Elke Robitaille

Artist Information

Biography

Armed with her acoustic guitar, powerful voice, and a passionate flair for a life less ordinary... Elke Robitaille is an enthusiastic and self-managed folk songstress.

Hailing from British Columbia, Elke is very nomadic and never stays in one place for very long. For this reason, the place that she feels most at home is on stage. No matter what town or city she’s in, whether it be at a club, cafe, or festival... the familiar and thrillful experience of performing is what Elke finds to be the most comforting and rewarding.

Being no stranger to life on the road, Elke now has two national tours of the United States and Canada under her belt, having performed in 6 Provinces, as well as 25 States. Elke also completed a 4 month contract with Princess Cruises, where she performed daily onboard the Diamond Princess.

Los Angeles is where Elke called 'home' for the past few years, and she involved herself in as many aspects of the music industry as possible: from attending Musicians Institute, to working as SYNC Manager at Nettwerk Music Group, and performing constantly in the LA Music Scene. She took home the Rock City News Award for "Outstanding Folk Band" in 2005, with nominations in 2006 as well.

Currently, Portland Oregon is the northwest native’s home base. After completing an 18 week Tour of the US and Canada, Elke decided to take a break from touring, and settle down in one place again. With a plethora of inspiration from life on the road, Elke compiled a new work of songs and began recording her third album - “Flowers in the City” at Toadhouse in Portland.

Elke’s discography spans from 2002 to 2009 with 3 full length studio albums, released through her own independent label: Rag Veda Records. Her albums, as well as live shows, have gained national press and radio attention.

“Doors” was her debut release in 2002 and is a fully produced, 11 track album. It contains a range of songs from haunting contemporary folk-ballads, to high energy, hard driven folk-rock.

“Naïve” is Elke’s 2004 sophomore release, with a more acoustic and organic sound. Her lyrics are honest and uncensored. The music perfectly blends true acoustic elements of raw emotion and softness.

“Flowers in the City” is the brand new 2009 release. The 10 song album features a mix of folk, pop, rock, and even bluegrass. This album showcases some of Elke’s best songwriting to date and is sure to be a favorite for folk fans everywhere.

Instrumentation

Elke: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
JP: Bass, Vocals

Discography

Title: "Flowers in the City" (LP, 2009)
1. My Own Way
2. Out of My Life
3. Home
4. I'm Doing Fine
5. Bright Lights
6. Slip Away
7. Interlude
8. Move
9. Gravity
10. Song For A Friend

Title: "Naive" (LP, 2004)
1. Gravity
2. Naive
3. A Poem
4. Thinking of You
5. Dear Jonathan
6. Together Alone
7. I'd Rather Fly
8. Please Stay
9. It Came Dancing
10. Naive (radio edit)

Title: "Doors" (LP, 2002)
1. Doors
2. World Unknown
3. Three
4. So Lost
5. Nothing's Changed
6. Your Mama
7. Someone To Live For
8. Catch You
9. No Regrets
10. Wasted Time
11. Forbidden

Links

• Elke's Official Website
• Elke on Myspace
• Elke on YouTube
• Elke's CD's at CD Baby

Audio

• My Own Way
  Listen  
• Out Of My Life
  Listen  
• Home
  Listen  
• I'm Doing Fine
  Listen  
• Bright Lights
  Listen  
• Slip Away
  Listen  

Lyrics

• My Own Way
• Out Of My Life
• Home
• I'm Doing Fine
• Bright Lights
• Slip Away

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Musician's Career on Cruise Control [+ Show ]
  

  A musician who was born and raised in Powell River has a new gig sailing the high seas with Princess...A musician who was born and raised in Powell River has a new gig sailing the high seas with Princess Cruise Lines.
  
  Elke Robitaille, and her husband Jonathan Downer, have signed on to be an acoustic duo sailing on the Diamond Princess. They will give more than 100 performances on the Hawaiian Island tour from November 18, 2007 to March 16, 2008.
  
  The couple, who live in Los Angeles, will be on the ship for four months. They will be performing a wide range of songs and covering a variety of genres, everything from jazz to funk and rock to pop.
  
  "We love to perform and travel and this is the perfect opportunity to do both," said Robitaille. "After our four months onboard the Princess Diamond, we will spend one month back in Powell River, where we will take some much-needed time off."
  
  Robitaille and Downer will also prepare for their summer tour that will kick-off in Powell River in April, and take them across Canada and the United States through to the end of September.
  
  Interested readers can find out more information about Robitaille at www.elkemusic.com or www.myspace.com/elkemusic.

• Melodic and Edgy [+ Show ]
  

  Elke's music is the kind of melodic and edgy stuff that changes hearts and affects lives in a deep a...Elke's music is the kind of melodic and edgy stuff that changes hearts and affects lives in a deep and romantic way... Her spark is shining bright.

