Interview With Eli Davidson

Where are you from?
Born and raised in Blythe CA
Members and their instruments?
Christopher Judd on drums, guitar, piano, vocals, synths, bass. Everything
What does your name mean?
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of being a hermit; someone who recluses from society and lives a life of solitude. That being said, Eli is a name that, to me, sounds like a hermit living in the middle of the woods, growing his own food, building his own shelter, being completely self-sufficient living off the land. David is my middle name, so I just put the two together.
What genre do you consider yourself? Why?
Electronic Indie, but that’s a broad term for it. There’s definitely elements of funk, metal, rock, pop, and r&b in there so I’m still deciding how to best describe it. I’ve heard someone tell me I sound like goth R&B once before and that was a trip.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music under this name for probably 3 years
What made you start making music?
The urge to begin expressing myself through songs. I used to struggle with this, and just play instrumental music. But once I started singing regularly I decided to just go for it and write songs.
What drew you to music?
The energy. There’s nothing like it
What are some of your most influential bands? Why?
System of a Down, Jack Garratt, Hiatus Kayote, Tei Shi, SZA, Frank Ocean, Honne. SOAD was the first metal band I really got into, they helped me learn rock drumming and harmonies. The rest influence my music with chord progressions, harmonies, rhythm, all in the path of creating a mood and conveying an emotion that frees myself of uncertainty.
What was your first song ?
Velvet Red. Old country/indie rock song I wrote a while back
What is your song writing process?
I’ll create a skeleton the instrumentals, such as a chords progression, and build from there. I’ll write lyrics probably halfway through, to create the vibe and hear how the relationship is. If it fits, I’ll finish with accents and drops, maybe even a different section. I let the words carry me through to the finish line
How has your music evolved since you began playing together?
I used to perform a lot more of country and rock songs. After a couple of years ago, I went through I pretty major break up. This kind of emotional energy freed my music writing process, and I began writing electronic music without a second thought because that’s what I felt most in the moment. It healed.
What songs do you perform the most often?
I would say my song “Honey”. It’s a fun one for sure!
Do you play any covers?
Yes, some mash ups and whatnot. I do a fun version of The Darkness’s “I Beleive In a Thing Called Love” and The Gorrilaz “Feel Good Inc.” mixed together.
Also Justin Timberlake’s “Cabaret”.
Do you have a set play list?
It moves around each show. I like keeping it different
Is there a secret meaning in any of your music?
All of my words are written about what I’m going through emotionally in life at the moment. There are times I write a line or verse that I think sounds good, and feels good, but I’m not quite sure what it means until I listen back and hear it. That’s when I realize I wrote something more true than what I originally thought.
What is your favorite part of working in music?
Hearing it all come together. That’s the magic moment! When it all aligns to create a scene and pulls you into the portal.
What is your least favorite part of working in music?
Equipment being pretty expensive. Haha!
Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety? If so how?
Yes. I performed some classical guitar suites for my senior recital in college. Playing a thirty minute long classical guitar piece from memory really makes you step your game up as far as tuning everything out and only focusing on what’s next in the music.
Anxiety is something I struggle with on a daily basis outside of music as well. So it carries over on the social aspect of performing, but I’ve developed techniques to cancel it out and engage more with the crowd.
How old were you when you started playing your instrument?
12 years young
How do you describe your music to people?
I describe it sometimes as Dark Dirty Electro Indie. It’s a little hard to sub categorize, so I’ll sometimes just say the blanket “Electronic Indie” and that seems sufficient.
What image do you hope your music conveys?
One of raw emotion, where fear doesn’t live and what you’re saying is 100% what you’re feeling. Also self-love in that aspect, and pushing that your feelings are valid and it is ok to express yourself in any way you see fit.
Where have you performed?
Places in DTLA(The Resident, Hotel Cafe, The Echo, Lot 1 Cafe, Tribal Cafe), Hollywood (The Study, Viper Room, State Social House, Whiskey a go-go, House of Blues), The Other Door in North Hollywood, places in Northridge.
Do you have any up coming shows?
I’m performing on Sep. 8th at The Study with Alyssa Ann, and some others are in the works.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Finishing college and not moving back to my home town. Haha!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a band?
Probably marketing techniques. Working on that currently.
Are you happy with the current success of your band?
I’m happy, but I’m pushing for more every day. There’s never a stop button to this musical success.
What is the ultimate direction for your band?
To do a world tour and raise money to help those in need along the way
What steps have you taken to get there?
Not enough! Researching companies that would work with this kind of idea
What steps do you still have to do?
A lot! Haha
How do you feel about the internet and the music business?
I think it’s a powerful tool for marketing and connecting with people on the surface level. Other than that I’m not a fan of the way royalties are distributed, or the agendas of mainstream music. It’s control of the masses, which can be and is used in a negative way sometimes.
What is your favorite concert you’ve attended?
I recently went to a house show for this band named Ruby Throated. They kicked ass! Definitely put me on a different plane mentally
What do you do besides music?
I work at Starbucks, and I’m working on becoming a bartender
What is something you would like to tell your younger self?
Listen to the old guy teaching you acoustic blues guitar! It’s going to pay off trust me
What is your favorite song? (not by your band)
On + Off by Maggie Rogers has been my jam as of late
What do you wish you spent more time doing 5 years ago?
Listening to more music and reading more about production techniques.
What advice do you have others wanting to start their own bands?
Practice and know your part well, and be open to others ideas and where the flow of the music can take you. It’s something magical when you let it take off
Any last words?
Never try to reflect the light of others. It may seem right at the moment, but inside you’re suffocating your own light. You’re a sun, not a moon, so shine bright and give life with your light!