Life & Work with el.

Today we’d like to introduce you to el.

Hi el., it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
To be brief. I go by the name “el.”. I’m a beatmaker/producer from Alabama, but Phoenix, AZ, has been home for the past 9 years. I grew up perusing my Father’s CD collection, eager to know who produced some of my favorite songs as a kid. My fascination with these songs and albums eventually evolved into me learning to make beats via a PlayStation game my parents bought me, which ultimately resulted in me downloading FL Studio (a music software application), where I learned to sample. 

My “sound” changed a lot as I learned more about music production, and eventually, I began to participate in online beat battles hosted by several internet forums (Stones Throw Beat Battle Forum being the most known of those), and that’s where I really started to connect with other beatmakers and build a fan base. I put out numerous instrumental projects as well as remixes over the years that garnered praise from the likes of prominent radio shows such as Soulection Radio, Triple J (Australia), as well as popular YouTube channel, STEEZYASF*CK. In the last two years, I’ve started playing live beat sets in Phoenix (huge shoutout to Korey Wade and the Brunch Collect team for giving me my first opportunity) and have since began to play several shows in the greater Los Angeles area as well as San Diego. Perhaps my biggest opportunity came in October of 2023 when I opened for Stones Throw Recording artist/producer Kiefer at the Rebel Lounge here in Phoenix. In 2024, I expect to continue playing live sets both locally and across the nation. I also have several music projects lined up for the year, including one with artist/producer Sukami, a compilation featuring beatmakers/producers from the “Pass the Drive” music collective (founded by DJ Quezs. and co-founded by me) as well as a few solo instrumental projects. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oddly enough, I would say yes…it has a smooth road. Because as a kid, my aspirations were to be like the producers that came before me: critically acclaimed, award winning…popular. There was also a phase where I thought I would just sell beats online and garner attention that way. But as I learned more about making beats, the focus shifted to just having fun trying new sounds and creating based on what I like versus what’s popular. Fast forward to 2024, I’m still releasing music independently, traveling to perform shows, and starting to spread my wings with music production (learning the keys as well as songwriting). My music isn’t meant to appeal to everyone, and it has now become a soundtrack to my own life and progressions that I’m able to share with those who enjoy it. So, even throughout the many phases along the way, the one thing that remained constant is the fun of it all. With that being said, I don’t feel like I’ve ever truly struggled. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I produce sample-based Hip-Hop and R&B primarily. I’d say the distinct element in my music would be the drum programming. I love loud, saturated drums that really punch through my mixes. I also feel my ability to sample various genres is also something I’ve done comfortably for a while now. I typically don’t lean towards making music in the realm of what’s popular right now and instead make music I feel can be enjoyed for years, if not decades to come. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Phoenix is a melting pot, seriously. I meet people from all over the world who seemingly all have a unique reason for ending up here in Phoenix, and some of those people have become good friends of mine. I love the food here, specifically the tacos. I personally feel the best food is usually homemade, but I enjoy the local spots like Taco Boys and Ta Carbon. And I really wish Taqueria Los Yaquis was still around! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/mightyrecordings
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightyrecordings/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/producedbyel
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8sMLyxLimST3K7Z3P4MG6Q
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mightyrecordings
• Other: https://mightyrecordings.bandcamp.com