Elijah Bland
9th Annual R&B Song Nominee
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Genre: R&B
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HOMEBASE/COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: NYC/NJ (USA)
GENRES THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC: R&B/Soul
ARTISTS ON THIS RECORDING: Elijah Bland
WHERE WAS YOUR RELEASE RECORDED? Soulview Studios (Hackensack, NJ USA)
DESCRIBE THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR RELEASE: Spending a summer afternoon with the woman I love and reassuring her of my unconditional love.
IS IT BIOGRAPHICAL? Somewhat; more imaginative than anything.
WHY DID YOU SELECT THIS RELEASE TO SUBMIT TO THE IMAS? It makes people feel good.
WHAT/ IF ANY UNUSUAL INSTRUMENTS, SONG STRUCTURE/WRITING TECHNIQUES, RECORDING METHODS DID YOU USE? I didn’t write down any of the lyrics (I rarely do).
DID FANS HELP FUND THIS PROJECT? No
DESCRIBE YOUR AUDIENCE: Young professionals, middle-aged music lovers, artists/musicians. Culturally eclectic audience, generally age 30+ (more women than men).
WHAT MAKES YOUR FANS UNIQUE? Most of them are older than I am.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY? Intimate settings: Small clubs, restaurants, etc.
NAME SOME OF YOUR FAVE SONGS & WHY THEY RESONATE:
1) Mister Magic (Grover Washington, Jr.) – Classic groove, feels good, great musicianship.
2) Ordinary (Wayne Brady) – I can totally relate to being in a public relationship, but being happy with our “beautiful ordinary life.”
3) Too many others to name!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Being exposed to a national radio audience as a “B-Side Artist” on the Michael Baisden Show.
WHAT’S IN THE WORKS FOR THE REST OF 2010? 2011? Working on my third album and co-producing a great new artist’s debut!
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IS… (sadly) not all about music anymore.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS? Being an artist: “An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.” -Charles Horton Cooley
WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD THAT WOULD SURPRISE YOUR FANS? Jason Mraz, Jay-Z, NOT my own music
NAME SOME ARTISTS YOU CHAMPIONING: D’Angelo, Jill Scott, PJ Morton, Lalah Hathaway, Chaz Shepherd, Patrice Covington
HOW CAN FANS FOLLOW YOU? WHERE IS YOUR MUSIC AVAILABLE? ElijahBland.com, Twitter.com/ElijahBland, Facebook.com/eblandsoul, Reverbnation.com/ElijahBland. Available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, Rhapsody, etc.
ARTIST BIO:
Elijah Bland brings a refreshing new dimension to the modern world of soul music. Coupled with powerful lyrics and soulful grooves, his silky smooth delivery is a gift that has already touched many around the world. His sound fuses elements of funk, jazz, and R&B to create a unique brand of soul music.
With a healthy blend of passion, purpose, faith, and love, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, and musician embodies a humble expression of soul that fits the mold of a true artist. Largely influenced by old jazz and soul records from his childhood, Bland is a self-taught musician who has been tuning his uncanny ear for music since anyone can remember. He credits his parents as the founders of his musical journey: “They provided the opportunities for me to explore my gifts and create; I could never thank them enough!”
Elijah was born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he generally kept his artistic abilities under the shell of being a lifetime athlete. After a successful college basketball career and receiving his bachelor’s degree, he turned to his creative side and focused much of his time on songwriting and production. In writing for other artists, however, he realized a voice of his own that would become the tool he used to pursue his career as an independent artist. It was then that he decided to follow his passion and turn his life over to music.
Elijah’s debut album “Just Me…” (April 2007) quickly earned him the respect of music lovers everywhere! With a very fitting title, Bland was at the helm of all writing, production and recording. His first musical effort boasts of an immediate international reach, including sales in Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, and more.
His sophomore release “Soulcentric” (August 2008) has received rave reviews! It includes the hit singles Necessary, Talk To Me, and Sugar High (featuring Grammy-nominated soul singer, Wayna). With an overwhelming response since its release in November 2007, “Necessary” quickly became a MySpace.com favorite and has been in rotation on Internet, satellite and mainstream radio stations around the world. In 2009, “Talk To Me” made its debut on the nationally syndicated Michael Baisden Show and “Necessary” was nominated for Best R&B Song in the 9th Annual Independent Music Awards.
On stage, he leads “The Soulcentric Band” as its primary keyboard player and has been known to play nearly every instrument on stage at some point during the show. His performances continue to touch countless lives with positive, uplifting music. To date he has performed throughout the east coast of the U.S. at venues in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and more, while looking to broaden his horizons whenever possible.
Anyone who knows this man can attest to his undying passion and love for creative expression. He is also a talented graphic designer and voiceover artist. Elijah Bland has dedicated his life to the arts and is committed to sharing his gifts with the world,