ELEL

Formed behind lead singer Ben Elkins in Nashville, Tennessee during 2013, ELEL emerged as an indie pop ensemble whose sound merges world music influences, vibrant arrangements, and an expansive roster with the frontman’s introspective compositions. Their debut single, “40 Watt,” became a viral sensation in 2014 and secured a contract with Mom + Pop Music. The track later surfaced on the ELEL EP in 2015, which in turn led to a feature in Mike Birbiglia’s 2016 film Don’t Think Twice. The group’s official roster lists Elkins alongside Tim Cook on guitar, Stefan Forbus on saxophone, Jo Jo Jackson on bass, Alex Mojavarian on drums, Zach Tichenor on keyboards, and Fredrick Weathersby on trumpet; their debut full-length album, Geode, was released in October 2016. Before year’s end they also delivered a distinctive interpretation of Vince Guaraldi’s holiday standard “Christmas Time Is Here.” Two additional singles followed in 2018: the buoyant “Be Yeah” and the more subdued “Early in the Morning.”