.
The tracklist serves as a cohesive narrative of a young artist wrestling with the complexities of relationships and self discovery. The opening title track, Flying, introduces the listener to a unique, beachy, and folky soundscape that feels both grounded and aspirational. It sets the stage for the lyrical depth that follows, establishing Elia as an artist who isn’t afraid to bear her authenticity. In contrast, the track Cigarette showcases the duo’s experimental spirit. To achieve a specific emotional tone for the guitar, they wove paper in between every other string near the bridge, creating a scratchy, muted, and intimate sound that perfectly complements the song’s raw narrative. These kinds of creative techniques, along with the frequent use of tape to add warmth and character to the tracks, give the EP a polished, high end energy that remains accessible and relatable.
As the EP progresses through Like That, Be Where You Were, and the evocative Mexico, the listener is treated to a fresh take on the standard tropes of indie folk. Mexico, in particular, acts as a sanctuary of sound, providing a moment of emotional release that feels like a physical journey. Throughout the twenty minute experience, Elia’s voice remains a constant, steady guide, delivering her lines with a technicality and range that has already earned her a spot as a finalist in the upcoming Columbus Folk Festival this June. It is a record that rewards the patient listener, revealing new layers of narrative detail and subtle instrumental flourishes with every spin. By addressing the big heartbreaks and the desire to sort out her own path so directly, Elia creates a powerful connection with an audience that is also navigating the messy realities of early adulthood.
What makes Elia Giuliani particularly significant on the Apricot Magazine radar is her ability to turn a private experience into a universal anthem. She represents a developing brand of artist who views the recording process as an extension of the journal, utilizing the home studio at Amos Waits as a laboratory for the soul. Flying is a significant addition to her discography because it marks the moment she moved beyond the singer songwriter tag and into the role of a visionary music creator. The collaboration with Jeff Martin has resulted in a project that is sonically immersive and emotionally resonant, a masterclass in the art of the sonic memoir. It is a celebratory acknowledgement of the fact that our most difficult moments often provide the best material for our most beautiful art.
The technicality of the recording highlights a sophisticated understanding of how to use simple tools to achieve a cinematic resonance. The way the muted acoustic tones interact with the airy vocal layers creates a physical sense of space, making the listener feel as though they are sitting right there in that Columbus home studio. There is a polished energy in the production that honors the weight of the message while ensuring the tracks remain a joy to listen to. As the EP begins to find its home on global indie and bedroom pop playlists this spring, the response has been one of profound resonance. Audiences are connecting with the honesty of the message and the uncompromising dedication to a sound that refuses to blink first in the face of emotional complexity.
Ultimately, Flying is a masterclass in the art of the coming of age manifesto. Elia Giuliani has taken the raw materials of her own heartache and rebuilt them into a sonic masterpiece of grace and grit. She has successfully bridged the gap between the private reality of the artist and the public reality of a world in need of genuine communication. As the final, reverberant notes of Mexico fade into the distance, the listener is left with a sense of quiet resolution and a renewed appreciation for the power of a genuine, purposeful voice. The leap has been taken, the sound has been found, and for Elia Giuliani, the winning streak of the soul is officially in full flight.
Put on your best headphones, find a quiet space where you can turn it up until the room starts to feel a little more like a sanctuary in Ohio, and let the cinematic resonance of Elia Giuliani carry you through the reflection. You might just realize that the heartache you have been carrying is exactly what you need to find your own strength. The journey is yours, the music is honest, and for the songwriter from Columbus, the mission to map the heart through the strings has reached its most vital and beautiful chapter yet. The atmosphere is set, the production is polished, and the truth of the story is waiting for anyone brave enough to listen.
