Transatlantic alternative rock project THE ELEM explores the human condition through layered production, emotional storytelling, and an ambitious creative vision.
Transatlantic alternative rock project THE ELEM has released its third single, “Times That… [Radio Edit],” offering another glimpse into the upcoming EP, Perhaps, It’s Me, arriving November 16, 2026, through Absolute Label Services in the UK.
Founded in Portugal in 2025 by songwriter and producer M.L. Leichter, THE ELEM brings together a rotating cast of remote collaborators to create music that blends rock, alternative, and indie influences with deeply personal themes.
Exploring everything from unfulfilled love and paranoia to mortality and the fear of the unknown, THE ELEM approaches songwriting with a willingness to confront life’s most difficult questions.
THE ELEM’s “Times That…” Explores Emotional Complexity
With “Times That… [Radio Edit],” THE ELEM continues building a musical world shaped by psychological tension, emotional vulnerability, and a fascination with the unknown.
The new release follows THE ELEM’s earlier single, “Who’s There?”, which Canadian Beats previously featured in September.
Rather than following conventional songwriting structures, Leichter allows melodies, verses, and choruses to evolve naturally, creating arrangements that shift and develop as each story unfolds.
The project places particular emphasis on capturing authentic emotion, even when that means favouring an imperfect but expressive performance over technical precision.
For Leichter, inspiration often arrives unexpectedly.
“I don’t know where it comes from, some people call it magic or mystical, I just call it The Unknown – but then comes the long process of editing,” he explains.
That initial creative spark is only the beginning of an extensive production process, sometimes involving as many as 70 vocal tracks to achieve the desired sound.
THE ELEM Collaborates With Acclaimed Producer Mike Fraser
The ambitious production behind THE ELEM extends to an impressive team of industry professionals.
Renowned mixing engineer Mike Fraser handled the mixing at Armoury Studios in Vancouver. Fraser’s extensive credits include AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica, Rush, Franz Ferdinand, Joe Satriani, Elvis Costello, and Norah Jones.
Mastering was completed by Billy Joe Bowers at Casa de Amor in Tucson, Arizona.
The project’s visual identity also received special attention, with artwork created by James Marsh, celebrated for his distinctive album covers for Talk Talk.
Finding the right creative partners was an important part of bringing Leichter’s vision to life, ensuring that the music and artwork shared the same sense of depth and artistic ambition.
THE ELEM Prepares to Release Perhaps, It’s Me EP
Arriving November 16, Perhaps, It’s Me represents the culmination of a creative journey spanning more than two decades.
Throughout that time, Leichter’s evolving experiences, influences, and locations have shaped a musical approach that values experimentation and emotional honesty.
Each song begins with an initial melodic or lyrical idea before developing through extensive arrangements and contributions from collaborators around the world.
Multiple vocalists may be recorded for a single track, with Leichter ultimately selecting the performance that best communicates its emotional message.
Drummers are also encouraged to experiment, bringing their own rhythmic ideas and percussion textures into the arrangements.
Leichter describes this collaborative approach as “Capturing the story as it unfolds.”
The result is a layered alternative rock project that embraces uncertainty, intensity, and the complexities of human experience.
Listen to THE ELEM’s “Times That…” and Discover Perhaps, It’s Me
With “Times That… [Radio Edit]” available now and Perhaps, It’s Me arriving November 16, THE ELEM invites listeners into a musical experience built around mystery, emotion, and the questions that rarely have simple answers.
Blending alternative rock, indie influences, and intricate production, the upcoming EP promises a deeply personal exploration of the human condition.
“Times That… [Radio Edit]” is available now, with Perhaps, It’s Me set for release November 16, 2026, through Absolute Label Services.