• Tough, Challenging, Profane and Confident [+ Show ]
  

  Elke Robitaille is another young Canadian born singer/songwriter who has come south to establish a m...Elke Robitaille is another young Canadian born singer/songwriter who has come south to establish a major following built on regular appearances on the L.A. folk club scene. Elke produces a rhythmic acoustic sound that features strong pop hooks and matches the quality of plaintive honesty one hears in her voice. She is tough, challenging, profane and confident.

• Alumni Success Story [+ Show ]
  

  Elke Robitaille has been keeping busy in both the performance and business aspects of the music worl...Elke Robitaille has been keeping busy in both the performance and business aspects of the music world. After graduating from MI in 2003 Elke recorded her second full-length CD, Naive, following it up with an independent promotional tour that covered five provinces and 21 cities across Canada. She currently resides in LA, where she works at Nettwerk Music Group as the manager of a brand-new department called SYNC. As SYNC Manager, Elke coordinates event bookings, marketing campaigns, publicity and sales. She is still actively pursuing her own music in the LA area and beyond, earning the Rock City News Award as Best Folk Artist for 2005 with another nomination in the same category for 2006.

• "The Rockies" Award Show [+ Show ]
  

  Elke Robitaille was the recipient of the 2005 Rock City News "Folk Artist of the Year" award. She wa...Elke Robitaille was the recipient of the 2005 Rock City News "Folk Artist of the Year" award. She was also nominated for "Best Songwriting"

• Dread Locked folk singer has a lot to sing about! [+ Show ]
  

  Dread locked folk singer Elke Robitaille has a lot to sing about. Songs about cheating, lying and di...Dread locked folk singer Elke Robitaille has a lot to sing about. Songs about cheating, lying and dishonesty, "Naive" is an emotionally sensitive outlook of the broken hearted. Elke Robitaille may wear her heart on her sleeve, but she doesn't just give it out to anyone nor does she lie around and cry over a broken heart. Nope. This chick won't take the drama anymore. She's done. It's full of "my bags are packed by the door," few final words exchanged before the door closes for the last time, songs. Listeners will appreciate the therapeutic songwriting Elke has put into this album, the lyrics are soulful melodies that are catchy, drawn out and enough to leave you full until the CD starts again.
  CHT Pick: " Gravity" Reviewed by Heather Corcoran
  

• Get "Knotty" [+ Show ]
  

  "This lovely folk phenomenon is Elke..." Elke is now officially sponsored by Vancouver based drea..."This lovely folk phenomenon is Elke..."
  
  Elke is now officially sponsored by Vancouver based dreadlock company: Knotty Boy!
  
  "I'm so excited and honored that this wonderful company has chosen to sponsor me as a 'knotty-musician.' I think it's fantastic that they've taken an interest in supporting and nuturing artistic talent."

• I'm Hooked! [+ Show ]
  

  "The sensuality Elke shares with her “Naïve” release is part addictive and part habit-forming. In ot..."The sensuality Elke shares with her “Naïve” release is part addictive and part habit-forming. In other words…..I’m hooked. The easy, laid back acoustic sound is nicely enhanced by a non-invasive percussion..."

• Songwriter Extraordinaire [+ Show ]
  

  Elke has a unique ability to vocalize the incoheremt musings of the soul. She is raw, pure, and prem...Elke has a unique ability to vocalize the incoheremt musings of the soul. She is raw, pure, and prematurely wise with her quirky and seductive point of view. A gift to what is left of the folk genre in its truest state, Elke deserves to be heard
  

• What Intensity! What Passion! [+ Show ]
  

  I love feeling the words in a song, and every song does that on this CD. I have added her to my favo...I love feeling the words in a song, and every song does that on this CD. I have added her to my favorite female vocalists.
  
  Reviewed by AJ Irwin

Setlist

Single set's can be from 45 to 60 min. Available to play multiple set shows. ie: festivals, cafes, etc.

Both "All Original" and "Cover" sets can be done.

Original Songs Include:

Gravity, Naive, A Poem, Thinking of You, Dear Jonathan, Together-Alone, I'd Rather Fly, Please Stay, It Came Dancing, Doors, World Unknown, Three, So Lost, Nothing's Changed, Your Mama, Someone To Live For, Catch You, No Regrets, Wasted Time, Forbidden, Move, Slip Away, I'm Doing Fine, My Own Way, Bright Lights, Home, Out of my Life, Song For A Friend... and many more.

Cover Song Repertoire includes approximately 150+ songs. Available upon Request. (This is most suitable for Cruise Ships, Casinos, and Lounges, etc.)

Basic Requirements

Calendar