On December 6, 2024, Elena Siegman, the versatile vocalist known for her work in the Call of Duty series and her alt-country EP The Mighty, released her latest single: a reimagined, synth-rock rendition of Irma Thomas’s soulful classic “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand.” This track marks the first release from her forthcoming covers album Cover Me, which will showcase her unique take on some of her favorite songs from across genres.
Siegman’s version of this iconic soul ballad takes on a darker, experimental edge, combining haunting synths, distorted melodies, and off-kilter production to create a soundscape that feels both intimate and unsettling. The track highlights the complexities of love, exploring how possessiveness can often masquerade as devotion and how obsession can cloud the true essence of unconditional love.
“I’ve always been captivated by Irma Thomas’s rendition of ‘Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand,’” says Siegman. “There’s a raw, timeless power in her delivery that embodies the unconditional nature of love. But as I reflected on the song, I realized that not everyone can distinguish between unconditional love and obsession. In my version, I wanted to explore that fine line, shedding light on how possessiveness can often masquerade as love, and the emotional dangers that come with that confusion.“
The track was produced and arranged by Siegman herself, who pushed the boundaries of the traditional love song by incorporating unconventional elements—such as a distorted toy piano and a slightly out-of-tune ukulele. The result is a soundscape that feels like a twisted love song, performed by someone with a much darker vision of what “true love” could mean. “The goal was to create a sound that felt off-kilter, unsettling, and intimate,” she explains. “Imagine a love song performed by someone who might have their ‘true love’ locked away in a basement. It’s equal parts eerie and emotional.”
This single also sets the stage for Cover Me, an album that will feature Siegman’s inventive renditions of some of her favorite songs, spanning across genres and eras. Her creative process for this album involves a fresh approach to each track, using production techniques that focus on highlighting emotional nuances, while reinterpreting the original material through her own artistic lens.
“I’ve always had eclectic taste in music—ranging from soulful ballads to experimental sounds—so this album was a natural next step for me,” Siegman shares. “I want to surprise my listeners and challenge myself creatively. This track, in particular, is about exploring how love can go awry, and turning that emotional depth into something darkly beautiful.”
Elena Siegman is a singer, songwriter, and performer known for her versatility across genres. She first gained recognition as the voice behind the iconic Call of Duty Zombies tracks, including “115,” and has since developed a strong following with her alt-country/rock EP The Mighty. With Cover Me, Siegman takes her artistic vision to new heights, reimagining beloved songs from her personal catalog of influences with experimental production and a focus on emotional depth.The single “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand” is available now on all streaming platforms. The full album Cover Me will follow in 2025.
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