INTERVIEW | ELIJAH BLAKE

Elijah Blake is no rookie to the Music game. This Florida native embraced his Caribbean roots creating a cadence that is bound to make you move; using lyrics that are just effortlessly poetic. This storyteller/songwriter has penned for the likes of Usher, Rihanna, Trey Songz, Nas and Ciara just to name a few. This issue we are here to celebrate him and the right way to leave a legacy behind. We sat down to talk about his Journey, new music, fashion, all the good people , bad business and ugly truths being a thriving creative in this industry. 

RSL: Having roots from the Dominican Republic do you feel your music, although not Latin in genre, includes those influences?

EB: Being a child of two diaspora parents from the West Indies I do feel that both Haitian & Dominican (Hispaniola) tradition is very prevalent in my musical approach. Especially in rhythmic cadence I naturally lean towards in my songwriting

RSL: You signed your first deal at 16, what advice would you give that version of yourself?

EB: My best advice to a 16 year old me would be to Give it the best that “You’ve” got. I did a lot to try & please the system around me & it took me years to learn that essentially that it’s not a system with the creatives best interest at heart but as long as you’re doing it on your own terms then you’ve got nothing to lose. I’m at a place where I’d rather be disliked at least for who I truly am and/or becoming than loved & revered for what I’m not.

RSL: With writing credits from Usher, to Rihanna, Nas, Trey Songs and Ciara, and the plethora of new artists, who’s an artist you still would like to create with now?

EB: Honestly this may come off wrong but I say this in the most humble way. I have been blessed to work with most if not all my heroes & inspirations alive today the ones that I haven’t gotten to at least cross paths with creatively unfortunately are not alive today a la Prince , Michael, Whitney, Donny Hathaway, Aaliyah & Hendrix

RSL: Name one song or project you wish you could have written or been a part of the creative process.

EB: Ribbon in the sky. I have to see with my own 2 eyes what inspired a blind man to paint a musical picture about a red ribbon in the blue sky. Just WOW

RSL: How has your personal style changed since your first project?

EB: To me, true style is something that’s ever evolving. I love risks. I can’t stand in the same place for too long or I’ll go crazy & the same goes for my pallet for food & clothing. Whatever I’m feeling is what and how I’ll present. I look back at old pictures & think wow that was very “Florida” lol but it’s where I’m from & very much still a part of who I am today just… elevated.

RSL: If you auditioned for American idol or AGT what would be your go to song?

EB: I actually did an audition. I sang “Ain’t too proud to beg”. I got passed a couple rounds but to be honest that season they weren’t looking for singers anymore it was more of a tv comical thing by then cause they guy who sang before me that they seemingly loved mumbled “oh black velvet bow now” & made no eye contact & they put him through which even at 16 I felt bad for him cause it felt like bullying almost

RSL: How do you feel about the current state of R&B Music? Top 5 artists you’re listening to right now?

EB: It’s tough cause every now and then I’ll come across a gem that I’ll be like “ok this is something” but more often than not I wish there were more risks being taken. I wish the r&b gentlemen approached can be brought back & a little more chivalry wouldn’t hurt. I know some call it simpin’ but let’s be for real. This genre was built on love songs & that still can be beautiful with new sonics etc.

RSL: How do you feel about songwriters being honored/Nominated at awards shows like the Grammys and Billboard with a category?

EB: About time. I don’t know why our predecessors didn’t put up more of a fuss or maybe they did & we’re just now being heard. The way that the skill of songwriting has been minimized throughout the years though is criminal to me. Without the songs there is no music industry so one would think you would protect the conduit in which that gift is designed to flow through.

RSL: Are there any vocal techniques you try to teach new artists when vocal producing?

EB: Feeling. That’s the one thing you can’t fake. Everything else can be learned or taught but feeling is something you either connect with or you don’t. I’ll have someone reusing something even a little less perfect just so the listener believes it. I do it even in my own sessions & songs.

RSL: Michael Jackson or Prince?

EB: Tough. Very tough. It’s always Prince though.

RSL: We are excited to hear your new single “Deux” featuring Jordin Sparks. What can we expect from this song?

EB: You can expect Jordin to shine in this new pocket she’s in. You can expect me to bring all the r&b/church that I can’t seem to get away from lol it’s really a smooth, sexy song that really compliments both of our voices I’d say. Jordin & I have been fam for so long & singing together so much that there is definitely a blend that we share musically that is freakishly cool. We both share an affinity for 90s duets & can sing word for word every Boys II Men/Mariah Carey or Avant & Keke Wyatt power ballad.

RSL: Is there an album in the works?

EB: Yes, of course. You know if there’s a single dropping that means an album isn’t far behind.