Elu

Intro:

Élu is a unique blend of Progressive Electronic/Rock Adult Alternative, and Pop music created by the use of multi-tone samplers and live instruments, which contribute to the hybrid sound.. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Élu is the creation of Jeffrey Mettling, 8 time award winning recording artist with over 24 nominations for "best musical production" as recognized by the New Mexico Music Industry Association "NMMIA", Billboard Magazine and “Just Plain Folks” Music Awards. Jeff is the creative energy and driving force behind the music including writing, arrangements, performance and production. Jeff is a voting member of the Recording Academy as well as a member of BMI.

Accomplishments:

An independent artist, Élu has made top 20 New Age/Ambient/Electronic play lists numerous times and is being featured on radio programming in Spain, Russia, Sweden, Asia and the US. Élu’s releases continue to reach the top 40 on the internet’s top music download sites such as Audiostreet.net, MP3.com, Soundclick.com, Emusic.com, IUMA.com, and has been in the top 20 for the past year as well as being a featured artist at CNET’s Download.com. Élu’s music is available through all major on-line music venders such as Borders, Barnes and Nobel and Yahoo and others throughout the world.

Musical reviews, write-ups and release listings:

“inimitable…adventurous” - New Classics UK;

“If you're ready to go into a state of meditative bliss, Élu can take you there. Quiet, nearly subliminal voices soothe your mind while layers of ambient synthesizer massage your senses” – Listen.com;

“Sinuous, sultry and seductive” - Visions Magazine;

“a not to be missed CD” - Kuelle Magazine;

“Fans of Enigma will get off on Élu. Love is their debut record and it's a rich tableau of symphonically inspired ambient grooves that's great for chilled out listening, massage and most importantly. . .love.” – eMusic.com;

“Sensuality” evokes comparisons to B-Tribe with the occasional house beat pumped into the mix to stir things up.” – eMusic.com;

“Move over Manheim Steamroller! Elu takes holiday music to another level on December. Unlike most electronically interpreted versions of seasonal themes, Elu isn't afraid to thrown in a bit of the goth, to give the proceedings an occasionally solemnific feel.” – eMusic.com;

“Élu (Jeff Mettling) blends new age, world music, and pop sensibilities into a synthesized world of creative expression. December is a challenging adventure; it is reminiscent of Mannheim Steamroller gone goth. The tones are dark--even the album cover is dark. The presentation is riveting, but you have to be open to a totally unique approach to traditional holiday favorites.

Eight of the 9 tracks are based on well-known traditional carols, but you have never heard them done like this. This is synthesized music, and a strong percussive heartbeat underlies each song. The tone is somber, but not depressing; this music has an underlying energy that is inescapable. Although some numbers have relatively straightforward vocals, the overall emphasis is clearly on the cutting-edge instrumentation, which employs multi-tone samplers and live instruments. In Mettling's capable hands, familiar numbers take on entirely different personas, and the results are impressive.

The opening is dramatic. The sounds of bells and eerie choral tones set the stage before Carol of the Bells explodes with melodic syncopation. I also like I Saw Three Ships, which features a cool bagpipes sentiment, and Mettling's vocals on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen lift the tune to a new level.

This is the sort of album that is playable all year long. Most cuts are at least three steps removed from traditional Christmas tunes, so it's possible to enjoy the moods created here in any season.

Sick of sugary sweet holiday tunes that sound like all the rest? December may provide you with just the escape you seek.”

--Carol Swanson, Christmasreviews.com

“Tune in and drift through an enchanting and ethereal journey as Elu revitalizes your soul and uplifts your spirits. This atmospheric duo's emotionally charged female vocals give these songs their passion.”

--Editor’s Choice – CNET download.com

Elu’s releases are also listed in “Jazz ru” Russia; Atomic Pop, US; EnterTo Entertainment, San Francisco; Kweevak’s Tracks

Recent News:

Élu’s “Sensuality 2002” album was nominated for “Best Album of the Year 2004” for electronica by the Just Plain Folks Awards, sponsored by Virgin Records, TAXI and CD Baby. Élu took third place. In addition, Élu won “Best Musical Production for 2004 by the NMMIA, New Mexico Music Industry Coalition for their new song “Stay” from the “Songs of Devotion” release in 2005. Élu also took “Best Musical Production for 2006 by the NMMIA for a new song “In the Wake of Desire” which will be released later this year or early next. Élu was featured in the November/December 2005 issue of Hype