By: Obscure Agency
For this chapter of Behind The Scenes of Music, we talk today with Elnoir, an emerging artist whose dark and intimate sound has captivated European audiences with her album Alias.
However, there’s a lesser-known side to her talent: ghostwriting. In this interview, we explore her creative process behind the scenes, the challenges of writing for others, and how she balances her solo career with working for other musicians.
Elnoir, let’s start with a basic question: what is a ghostwriter?
Elnoir: A ghostwriter is someone who writes songs, lyrics, or music (in my specific case, lyrics and toplines) for another artist but doesn’t receive public credit for it. The artist takes the credit, while the ghostwriter remains anonymous. It’s an intriguing role because you get to shape something deeply personal for someone else, while your own identity stays hidden.
How did you start your journey as a ghostwriter?
Elnoir: It started while I was studying music in Hollywood. One day, I helped a fellow student with a song, and it was well-received. From there, others began asking me to write for them. When I returned to Italy, I decided to pursue it as a freelancer. I worked as a ghostwriter for several years, and although I’m now taking a step back, that experience taught me so much. Being behind the scenes gave me the freedom to experiment without the fear of judgment, and for someone like me who struggles with imposter syndrome, that was invaluable.
Your music has a very introspective touch. How do you separate your identity when writing for other artists?
Elnoir: Writing for others is, first and foremost, an exercise in empathy. It’s almost like acting. I step into someone else’s shoes, trying to understand their voice, their story, and their emotions. It’s not about imposing my artistic identity, but about channeling theirs. Some artists give me clear direction, while others offer me complete creative freedom. The challenge of switching perspectives is what keeps ghostwriting exciting for me.
What’s the most stimulating part of working as a ghostwriter?
Elnoir: The ability to immerse myself in so many different worlds. Every project is an opportunity to explore new genres and narratives that I might not have tackled in my own music. It pushes me out of my comfort zone and helps me grow as a songwriter.
Have you ever written a song for someone else and thought, “I want to keep this one for myself”?
Elnoir: I’m not gonna lie, yes, it happens! Sometimes I write something that resonates deeply with me. Sometimes I’ve used pieces of lyrics or ideas I already had in drafts and thought, “Maybe I should have kept this” but I’ve learned to accept that feeling. Writing for others means giving them the chance to tell their story, not mine. It’s hard not to feel a bit envious when I see a song I wrote go viral, while my music is still trying to find its audience. But I’ve come to terms with it. Every artist has their own journey, and I trust that my time will come when the moment is right.
Is there a song you’ve written for another artist that you’re particularly proud of?
Elnoir: Yes, there’s one in particular that became a symbol of feminist protest and empowerment. I’ve seen videos of demonstrations where people were chanting the lyrics I wrote, fighting for women’s rights. It was overwhelming in the best possible way to see how words can have such a profound impact.
How do you balance your solo career with ghostwriting?
Elnoir: It’s not easy, but it all comes down to prioritizing and organizing, which I’m not the best at doing. My solo project is where I express my identity, while ghostwriting has been a crucial part of my career, allowing me to experiment and learn. Lately, though, I’ve been feeling a bit creatively blocked due to the pressure, and it’s been hard to overcome. Ironically, that block disappears when I write for others. It’s almost funny: the ultimate struggle of a ghostwriter is not knowing how to write for yourself!
Elnoir – Hades (Official Music Video)
Have you ever thought about revealing some of the songs you’ve written for others?
Elnoir: I’m just a human and the ego boost is tempting, but there’s something special about staying behind the scenes. Some songs were just meant to be for other artists, and that’s part of their magic. These aren’t my stories to tell.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a songwriting career?
Elnoir: Write without ego. Songwriting isn’t about showcasing yourself, but about serving another artist’s vision. You need to listen, understand, and respect their perspective. Also, never underestimate the importance of versatility. And one last piece of advice: don’t chase virality. Music is about communication and art, not just content for social media. If you focus only on writing a viral hit, you might end up on the wrong path.
Any future plans?
Elnoir: Yes! I’m working on my second album right now and I want to put the majority of my efforts there. And I want to move away from ghostwriting! It’s time for me to put my name and face out there. FUN FACT I will start as a newbie! I signed too many NDAs for my curriculum to be public haha.
Thank you, Elnoir, for sharing with us this lesser-known side of your career. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Elnoir: Thank you! It’s been great to talk about this side of the music industry that isn’t often seen.
Published by Joseph T.
