Inspired #425 - ELI
Fresh off a European tour supporting Lauren Mayberry (CHVRCHES), to landing BBC Introducing’s Record Of The Week - R&B artist ELI has just shared the gorgeous new video for her track ‘Sin’.
With her EP ‘Full Form’ set for release on 17 November, the London based alternative pop singer, songwriter, visual artist and producer is set to impress with this versatile body of work showcasing her distinct production style and virtuosity. Born and raised in South London, ELI is an alternative artist who combines ethereal harmonic vocals, melodic guitar riffs and syncopated beats to form her own distinctive sound.
Drawing inspiration from Indie, Soul, Trip Hop and Pop genres, ELI's music carries a prominent intercultural weight that lends itself delicately to her music. Pairing her deep sonorous vocal tones with rhythmically charged grounding melodies, she sits in her own unique musical genre.
She took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind her music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
I’ve been obsessed with Sampha’s music since his first EP Dual. His musicality is next level to me, the way he builds melodies and progressions connects with my spirit in a way I can’t describe. Process is one of my favourite albums, a cohesive masterpiece. Lianne La Havas is another of mine, as a black female musician her success is so inspiring and her talent incomparable. My mother is a huge inspiration of mine too. She sang in her home country the Ivory Coast and that has greatly inspired me to pursue music. Her love for songwriting and singing was passed down to me and my sister and I’ve been lucky to have her guidance from a young age.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
Metropolis by Fritz Lang is one of the coolest silent films I think I’ve ever watched. Visually it was ahead of its time, with a stylized futuristic screenplay that dove into the disparity between classes within society from a fascinatingly symbolic perspective. It’s inspired me to storytell unconventionally and appreciate visual boundary breaking.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
London has taught me a lot about interculturalism and experimentation in art. I was exposed to so many subcultures and genres growing up that I think you can really hear in my sound. From punk to mod, grunge, r&b and Brit-pop they’ve all subconsciously cemented themselves in my brain and influenced my taste along the way.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
My mother is my icon. She raised both me and my sister alone and allowed us to hone in on our hobbies. I've always had my fingers in many creative pies and she’s encouraged and supported me as much as possible.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
Full Form was written at a time where I felt like I’d lost control in certain areas of my life. It forced me to wade through those experiences and find my authentic self. As a producer I’ve grown a lot from my initial releases and wanted to show my versatility by putting this body of work out. The feedback has been amazing and people have genuinely connected with it sonically.
How would you like to inspire people?
Through representation I believe seeing people who look like me in the industry helps shape reality for the better. I want young black girls to see me and feel inspired to work hard and follow their dreams relentlessly.
