Elina

Standing six feet tall, armed with talent, beauty and charisma, this soulful singer/songwriter is determined to make her mark on music. Influenced by jazz greats such as Sarah Vaughn and R&B soul singers like Mary J. Blige, Elina combines both old and new styles to create a refreshing twist on R&B that is uniquely her own.

At the age of four, Elina migrated from Ethiopia to the U.S. with her family. Unable to speak a word of English, music became a tutor and source of security for her. While mimicking the voices she heard from the radio, she began writing the lyrics to popular songs, unknowingly developing her skills as a songwriter. “As an only child this became an exercise for me to entertain myself…and when ever my parents had company I would perform my versions of the latest Michael Jackson songs for them and their guests.” These performances were just the beginning of many to come.

Throughout her life, music has consistently played an important role as friend, tutor and confidant. Using it as a vehicle to guide her through social, cultural and language barriers, she cultivated an intimate relationship with sound that today, grabs, holds, and affects those in its presence.

From upbeat, lightly sung melodies, to heavy soulful ballads, her songs are, reflections of her “…strengths weaknesses and desires.” This is echoed on songs like “With Open Arms,” which captures Elina’s ability to pen catchy feel good hooks. Then there is the smooth “Only You,” where the listener is invited to a soulful tribute.

Elina Brown has joined her world awareness and natural talent into a mesmerizing fusion of musical pleasure. Currently, she is working on developing new material both with her band and independently, as well as, performing throughout the New York area. She is undeniably a newcomer for whom to keep both eyes, (and ears) open.