Kayla Grainger Releases New Album Big Mike as Elke

The Nashville-based artist debuts her third record, a collection of nine tracks inspired by the loss of her father.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Country

Minimalist graphic illustration of guitar strings on a frost-covered fence post, evoking the quiet, introspective mood of a folk music album. — Nashville artist Kayla Grainger has released her third album, Big Mike, under the moniker Elke, a nine-track project exploring grief and identity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nashville artist Kayla Grainger has released her third album, Big Mike, under the moniker Elke. The project follows a period of artistic exploration and features nine new tracks.

Why it matters

The album serves as a deeply personal reflection on grief and the search for identity. Inspired by the passing of the artist's father, the songs aim to define a personal sense of home.

The album Big Mike features nine total tracks released via Congrats Records. This project arrives two years after the artist's previous album release.

The players

Kayla Grainger

Also known by her performance name Elke, she is a musician based in Nashville who specializes in atmospheric and conceptual songwriting.

Congrats Records

This is the music label responsible for the production and distribution of the latest album by Elke.

The details

Recording for the project took place in the woods outside of Nashville during the winter. To construct the soundscape, the artist incorporated various voice memos along with sound references drawn from literature and film.

Recording sessions for the album occurred in the woods near Nashville throughout the winter of 2025-2026.
The album Big Mike was officially released on October 30, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The album aligns with the growing trend of artists retreating to isolated natural environments to capture unique acoustic textures for their records. This method contrasts with standard studio production by prioritizing immersive, location-specific soundscapes.

Fans can stream the full album through standard digital platforms starting today. The project is available now via Congrats Records for those looking to explore the artist's latest conceptual work.

The takeaway

Listeners can appreciate the album by focusing on the integration of voice memos and literary references throughout the tracks. The record offers a somber, meditative experience suitable for those interested in exploring the connection between grief and home.