Sri Lankan-born singer Elsz is putting out a powerful message about domestic violence in her song, Poison

Sri Lankan-born singer Elsz is putting out a powerful message about domestic violence in her song, Poison, which is being released in conjunction with the 2016 International Women’s Day.

The Glebe singer said the song is about love, violence, self sacrifice, shame and abuse with proceeds donated to Women in Need, a national service provider in her native Sri Lanka.

Elsz, who calls her music a mix of dark pop and experimental R&B, launches the song in Sydney on March 17.

Poison was recorded by French film maker Joseph Paris and is being released as a documentary style clip and features a confronting dialogue between her and her abusive partner.

“Our greatest self defence is telling our stories. As an artist and a survivor of abuse, I hope this song will inspire other women to break the silence and for society to stop treating domestic violence as a private matter,” Elsz said.

“Most of the songs I write are about my personal experiences but though a lot of people may think that I am depressed because some of the songs are so dark and serious, I am not depressed but rather inspired and feeling blessed.

Elsz plays the harp and piano and loves producing her own sounds for use in her songs.

“These are very exciting times for me and I am in the midst of putting together around 11 songs for my debut album,Blue Scar,” said Elsz
Elsz last year recorded the first two singles Blue Scar at one of New York’s oldest recording studios, Sear Sound.

She played several gigs in New York including the Brooklyn Wildlife Summer Festival and has toured Europe, both as solo and also with French band Nimeo.

In 2013, she released her debut EP, Chasing Rainbows, in Sri Lanka where she played at several concerts and was nominated for the Best female Artists Award 2013.

Elsz will release Poison for the first time in Sydney at Venue 505, 280, Cleveland St, Redfern, on Thursday, March 17, at 8pm. She will be joined by artists Pataphysics and Lou Millar. Cost: $10. Details: www.elszmusic.com