Unforgettable artist Elephant brings his “heavy glow” to the dance floor and
Tim Woo, who went on to name the stage Elephant, is an exciting producer, artist and songwriter in the music scene and has been winning the hearts of fans since his debut in 2016. Her music fuses melodic electronic dance music with pop, blues, rock influences, and other genres.
The son of a Taiwanese immigrant, the team’s Asian-American upbringing in Michigan was unique and sometimes isolated. He graduated from Harvard University and entered Corporate America, a top global consulting firm. Not cut for corporate life, unhappy living, “elephant in the house,” he left the office followed his real passion, music.
Gambling means, and the team has achieved millions of streams across its two indie EPs: I’m the Elephant 2016, Progressive House, Synthup, and Trap’s Nine-Track Search; And Glass Mansion in 2018, which ranked # 1 on iTunes’ US Dance Chart. He has headlined two sold-out national tours, played nightlife residences with Hard Rock and Win Las Vegas, and attended major music festivals such as Lollapalooza, EDC Las Vegas, and Electric Zoo.
This talented musician recently released his sophomore album, Heavy Glow. Last month, Elephant tapped into the core of his classic training and released a heavy glow (deluxe edition) featuring a brand new remix of acoustic, stripe-back fan-favorite tracks, and Huang’s “Down This Road.”
Elephante, currently on her 19-Market title US Tour (find travel dates here) is captivating the crowd, talking to us about her music, her inspiration, and more from her day to day – and also answering Socialite Seven.
How did you get into the music industry from corporate?
I think music was always in my blood. I was trained in classical piano and writing in songs and bands and I always loved it. It’s something I did when I had nothing else to do. Through college, I was dragging my friends to open the mic and skipping parties to work on the song. It was just the thing that I love.
And in the previous perspective, it was pretty clear that this was the thing that really drove me and that was my passion. But I think growing up, especially growing up as an Asian kid in Michigan, being a musician is not the real thing. There are no role models and they are my parents and it’s just a culture – you go to college, you get a job and then it’s your life. Music is not a real work. And so, when I graduated, I was very lucky to get a nice job and I was like, “Okay, okay, that’s what you do.” And when I was there, I was so unhappy and sad that life really broke down through that social condition – and I could see myself for 10 years and I didn’t like who that person was. And so, I decided that what I really needed to do was learn how to do it right. So it was more like a good, I’ve tried this. It was like going back to what I should have done all the time.
What do you draw when you write music?
It really changes. In my album, Heavy auraMuch of it is just my experience and mental health challenges through the epidemic and the frustration and anxiety I was going through and the frustration I felt and saw in the world.
It’s just a form of channeling and a lot of the time, my writing is like therapy – working through what I’m going through. I always think I don’t really write songs, I just channel what is happening.
If you described your music to someone, what would you say?
I would say that it is melodic electronic music with soul. So, you know, John Mayer means EDM.
Is there a song that is your best representative?
Something new in the new album, either “High Water” or “Dopamine”, I would say is pretty good. They are kind of yin and yang. One kind of really introverted, kind of dark emotional aspect. And then there’s the more fun, enthusiastic kind of party, party power of “dopamine”.
You are currently on tour. What can your fans expect from your live show?
These are really high power electronic shows where it is a hybrid DJ live set. I play the guitar and I sing on top of doing the DJ thing. I think it’s like a great synthesis of the two biggest musical inspirations of my life.
What are you hoping to achieve with your music?
Honestly, it’s always hard for me, because I believe that once I make a song, it’s not mine anymore. If anyone listens to a song and feels a certain way about it, then what I thought while writing it is just as valid. So to me it’s about making music that drives me and means something to myself, and then, once it’s released to the world, I hope it connects people and brings them joy and that no matter how calm they are .
What has been your best experience since you started performing?
It happens all the time. I am constantly confused by the effect that music has on people. All this time I spend alone, writing music and keeping my heart and soul very isolated in it. And I’m going out and listening to people’s concerts, [it] Doesn’t get old. It’s a special feeling to me.
You know, even this past weekend, after we packed all the gear for the show, there was a kid who waited two hours outside the venue in this freezing cold, just to say hi and tell me how much he enjoyed the show. It is very special and I am grateful to be able to do what I am doing. And it reminds me of how sacred that kind of experience is with bands.
What does the future hold for you?
I am just excited about exploring this live show creatively and finishing this tour. I’m always working on new music and one of the things I started to try on this tour and I’m really excited is to experiment with NFTs, not to sell coins or art, but to show off as a way to reward fans. So, at the end of the show, I put a QR code and if you scan it, I’ll send you a free NFT. This is a ticket stub which is really great to look at and is specific to the show, but the only way you can get it is to stay on the show in the app, scan this QR code. I think it’s a great way to remember being at an event and being under the line, with which we can do a lot of great things, like giving gifts and personal links to new music and gifting products, but only for those who have these things. So it’s kind of exciting, experimenting with new technology just to improve the fan experience and give back to those who have supported me. I always think about how to create a special experience for the fans, because for me live performance is a special thing and it never gets old to me.
Elephant answers Socialite Seven
Who has influenced your music the most and why?
Oh, it’s easy. That John Mayer. He was the artist who wanted me to write songs. His style of music has opened the door to many more artists and his writing has moved me in a way I have never done before. And my whole career has stemmed from trying to write music to me in a way that other people feel that made me feel.
I know the answer: Who, if any, would you like to cooperate with?
Well, yes, I mean, there’s an obvious answer, but, excluding him, maybe Florence + Florence + machine?
What kind of music or an artist are you listening to that will surprise the fans that you are a fan?
There seems to be a common theme between these questions. There is a simple answer. I mean, John Mayer, obviously, but I hear lots of alt rock like the Red Hot Chili Papers and Killer. I don’t really listen to a ton of people like me. I’m much more interested in the different types of worlds. I listen to a lot of classical music and jazz and I’m a big fan of Miles Davis.
If they made a movie of your life, who would you like to star on the big screen?
Brad Pitt
With what superpower or talent do you want to wake up tomorrow?
Being able to fly for sure, because waiting at the airport is like a huge part of my life. It’s the worst. So, if I could jet straight there, it would improve everything.
Can’t you live with three things?
LaCroix, my new puppy, and my guitar.
Heavy Glow is now available, wherever you find your music Follow Elephante On Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube And Spotify.
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