Our One-On-One With Fan Favorite, Elijah Blake
Singer-songwriter, Elijah Blake, née Sean Fenton, recently unveiled his highly anticipated indie project AUDIOLOGY, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2015 album, Shadows and Diamonds. To date, the multi-platinum Grammy Award winning Blake, who was born in the Dominican Republic, but raised in Florida, has written records with such artists as Justin Bieber, Nas, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Usher and Rihanna; collaborated with Rick Ross, Chris Brown, The Game, Meek Mill, Common, and Keyshia Cole; as well as recorded with Bono, Kanye West and Swizz Beatz. His work ethic is incredible and although he’s been in the game for a short time, relatively speaking, he’s clearly making an undeniable path for himself.
Parlé Magazine recently tracked down the ever busy Sir Elijah Blake, a.k.a. Redd Stylez, and this is exactly what transpired…
Parlé Mag: Let’s begin with your new album. It’s titled, Audiology. Talk to me about that title means to you and why you chose it?
Elijah Blake: Audiology represents the study and evaluation of myself in audio form. I tried to be as honest and transparent as possible, so people can hear, see and feel the real me this time.
Parlé Mag: Your new single “Technicolor”—tell me about these particular compositions; how did they come to fruition?
Elijah Blake: “Technicolor” came about from me overdosing on Prince basically, and my favorite artists of the ’80’s. It was probably the hardest song to mix on the album because I wanted it to sound as true to that decade as possible sonically, and the video is gonna cement that vision even more. Wait till you see it! I’m so excited.
Parlé Mag: How does AUDIOLOGY either differ and/or compare to previous Elijah Blake efforts?
Elijah Blake: With every project the goal is to tap into a different aspect of my journey as a young man. I had more control this go ’round of course, and it looks like it resonated well with my audience who were patiently waiting for (this) side of the story.
Parlé Mag: Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?
Elijah Blake: I’m a church boy! So growing up singing solos in the choir and seeing people be moved by music and lyrics, is where I believe I first got bit by the bug.
Parlé Mag: Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?
Elijah Blake: Prince, for sure, and Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Donnie Hathaway. I naturally gravitate towards old school artists from the ’80’s and prior. There was a level of fearlessness and freedom that is unparalleled with musicians of that time.
Parlé Mag: That said, how do you describe the style of music that you create and perform?
Elijah Blake: I stopped trying to put a name on it. It only complicates things. It’s all Soul music at the end of the day. Some may call it alternative soul, progressive soul, new age R’n’B… but it’s all still Soul. For me, first and foremost, it starts with a feeling. I love so many different genres, so you are bound to hear influences from Radiohead , Coldplay and Rascal Flatts in there as well.
Parlé Mag: Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
Elijah Blake: Being true to myself. Walking tall in it. That is the mission from now till after I’m gone and the music lives on.
Parlé Mag: What do you want people to get from your music?
Elijah Blake: I want them to laugh, cry, love, and dance. I want them to remember the smell in the air from when they heard it for the first time, years later.
Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Elijah Blake: Not really! *Laughs* I live and breathe music. I walk around humming all day. If anything, I do have a little acting itch that I’ve been refining so we’ll see what happens.
Parlé Mag: What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Elijah Blake: When (Usher’s) “Climax” won the Grammy definitely set the bar for me. That was special.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Elijah Blake: Prince, I can’t praise him enough. He’s literally everything I wanna be as an artist.
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Elijah Blake: Madison Square Garden, just because. I’ve always dreamed of the full all out performance; MJ/Janet style. 100 dancers, fire, lights…that’s definitely a dream of mine.
Parlé Mag: Lastly, what’s next for you, Mr. Blake?
Elijah Blake: More music, more truth, and more WTF moments! I’m having a blast finally, and I want to protect this space I’m in. Everything they said I couldn’t do… I’m doing it, just to show someone else they can, too.
Parlé Mag: Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?
Elijah Blake: The album is out now, and it’s f*ckin’ amazing! *More laughs*
Parlé Mag: Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Elijah Blake: Thank you guys for the support! The feedback from the people has been overwhelmingly exhilarating and refreshing to see that good music still connects. No huge radio smash, no features or samples, but you guys are supporting the lyrics, the songs, the melody, the story… and for that, I’m grateful.
Main Image by Alex D. Rogers
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