This summer we ran a series of contests where the Inland Empire Explorer fans picked who they thought would be the winner of four weeks of head to head Local Artist Cover Song Tuesday contests. In week three Local artist Eli V. won the hearts of Inland Empire Explorer fans. Well now we have the Local Artist Spotlight that you have been waiting for. Eli V. had our fans hanging on his every vocal word this had a lot to do with the fact that if you didn’t know it you would think you were listening to Country Super Star Keith Urban. So we were so excited that our fans heard what we heard and choose Eli as their favorite that week.
What role does family play in your music?
My family and music go hand in hand, I grew up watching the men of my family play and sing hawaiian music together on so many different stages. Instruments were put into mine and my cousins hands at a young age and we were pushed to practice and appreciate it like they did. They never said we had to, but they knew we wanted to. It was fun to us and we all to this day play music.
What instruments do you play?
My primary instrument is guitar but that was not the first instrument I picked up. My first instrument was ukulele, second was the bass guitar. It wasn’t until 8th grade when I actually was given my first guitar and it was a Carlo Robelli acoustic guitar which I still have today and actually use to record. It sounds amazing. But I have no objection to sitting in a room with any instrument and fiddling around with it!
How many guitars do you have?
Currently I have 4 and a half that are in use, I have 2 telecasters made by the infamous Mike Gee from MGK guitars named Keith and Carolina. A Washburn WI64 which I’ve had forever named Woody, and an all Koa wood Takamine Acoustic which has no name. I say “half” because I have a 6 string banjo, nowadays called “Ganjo’s.” Its a Washburn W6 which I named Burnice.
What producers, songwriters and/or artists do you see as your primary inspirations?
Keith Urban is my my main influence, he never seems to stop impressing me with his releases. Other than that, I turn to artists Paul Brandt, Andy Gibson, and oddly the show FRIENDS for inspiration.
What are you thinking before you walk on stage?
I’m thinking about how grateful I am to be at that moment, and super anxious. all I really want to do is entertain everyone and show them a good time.
If someone told you right now to pick one venue and artist to sing or play with what would that be?
Easy, Venue would have to be Colorado Red Rocks with the man Keith Urban.
What is your favorite food?
Sushi, gotta have it.
Fun Fact?
I’m obsessed with chap-stick, gotta have one on me at ALL times.
What is your favorite movie?
Favorite movie, hard to say just one but absolute favorite is Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean Series. Absolute best…
Do you have any pets? Dog or Cat person?
I am a dog person 100% Have 3 dogs, Kona who is an awesome mutt but looks like a coyote, he is my ring leader. Then I have 2 pit bulls, Puka and Lehu who are absolutely insane but I love them.
What was your first job?
My first job was right out of high school and that was being a barista at Starbucks, I still hold that job today.
What do you like to do for fun besides work on music?
Golf has been taking up a lot of my time lately, I really enjoy it. Going to the gym and Also love seeing all of my friends on Saturday nights at our local country bar to dance. That would be Montana’s in San Dimas which is #1 in my book.
How do you describe your music to people?
I just sum it up as country rock.
How often and for how long do you practice?
I pick up my guitars everyday, it might be just to play along to my favorite songs, record an idea real quick on the computer or solo for an hour on a looping 13 second part at the end of a song WHO KNOWS! HA…The band gets together twice a week for a couple hours to just keep the vibe going together. Keep playing together, stay together.
Whats coming up for you where can our fans see you?
I am currently working on new material to be released this winter so I can’t wait to share with you guys. Also the Holiday Season is officially here and I have some great shows coming up. I expect to see everybody there! Get my full schedule at EliVOfficial.com