ELIGY

ELIGY is the representation of “everything” for 26-yr-old artist/producer, Elijah Jones. Growing up in LA as half African American/half Korean, the cultural blend of his upbringing secured an integral role in his diverse style while all playing guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals. Fresh off his drum line performance in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime show, Elijah has just released a new single called "HOLLYWOOD".

IO:

Hey Elijah! We’re excited to be interviewing you for our student spotlight.

We’re obsessed with your newest track “HOLLYWOOD”, which came out on 2/27. How does it stand out from your previous releases?

ELIGY:

Let's just say I dedicate this song respectively to the one it’s named after.

I think every song I make sounds completely different from the last, “Hollywood” is the only song of mine that sounds like it. If someone is able to guess what my next move is, then I’m not being as creative as I can be.

IO:

What first inspired you to start making music, and what have you learned since the beginning?

ELIGY:

When I was 10, I was a pretty big gamer and found my way into Rock Band games, more specifically The Beatles.

After a while of 5-star’ing every song on every instrument, I had this urge to learn how to play all of the instruments that the Beatles played.

I brought that desire of mine to my mom and so she put me in lessons for drums, guitar, piano, and voice at the same time. Even though I was drowning in all these lessons, I took a special interest in drumming and felt most connected to the feeling of playing that instrument. I earned a classical degree from UCLA in percussion and traveled the US playing in competitive marching bands.

I really feel like since the beginning, I’ve learned what seems to be EVERYTHING & more.

IO:

Is there a skill you learned at IO that changed the way you produce or perform?

ELIGY:

Before coming to IO Music Academy, I had listened to a bit of electronic music but never had attempted to produce or perform in that style of music.

Since meeting the team in 2020, I’ve really adopted electronic music as a core staple to my sound as an artist/producer and who I really am as a performer. Taking Sending Signals pushed me to tap back into sound design, while keeping me versatile as a producer. There truly is no me without IO.

IO:

What was your favorite part of Spin Class with Juliet?

ELIGY:

The best part of this class for me is the same reason we all take Spin Class: there’s this foreign piece of technology that you want to know how to conquer, and by the end of the quarter, you really feel a sense of confidence behind the DJ board.

For me, I loved that this class pushed me to dive deeper into the music I love. Much love to Juliet for cultivating a learning environment that made learning in unfamiliar territory such a safe space for me and my fellow classmates.

IO: 

What are some of your goals as an artist heading into 2026?

ELIGY:

The goal has always been to continue to be better than I was the day before…

I just want that to reflect in the music I put out, the people I work with, and future opportunities that are to come. Ultimately, in 2026 I want to give people more opportunities to get together, make memories, and feel more connected with our world.

IO:

Has there been an accomplishment that you are most proud of thus far?

ELIGY:

Within the past year or 2, I’ve really come to accept and trust my own vision. The truth is the process of self-discovery looks different for every artist and is ultimately way easier said than done. Also requires tons of experimenting and failing.

Finding my own sense of peace as a creative in the industry is the accomplishment that I’m most proud of.