Introducing The Berlin Based Talent ELI
ELI is a rising artist that’s bringing down his emotional walls with his music. With a sound that’s similar to other hot acts like LAUV, Post Malone, and LANY, the 22-year-old isn’t tied down by one specific genre. Since he was a child, ELI has never been one to conform when it came to his love for music. The emerging talent bounced from rocking out on the drums, learning the soft style of the violin, and shredding on the guitar. Along with becoming a multi-instrumentalist, ELI also added songwriter to his lists of childhood accomplishments, officially setting him down the path to pursue a career in music.
His dream of stardom became a reality in 2018 with the release of his debut track ‘Change Your Mind’ – which has earned a combined 70,000,000 streams across all platforms. Since then, he has released a plethora of songs, including his new bittersweet breakup single ‘Ghosts’. With his star still on the rise, ELI is continuing to create innovative pop music for listeners around the world.
We were able to chat with the Berlin based artist about everything from his new single, growing up in the entertainment industry, and so much more. Check out our interview below…
Your latest track, ‘Ghosts’, is an absolute banger! What type of headspace were you in during the writing process? Did any real-life relationships inspire it?
Thanks a lot!! So I’ve been going through a pretty heavy break up the last couple of months, and the song was definitely inspired by that! The breakup led me into a weird place, which at the end now is actually very positive and a little spiritual haha, so I wanted the instrumental to be kind of upbeat instead of heavy and slow.
Your music blends an array of genres. Is there a style or sound you gravitate to the most when creating new music?
I’ve been going through a lot of ups and downs in 2019, and I feel like I’ve finally found my sound. I’m listening to a lot of modern urban pop/hip hop music, so that’s definitely the number one inspiration when creating, but I grew up listening to punk rock, so I try to blend that in every now and then, especially in terms of melodies.
Growing up in a family that was involved in the entertainment industry, what are some of the second-hand lessons you learned about the biz?
Uhhh that’s a good question! So I think one of the most important lessons is that: good music and talent win in the end. I think once you’re in the industry, there are so many people trying to tell you what’s right and what’s wrong, and it’s so easy to get distracted by that. I think it’s about the fans and the people that can relate to the music you’re making. You know, my Dad, who’s a concert promoter, is not a musician himself, he’s a businessman. And no matter how stressed-out he is – in the end, when I see him at a show he has goosebumps, and I just love that. In the end, it’s about the music!
You’ve learned how to play a plethora of instruments – drums, piano, guitar, and more. Which one is your favourite to play?
Uhhh my favorite instrument has to be the guitar.
What’s your writing routine? What are the must-haves during a session? Where is your favourite place to create?
I record voice memos of melodies on my iPhone, and then I try to fill the melodies with words and chords. Sometimes I have the chords first. I definitely have to be in an environment where I can be 100% myself. I also love candles, so that helps aaaand if there’s a chance to look at the stars at night, then that’s the perfect studio scenario, haha. Wow sounds so extra :’-D Hotel rooms are great too haha.
How do you combat writer’s block?
I think acceptance is key. I’m still working on it myself, but I think acceptance and forgiveness are the key to a happy life.
A little off-topic, but do you have any secret or unusual talents?
Hmm I’m pretty competitive, so I’m pretty good at any sports, and I would say I’m very good at FIFA. So if anyone wants to lose, feel free to challenge me…
What can fans expect from ELI for the rest of 2020? or at least within these next few months? An EP release? An album? (crossing fingers its the latter)
2020 is a special year for all of us, I think. For me, 2020 means I found myself as an artist, and I’m releasing tons of new music! EP for sure – don’t know when but definitely this year!! Album maybe next year…
Where do you hope to be career-wise five years from now?
I would love to tour as much as I can! Connecting with people from all over the world!! My ultimate goal is to pour out my emotions in my music so people can relate to it.
Make sure to check out ELI’s video for his latest track ‘Ghosts’ below…
