Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Elijah Vale
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I remember listening to pop stars in 2nd grade and wishing so deeply that I could stun my class with my voice. I’m still not at that point, but hopefully I’m moving in that direction.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
Junior high and early high school was a difficult time in my life. I had a ton going on, and I processed my emotions very poorly. Music became an outlet for me, a way for me to express my emotions in a way I could not before.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
At the moment, I’m studying engineering at a university in Texas. It takes nearly all my time, and I am doing my best to write and record whenever I have breaks from exams. Hopefully one day I will be able to truly focus on music, but until then, my production will be slow.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I don’t think there is one genre that I perfectly fit into, but my style tends to be pretty folky. I love acoustic instruments, and I don’t over produce my songs(mostly because I couldn’t if I wanted to).
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music? Talking to other singer-songwriters, one thing I quickly picked up on is that no one does it
the same way. Some write lyrics first and then add music, some do it vice versa, and others do something in between. Knowing that there is not a ‘correct’ way to make music is quite freeing, allowing you to be creative, experimental, and really show your personality through each project.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? I always start with an acoustic guitar, as that is my primary instrument. I’ve been playing
banjo for about a year, and recently picked up the fiddle, so those also find their way into most of my songs. The software I use is Logic Pro, and it provides a ton of tools that really bring my music to life.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
My favorite is Gregory Alan Isakov. There is a beautiful simplicity within his music that makes me want to have his songs playing in my head all the time.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? My personal experiences are essential to my writing. I don’t think it’s possible to write an emotional song unless you are truly reflecting on an experience or emotion.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? I hope that listeners see the value in embracing the sad. It’s an inevitable part of life, and
there is a strange and unexplainable beauty to it. Hiding from it always does far more damage than acceptance.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me that the world is filled with similar people struggling with similar things. Countless times I have written about a unique feeling or experience, and was met with listeners telling me how much they related. As an artist, this gave me a new boldness to express myself, and as a person, it reminded me that we are all the same, in a way.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Red Rocks Amphitheater is my dream venue.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? Avery Anna would be my dream collab. I love her style of music, I think she has one of
the greatest voices ever, and her duet songs are amazing.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
IG:
https://www.instagram.com/elijahvalemusic?igsh=MWMxbmJqcmpjcnN3aA%3D%3D&ut m_source=qr
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SUMVNkTSdft2xO25AFODD?si=CenuPtcURvuLbGcCNgpK Gw
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I hope to build a loyal following of people all across the world that really get my music. I also hope to have more time and resources to invest into my craft.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? I hope that listeners see me as a kind and respectful person, and that I am this way
because I am made new through Jesus Christ.
