April 18, 2019

Meet Eloni Yawn

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eloni Yawn.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been singing and performing since I was a little girl. I use to put on productions in my Grandmother’s living room for my family. I’ve been in every choir from Concert, Show to Vocal Jazz and learned to play the Clarinet in middle school. I started taking music seriously when I went to college, a university at Buffalo and recorded a bunch of music with my best friend and performed all over campus. I moved to Phoenix in 2003 and kept hearing the name Roca Dolla (Irin Daniels) all over the valley, so I decided I would seek him out because word was that he was one of the best producers. We began recording and other musical relationships stemmed from meeting him. Getting to record demo tracks for Che Vicious, recording with Lifted Oleksyn (“Mercy” – Kanye West), Sincerely, Collins, Daylin Neo-Hop, Tray Gutta, Alando Tucker, and pretty much everyone in the Fi5th Coast family. In 2007, I began gigging around town after a friend of mine, Jabari Kersey (drummer for Marion Meadows) asked why I haven’t thought about performing and It’s been history since. In 2008, I was a contestant on American Idol Season 8 and went home during “Hollywood Week” I’ve had house gigs at Black Forest Mill, ROKA AKOR, Eli’s American Grille, Tommy’s Place (currently every Wednesday and Friday from 6:30-9:30 pm), and a slew of country clubs and casinos around the valley. I had the opportunity to perform at many venues at SXSW 2018 which was an incredible experience. I’ve worked/recorded with Sincerely, Collins (Kyle Collins) and The Raskal (Tucson). To see such creativity from all over the world in one place (Austin, TX) was mind-blowing. I also recently had the privilege of performing at this year’s Scottsdale Arts Festival which was awesome! I’ve opened up for several artists at the Celebrity Theater such as Maze ft. Frankie Beverly, Musiq Soulchild, Raheem DeVaughn, and Lyfe Jennings. My single “No Excuses”, ft. Mother’s Favorite Child (Paris Toon) is played worldwide and available for purchase on all major music platforms. Overall, I’ve been singing professionally in the valley for about 12 years and it’s been one of the best experiences ever in life. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve truly been blessed to work with some of the most incredible musicians Arizona has to offer and I wish to be able to pursue my passion and love for music forever.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I first started, I was not the strongest vocalist and I used to compare my chops to those of others. Once I became confident in my “style”, I learned that comparison will always lead to one’s demise. I learned to appreciate my tone, diction and overall execution of my vocal ability. In a physical aspect, my weight has always fluctuated. I’ve been told by record labels that I needed to lose weight (and at that time, I was actually smaller), I wasn’t pretty enough, I needed to dye my hair a different color, etc. It used to affect me but know I recognize the beauty within. I am enough.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in vocal production, arranging and writing. I’ve written for JC3 publishing which has an enormous catalog of music that you hear in movies and television. I am known for blazing stages up, lol!

Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
My favorite memory from childhood is actually hiking down to my favorite hideaway spot near the Genessee River in my hometown of Rochester, NY just to sit at “my” waterfall amongst the oak trees in the fall. I can still smell the fresh air and feel the autumn breeze.

Contact Info:

Website: www.eloniyawnmusic.com
Email: eloniyawnmusic@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eloniyawnmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eloniyawnmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eloniyawn?lang=en

Image Credit:
Roshan Spotsville, Calvin Smith, Martin Lowenthal

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