British/Greek singer, songwriter and producer Eleni Drake has released her eagerly anticipated new album CHUCK via MNRK. The release is accompanied by powerful lead single and live video, ‘Ripples’ which you can view below.

Previously a completely self-produced and self-released artist, Eleni has worked with co-producer Frank Colucci (Ashnikko, Ethel Cain) on her full-length label debut, CHUCK, which pushes her sonic palette into richer new territory as she finds revelation and growth amongst the rubble of a previous relationship. It’s a stunningly human portrait of love and pain, and how those two states can interconnect in the most disarming and sometimes destructive of ways, whilst also building a nurturing musical world to fall into and find solace within.

Chuck continues Eleni’s journey from her celebrated 2024 EP, Above Deep Water; her first release on new label MNRK. Having self-released her previous projects, Eleni continues to find a devoted following for her undeniable talent.

Eleni’s hauntingly beautiful sound is at once refreshing and timeless, uplifting and introspective, inspired by a deep love of music that spans from Mazzy Star and Adrienne Lenker to Mac Miller and Cleo Sol. We had a chat with her all about what she’s been up to, the making of Chuck, and what’s coming up for her next. Read the Q&A below.

Hi Eleni! How are you? What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?

“Lately, my days are a mix of creativity and chaos – I’m either cooking, making music, designing merch, or trying to wrap my head around the business side of the music industry, which can definitely be stressful. I’ve basically been learning how to organise a tour, which has been a whole new adventure in itself. Amidst it all, I try to slow down and appreciate the simple things whenever I can.”

You’ve just released your new album Chuck. What’s the record about, where did you draw influence from sonically and what does it mean to you?

“Chuck feels like my strongest body of work yet. It draws influences from artists like Mazzy Star, Bon Iver, and Stevie Nicks – from the songwriting style to the textures and instruments used throughout. I loved being able to experiment with a wider range of sounds and finally collaborate with some of my favourite people and most talented musicians, instead of doing everything on my own!!”

Please take us through your songwriting/creative process for the LP. As mentioned, this is the first time you have worked alongside another producer. How was that experience for you? What was your favourite part? And what did you find most challenging?

“Working with Frank felt sooo effortless – we’ve collaborated before, and it’s like we share the same brain at times; I’ll think of an idea and he’s already bringing it to life, or he’ll suggest something I’ve just done… There’s this little creative connection between us. My favourite part was hearing the songs come to life; going from demos of just me and my nylon, to fully fleshed out tracks. There weren’t many challenges, though I always carry a little fear that my songs might not be good enough, or that I might let listeners down, but I’m learning to trust myself and my art more with each release.”

What do you hope fans/listeners take away from Chuck?

“I hope people feel heard, understood, and a little less alone. Letting go is hard, but there’s something wonderful in recognising the good in people, even when things don’t last. Just because it ends doesn’t mean it wasn’t real ya know? There’s beauty in the brief moments too.”

Finally, what else is next for you? Any shows coming up? Plans for 2026?

“My tour was postponed because of some visa issues with the US, but we’re hoping to make it happen early next year. The plan is to play Chuck wherever I can; Australia, the US, Europe, and just keep performing and sharing the album with as many people as possible. Who knows, maybe there’ll even be a deluxe version somewhere along the way?”