Avant-Garde encounters R&B/Soul in Singer-Songwriter/Producer IDRIS ELIJAH, who stands out with his velvety vocals, and experimental sound. Arising from the Niagara Falls area of upstate New York, he is inspired by artists like Marvin Gaye, Beyoncé, Erykah Badu, and Frank Ocean. He started performing in the first grade and continued well into high school before refocusing on his diverse interests in business and technology. While music is at the core of everything he does, IDRIS ELIJAH, is also enthusiastic about inspiring others through his artistry to rouse their dormant creativity. "The marrying of technology with the humanities is melting away the bars of entry. We can make grammy-winning music in our bedrooms and publish novels with the click of a button. So part of my obsession is to bring more awareness to this unprecedented moment in human history," said IDRIS ELIJAH from his home studio in Las Vegas. "I believe we have a unique opportunity to transform our world in ways the likes of which we have not seen since the renaissance." IDRIS ELIJAH has many lofty goals for the future in and out of music. Meanwhile, he spends much of his free time as a humble student of life. He's also looking forward to getting out and performing live and in-person in the future. Until then, he fully embraces the opportunity technology is affording him to connect with his audience online.
Music is the best medicine, the worst drug, and it gives me such a profound pleasure to be alive. What is life without a little music?
My music dream as a kid was to be a famous pop star. These days, making a comfortable living doing what I love would be splendid.
I don't know if I would ever want to change the world, plus I have the slightest idea where I'd start.
There are so many, but the first that comes to mind is "Miss You" by Aaliyah. I was 9 when she passed away, and I still remember dancing to her music videos and listening to her CDs until they couldn't play anymore. This song has a lot of positive, and tumultuous emotions attached to it.
Hands down Beyonce and Adele are my favorite artists, and OneRepublic takes the cake for my favorite bands. Many honorable mentions, but this sums it up nicely.
I don't think there's one particular thing that inspires me to make music, but I suppose my desire to make music is akin to a reader wanting to try their hand at writing. I've listened to so much music in my life, and music is such an important part of who I am, it makes sense for me to make music.
Overall I'd say love, empathy, and truth. Then again, most of that is subjective, and at the end of the day, I want to share my experiences through this medium because I want to connect with people on a more intimate level. What better way than through music?
I'm always nervous before a performance in front of an audience, but then I focus in on the song and once the vibe between me and the crowd settles in nothing compares to that high. Then the applause if all goes well.
Honestly, we're just a bunch of music lovers trying to make our way through the world the best we can. Can't say that there's any one thing that could be improved, but perhaps demystifying the music industry overall would be a great improvement. So much is shrouded in mystery that for newcomers, who don't know where to look, it can be difficult to break in.
Drooble is pretty cool. Kinda niche, because I don't think a lot of artists are aware it exists, but it has a lot of potentials.
A lot frustrates me as a musician, some of which I haven't yet experienced. Anything in life worth having isn't easy, so I can't really complain. In the end, I'll continue to push myself, and I will grow rich in experience because I never gave up.
I want to, once this pandemic is behind us, by going out to indie shows. That way I can learn a thing or two, meet new people who share my vibe, and of course, network with other artists in my space.
I don't have a real answer to this, but to any musician who wants to be heard by a larger audience than what they have I would suggest; remember why you do what you do, learn as much about marketing yourself the right way, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Conan Gray, Jessia, Zee Machine, Qveen Herby, and UPSAHL to name a few.