A Man, His Soul, and His Keyboard
Sometimes, things in life are simple. Our heads make everything more complex, but that’s just what humans do.
Music is a perfect example of that. It can be massive and have a bunch of sound effects. Some people mix music so much that the voice fades in the back, and we seem lost and confused in the melodies. On the other hand, it can be that special thing that takes little effort. Some artists have that raw talent that seems so effortless. Remember stars like Prince, Whitney Houston, or Luther Vandross?
The other day, while exploring new music online, I encountered an unknown voice that stopped me for a second. I suddenly needed to experience what I had just felt.
It was a voice like I had never heard before. It had that spark, that X factor, that undescribed thing that brings people together when we need it most.
Quickly, I looked up the musician’s name. It was Elmiene, a singer from the UK. His voice reminded me of the pioneer Maxwell. It felt effortless and natural, unlike anything I have heard in the past.
In a YouTube video, he sits alone at the piano with a clear mission and vision. His goal is to tell a story, using music as the conductor. There are no rules for telling a great story. It needs to come from deep inside you and make people feel a certain way.
Others cannot teach that storytelling talent.
Stories well told are gold. Untold stories are most often told through music and melodies. When talking isn’t possible, singing what you want to express is way more valuable.
Elmiene, 22 years old, has a bright future ahead of him. The R&B industry needs him to rescue us from the outcomes of the world. Just like he sang in Slow Jam, it is important to express ourselves to be able to love someone else. It can only happen once you love yourself. That’s a prerequisite.
Let’s go back to the beginning. What do I mean by things in life aren’t that complicated? The greatest geniuses have that simplicity — that special thing that makes them shine and stand out. Elmiene’s new music project, Live From 525, cannot be described. It is that good, trust me! No words can summarize my feelings as I listened to this project released on July 19.
Live from 525 is something you need to listen to. It will change your perspective on music and Elmiene. It will make you better equipped to understand the man behind the keyboard.
Don’t stop at Elmiene’s new EP. Listen to his other stuff, including Marking My Time (Again), released earlier this year. This Oxford native has much to offer in his young career.
The fresh EP combines the talented artist’s old R&B classics and newer songs. Who doesn’t like a cover of Frank Ocean? Frank (by the way, where are you?) can be proud of his interpretation of Pink Matter from Channel Orange. Nine songs are all you need to understand better who Elmiene is. You will probably recognize the songs Untitled (How Does It Feel) by D’Angelo and Sometimes It Snows in April (Prince).
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Elmiene admitted that introspection is essential to him. It helps him understand himself and his craft. It is what distinguishes R&B from other genres. Love and introspection are what make R&B music so unique.
Something stood out in his interview when he said: “I realize that being connected with yourself, and honest with your emotions, is just the easiest way to live — and I’ve seen so many people that don’t do that and the effects of it.”
This way of viewing life couldn’t be more accurate. Even though it can be lonely at times, we should all follow Elmiene’s philosophy.
The sun is shining on the other side of the mountain for him. Big things are yet to come. When things seem overwhelming, a man only needs himself, his soul, and his keyboard. Life is pretty simple when you think about it.
Enjoy yourself, be true to yourself, and never stop believing in your power to change whatever you want. That’s how Elmiene approaches life.
The singer-songwriter will be in Toronto in October for Canadian fans like me.
