Concert Review: Elujay Brings Neo-Soul To Elsewhere
Hailing from Oakland to NYC, Elujay represented a sonic wave of Neo-Soul that is taking over the country. The question is what makes it Neo? Of course, it is a generation-based notion, and Elujay represents that every rising youth adds a spin to the old. At Elsewhere, his Neo-Soul turned the spiritual, high-octane observances of classic Soul, and slowed them down to make you feel like a spirit driving through and witnessing neighboring lives.
Classic soul and funk are communal genres, of which even speaking your individual plight was a reference to the back-boned oppressions of of your community. For Elujay, Neo-Soul is about splashing such elements amongst pop culture like references on Millennial life and relaxed funk rhythms. As the top 3 Millennial goals, he presents young love, finding our personal, happiest path, and trying to change society more than it changes us, which may not be so different from prior generations. Yet, for us, it feels urgent, and Elujay’s ability to make a bouncing bassline slow our heart rates enough to release our bodies into dance is VITAL!
I say it all the time! There is so much TALENT in the world, and there are incredible artists like, Elujay, that are realizing if the mainstream does not make room for you, then you simply have to create your own space until it decides to enter. This producer gives off a DIY vibe that matched his amiable personality and Brooklyn. He is constantly moving his arms as if he had to, literally, chop beats in the air to wedge his verses between them. He stands on the ledge of the stage inviting people to enter his words as if they are worlds, which they are! Lyrically, Elujay is a painter; using songs such as “Blu” “Starchild,” and “Locked In,” to draw people into the daily life of someone trying to make it big, while enjoying the “Little Thangs.”
Vocally, Elujay interchanges and blends rapping and singing to make his voice another rhythm. He treats vocals like layers that cannot stray too far from instrumentals in tone or power because music, for him, is a frequency. He loves his songs as if they are the manifestations of his best, most thoughtful moods, which is so sweet. Passion for your work will always appear charming, and Elujay is passionate. For More Information On Elujay Click Here.
