I am Elan Suave, an 18 year old indie artist from the Bronx, New York. I mainly make R&B and Hip Hop music. I started at age 14 and have released over 40 songs.

Official Website: http://www.elansuave.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofficial.elan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elansuave
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/theofficialela2
YouTube: Elan Suave – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpsg4YomDv0PR_BlQ_F0DA

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

Tory Lanez, A Boogie, PNB Rock, and Roddy Ricch are artists who influenced me and inspired me to make my own music. More personally, though, my brother was the first person in my life who made me want to record music. I always saw him and his friends make music and I knew that I had potential to make great music.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

I would compare myself to Tory Lanez. Not only do we have a similar sound, but the subject matter is sometimes the same. (Heartbreak, emotions, etc). Even though this is a comparison, I think I am different from other artists because of the number of influences I have. Coming from a Jamaican household, I also grew up listening to dancehall/reggae.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

Yes. For example, failed relationships and heartbreak has a heavy influence on the songs I write. I released an EP of emotional songs, titled “Unlucky Lover”, after going through an important part of my emotional development. The most difficult thing I had to endure on my path is finding who’s genuine.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

There isn’t really a “preparation” for me when I write music. Whenever I write music, I am venting and there is no preparation for that. My creative process varies from song to song. I normally freestyle the verses and write the hooks, because that is the most important part of the song. I record in my home studio.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

There are various things you can do to differentiate yourself. Look different, sound different, and be relentless when it comes to marketing yourself. The internet makes getting recognized easier and more possible to do. I rather be on a major label, but only on terms that make sense. I wouldn’t want to sign my life away for a horrible deal. The traditional music industry model as we know it will never be dead, until independent artists start making more money than established labels.

6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?

So far, I’m not able to make a living with my music. My team funds my music career because I am a student at Howard University. As far as advice goes, you can’t do this all alone. You will need a team, whether it is your friends or family. Also, do not expect to blow up overnight. You will only get to where you want with consistency and good quality music.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

The internet made the role of a label not as important. The internet also gave independent artists more tools they can use to better their brand that they otherwise might not have had. Consumption of music also became faster because of the Internet and digital streaming platforms. I think that unless an artist who isn’t media savvy has somebody run his/her social media, they wouldn’t be able to survive.

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

I don’t think people who make music for the general public are “sell-outs”. At the end of the day, it is a business, and the point is to make the most money. In my opinion, the artist becomes a sell out when what they are doing is against their own moral code. If you ignore your moral code for money, then you are a sell-out. I will always stay true to my moral code, because you can make great music without having to sell-out.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

At age 23, I see myself as a household name in the music industry. Potentially even a Grammy nomination.