Today we’d like to introduce you to El Aye. Them and their team share their story with us below:
We often here the phrase “What the game’s been missing…” Nowadays it’s so hard to know what’s been missing because even the new wave is similar to what’s already been out. El Aye is truly “What the games been missing…” born and raised in Chicago, El grew up on Old school music such as “Isley Brothers, Frankie Beverly, and Maze, Al Green just to name a few. The music when true love stories were told, when artist put their heart and soul into their performance. These are all traits EL Aye possess as an artist. He brings back real love stories with urban and today’s twist on them. Gives you that 90’s feel (even if you were born in the 90’s or not, you definitely know the vibes. His sound isn’t complicated and it’s genuinely tailored for EVERYONE!!! El Aye got his start from his uncle who was a former rapper and current music producer who saw something special in him early on. He took El to the studio for the first time and was quickly impressed by his writing and ability to come up with catchy hooks. From that point, he took El under his wing and began to mentor him. After 5 years of doing music with his uncle and developing a sound and style, he released his 1st EP. Though the EP was received well from new fans, that could not give El the peace of mind he desired from the violent streets of Chicago. In 2013 El decided to move to Dallas to escape hardships he was experiencing in Chicago. He knew that goin there he would have to reinvent himself in music and completely start over. He didn’t waste any time doing so. El started going to open mics at The Prophet Bar and got familiar with other artists, musicians, and producers. Did a movie with Fred Hammond where he was able to showcase his dancing and singing skills. Performed at SXSW and was asked to come back 2 weeks later in Austin at the same venue to do another set. 2 shows at House of Blues…he did not pull his foot off of the gas. However, things came to a holt when El took a job as a flight attendant. This was a job he always wanted and when offered the position he did not hesitate to take the offer. Though he loved the job and got to travel the world, the one thing he missed most of all is music. He quickly learned that wasn’t going to be able to balance both. So once again El had to make a difficult decision. After 7 months of flight attending El decided to come back to Dallas to get back to music. He hasn’t turned his back since. Over time El has captured the attention of fans from all over the country. Doing shows in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, LA just to name a few. He has opened for artist such as Lyfe Jennings, Bobby Valentino, and just added Genuwine! El’s passion and love for music is evident and you definitely feel and see it when he’s on stage. El recently released a new single entitled “D.I.Y” (available on all digital platforms) which has the best mix of R&B and hip hop and in all-in feel-good move ya body song. This song he calls “his baby” and is determined to get it on radio across the country. Now that El has found himself in music he just wants to continue to give Dallas what they deserve “Good damn music”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In this industry, I don’t believe the road is ever smooth. From my mom battling breast cancer (who’s now in remission), the loss of my grandmother who was my best friend, the passing of my siblings and so much more. Even trying to balance day-to-day living and putting music in your budget I can say the road was pretty bumpy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a singer/songwriter and one hell of a performer! Though my shows come from my heart I do it all for the people. I like to sing songs that everyone knows that they don’t hear often, take them back down memory lane. Now I’ve added backup dancers in which I call “The Bad Mama Jammas” (Tialejan and Shay Gormet) which have take my shows to the next level. I’ve noticed that I really don’t see anyone in Dallas who has them. I stand out because I do sing but I also dance and get crowd participation. The fans love it!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck. It’s all God! God has the say so over my life. I know that experiencing the bad and good builds character and makes me resilient. So, I give thanks to him for both
Contact Info:
- Email: lyrradandremusic@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ElAye
- Instagram: @el_aye_music
- Facebook: El Aye
- Twitter: @ElAyeLyrrad
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/LyrradAndre
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/U3KSj6xU184QpdnF6
- Other: https://youtube.com/channel/UC39nurYcqeAADfENpFBho7Q
Image Credits:
Behind The Lenz Photography
