Meet Deja Elyze | Vocalist of Yardij

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deja Elyze and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deja, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Someone will always want it more than you do. Don’t get comfortable, don’t push it off for tomorrow, and don’t wait for things to happen. Make them happen.

And in that same breath, resting and resetting is still doing something. Be intentional with your rest.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Yardij got their start almost a decade ago. We were all babies in highschool. I was signed to a production label and was homeschooled for a few years before coming back in highschool and meeting Alex. Alex and I have been making music for almost a decade now, which is crazy to think about. Our first drummer, Ricky Mears, left to pursue becoming a dj/producer (s/o to Nitti.) Jordan was an intern at a studio when our Manager saw him tapping a pencil, and asked if he was a drummer. She asked if he was interested in joining a band, and he responded with, “are they serious?” The artist who she was managing at the time responded with, “are you serious?” – and you know the rest. Anthony also went to highschool with Alex and I, but we linked up a couple years later. The pieces just fit really nicely, and he’s been a huge driving force in the band’s sound, from production to songwriting and sound design.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Love this question. We’d get started around Broward and get some food at Broccolini’s in Pines. Its a small, cozy restaurant with the BEST italian food. Then, we’d hit Tough Times in Pompano for drinks and live (local!) music. After that, hit Roxannes for the LATE drink. The next day would be a trip to Miami to see the art galleries in Wynwood, get some tacos at Coyo, and hit The Sylvester for drinks and a vibe. Then to sweat out all the alcohol and food we consumed, a kayak trip around sunset near Middle River. I’m huge on museums and galleries, so we’d also have to check out the Frost Museum in Miami, Nova’s Art Gallery in Downtown Ft Lauderdale, Perez Art Museum, and maybe even hit Bayside Marketplace for the ferriswheel!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Cheryl Steele. She believed in us when no one else did. Invested hours of time and love. Provided us with a space to create and practice. We owe her BIG.

Website: https://yardij.band/

Instagram: https://yardij.band/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YardijMusic

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Yardij

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/yardijmusic

Image Credits
Ricky Mulet, Jr. Opal Feldman