ELI

Name, where are you from?

ELI (pronounced the boy way) and I’m from South-East London.

Describe your style in three words?

Eclectic, alternative, red.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?

Fat Freddy’s Drop at O2 Academy Brixton. I vividly remember screaming at the top of my lungs to 'Blackbird', completely high from the energy in the hall. I’d been rinsing their album 'BAYS' at the time and really wanted to see them live. It was such a surreal feeling. Their sound is a big melting pot of genres and cultures and I love and can relate to that so much.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands or artists in history?

Massive Attack because I’ve never seen them live and would love to witness their sublimeness. TLC because they’re raw, unapologetic, and always have wicked outfits.

Which Subcultures have influenced you?

Heavy Metal. People are always surprised when I mention that I grew up listening to rock and metal. I was brought up Christian and often felt trapped by those ideals, so listening to bands like Slipknot and A7X gave me an escape and the confidence to truly express myself.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?

Imogen Heap, she’s such a creative genius and not just musically but technologically too. I’d love to just pick at her brain and discuss concepts with her and how she sees the future of musical performance and software evolving.

Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?

KOKO is a great music venue; I’ve been there lots of times. I remember going to see The Japanese House Live in 2017 and was on the top floor. The whole atmosphere was haunting, and the lighting made for one of my favourite pictures. I made it my cover photo on Facebook haha.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?

Sevdaliza, she completely transcends what it is to be unequivocally autonomous. Her entire musical journey I’ve watched unfold. She leaves the truth in her music and performances. Aesthetically she’s unmatched and an icon in my eyes.