Today we’d like to introduce you to Elani (Mehkai Jones).
Hi Elani , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Man… I would say I got my first start into music through my family. I grew up not only in church where my family carried a lot of the music aspect but also in a home full of art consumers. Early on I had such a diverse music palette; ranging from 90’s R&B, gospel, Uk Garage, Indie Hip-Hop and so much more. That really lit a flame for just enjoying new sounds while my Dad was a planting the rapper seed in my head. He was a rapper growing up so as soon as I could speak he was constantly free-styling with me until it became just a talent I had. I would rap at church, family events, school, literally anywhere people would ask me I would do it. It wasn’t til I was in 7th grade where I decided to finally record a mixtape. It wasn’t good at all but I remember how exciting it was having teachers, classmates and family friends all tell me they had listened and what their favorite songs were. I chased that high for a years which eventually led me to putting out my first official EP in 2019 with the help of friends I met along the way. We had all moved into an apartment (53) and began really putting our full passion into it. Ended up putting out a full length album “Tanglewood Blur” that following year. That album was my catapult to being taken seriously. I followed that up with another project the next year again called “Rose Taylor’s Ghettoluv” which was a smaller selection of songs from an album I couldn’t complete. I took a hiatus to learn new skills musically, make more connections and take my music to the level I knew I was capable of. Four years later I’m closing in on finishing a new album that I feel will take me further.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh man, a smooth road?? Farthest thing from it but that’s just how I needed it. First and foremost being a black rapper from Utah is a paradox of a statement. It never took long to convince people though, as soon as. they heard the music it did the job for me. We went through it all though, finding places to even record or figuring out the instrumentals which led to me doing it myself on both. Utah weirdly has a gatekeeping problem. There’s so many talented artists and amazing promoters/venues along with publishers who don’t take the time to connect or allow genuine collaboration. It’s my biggest pet peeve. I didn’t accept that though, my philosophy was and Is “you gon hear about me whether you wanted to or not”. Just keep knocking down the walls and connecting the people. I make music strictly to invoke feeling and paint feelings that someone may not be able to articulate that themselves and there’s people who want to stop that because it’s maybe not just for them or because they feel their forty-four year old Dj buddy from college deserves to perform Monday-Friday?That can be very true and there’s nothing wrong with being a forty old artist in my eyes but music and art thrive from perspective. It blossoms when it has different identities and ideology. I want to one day see Salt Lake City be represented for what it really is. A melting pot of music of many genres, different colored faces and a sense of unity where it’s not just about me winning. It’s about establishing a culture.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am Elani. I am a man of many hats, but the same face. I am a Rapper, a director, A writer and storyteller in different avenues. I am a world-builder, using sonics and imagery to place you in a feeling that feels familiar but also foreign in the same breath. I produce and mix and master a majority of my music. Self taught. I’ve written songs for a multitude of artists in many different genres besides rap. I’d like to say I am the best performer here and two states over but that’s my bias talking. I am proud of the effort I put in every performance though. I’m known for my energy and my biggest project to date is my first one “Tanglewood Blur” however lately I’m known for the guy who skyrocket if I lock in haha. Honest. I’m most proud of what I’m finishing now. It took some time but I literally reinvented myself as an artist from the ground up. FlawedEccentric will be something special and I think will open a lot of doors for me, coming sooner than later. I Think what sets me apart is that I didn’t have a choice to not be. I never had to form an identity, never had to find a sound, never had to ask if I was being authentic or even good at what I do. I just had to believe in a dream that had never been done and still hasn’t. That fuels me. Someone being able to listen to my music or see my visuals and find a sense of comfort or healing knowing that someone else knows what it’s like to be the kid who never fit in fuels me. I was set apart before I had the chance to blend.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’m honest. I don’t see myself higher or lower than anyone. I truly believe connecting to the people is the secret. I don’t care if I ever have so much money in my house I can’t see out the windows, my door is open. I love people. Even though most of my music is pretty melancholy I find the beauty in it. I’ve modeled all my art and even my life in enjoying the beauty of it. I believe that will take me as far as God sees fit. I am merely a being of good feelings and a reminder that it’s sunny outside and if it’s not where you are, I’m down to walk with you to wherever it is.
Pricing:
- Forlon on all streaming platforms
- Car Note on all streaming platforms
- Old music Available under Elan Blasé
- New music coming early next year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/beautifullyblase?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b83ffedf-e482-4f48-99c8-1e25f88ad1fd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whereselani/?igsh=MWl2Nm44ZzhrMml0NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mehkai-jones
