Today we’d like to introduce you to ElJay Williams (aka) The Artist ElJay
Hi ElJay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At the early age of ten, a star was born as then, ElJay Williams Jr., sang for the very first time, at his elementary school talent show. His Michael Jackson version of “Climb Every Mountain”, fit his voice perfectly, and he knew it. Although this was the first time his classmates and teachers heard him, he was not a stranger to performing.
He was raised in Kansas City, MO. on 49th and Michigan, where his grandparents home was the safe space for cultivating his gift. ElJay found himself naturally gathering the other seven grandchildren, at that time. Together they would put on music performances or choirs for their parents and grandparents entertainment. Although each one of his cousins had their special gifts, there was something different about ElJay. At this early age, he had an ear for music. He knew where to place each cousin when it came to musical parts. He knew how to write music and scripts, some in which he still has. And, he was very creative, even then.
ElJay was different than any kid. While most kids were thinking about becoming doctors, lawyers, and police officers, he knew he wanted to perform. And his life was set into motion, in that direction. ElJay went own to participate in orchestra in elementary school, where he earned first chair. He played the drums at his local church for many years, and sang in the youth choir. By middle school, ElJay was in Choir, DrillTeam, and Dance.
This same momentum went on through high school, where he participated in choir, drama club, and was the assistant choreographer for the cheerleaders. ElJay, even spent a portion of High School attending The Los Angeles School of the Arts. As ElJay approached his Senior year of high school, he was asked by a mentor what his plan was after school. His response “I want to just find a job that pays me to perform”. Being highly persuaded to have a back up plan, he went on to attend The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, on a four-year choir scholarship. But of course, he couldn’t just participate in choir. He majored in Journalism, and double minored in both Theater and Music.
Although he has a lot of great experiences while in college, it was then when he received his first recording contract with On the Rise Productions. This was a turning point for ElJay, as the contract was gained from a televised competition that he won through CW. This boost his confidence and let him see for the first time the gift he really possessed. However, after the deal went bad, due to poor management and inproper planning, ElJay was left with a bad taste for music.
Taking a step away from music for about ten years, ElJay had time to find his love for music and re-evolved as “The Artist ElJay”. This name expressed his desire to let the world know that he is an artist, telling his story through music, dance, acting, modeling/fashion, and storytelling.
Since his breakout as an Independent Artist in 2018, with his first EP entitled “Melody”, The Artist has worked tirelessly to make sure his name was known. In just a few short years he appeared in podcast, blogs, and magazines, including the largest music magazine, Music Connection JUN/JUL 2021 Edition Vol. 45. His collaboration with Big Noise marketing firm, on a new artist campaign, placed him in front of millions of promoters that have afforded him the opportunity to perform on a variety of local and major platforms. These stages included, festivals, concerts, and platforms opening for mainstream artists such as; Muni Long and Ginuwine. The Artist ElJay’s music has received consideration in the 64th Grammy Awards by the Recording Academy in the Best R&B Performance category, for two of his songs. The same music garnered over 500K+ organic spotify streams and has steady climbed in numbers.
These recognitions led him to signing with The Next Paige Agency Model and Talent based in KC, and co-represented by Images Agency in St. Louis, MO., The Artist has a catalog of music that now includes two EP’s (“Melody” & “Champion”), one album (I Need You), and several singles (“Don’t Stop the Beat”, “Party Ain’t a Party”, & “Drip”). He has produced multiple YouTube cover videos showcasing his perspective on other artists’ music, and co-produced his own music videos to several of his songs.
All this noise brought attention to The Artist, and in January 2024 he signed a management deal with Trammell & Associates which unlocked a recording and distribution deal with Iconic Worldwide Music / 4Cobb / Empire Distribution.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest struggles as an independent artist has been attempting to find ways to constantly get my work out to the masses. What’s great music if it’s never heard? Also, as an independent artist, I haven’t had the privileges of a label signing me and providing a signing bonus, so all videos, music, marketing, etc. has all come out of pocket. Which can and does often make it hard to stay consistent in the industry when you have to recoup funds. The final struggle has been staying true to your artistry in an industry that’s all about chasing numbers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The name The Artist ElJay was developed from the constant need to explain that I do more then music. I am a creative who just so happens to sing, dance, write, act, model, produce, etc. I am most proud of having works in many different areas and inspiring other creatives to not put themselves in a box.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
One of the biggest lessons I learned during COVID was to not wait to live out your dreams and aspirations because you never know when you’ll have the last time to do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theartisteljay.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theartisteljayone
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555869096468&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/the_artisteljay
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theartisteljay1
Image Credits
PJ Photography
Aaron Thompson
Gabriella Salinas
