Meet ElJay Williams

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

Hi ElJay, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
The Oxford dictionary describes risk as a situation involving exposure to danger.

Starting music or even pursuing a career in entertainment has always been filled with risk. From inconsistent pay, high financial investments upfront, potential for rejection, intense competition, mental health strain due to pressure and uncertainty, physical injuries from rehearsals, shows, and long hours on the body, lack of stability, and the possibility of not achieving mainstream success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the early age of ten I sang for the very first time, at my elementary school talent show. The Michael Jackson version of “Climb Every Mountain”, fit my voice perfectly, and I knew it. Although this was the first time my classmates and teachers heard me, I was not a stranger to performing.

I was raised in Kansas City, MO. on 49th and Michigan, where my grandparents home was the safe space for cultivating my gift. I naturally gathered the other seven grandchildren, at that time. Together we would put on music performances or choirs for our parents and grandparents entertainment.. At this early age, I had an ear for music. I knew where to place each cousin when it came to musical parts. I knew how to write music and scripts, some in which I still have. And, I was very creative, even then.

I felt different than any kid. While most kids were thinking about becoming doctors, lawyers, and police officers, I knew I wanted to perform. I went own to participate in orchestra in elementary school, where I earned first chair. I played the drums at my local church for many years, and sang in the youth choir. By middle school, I was in Choir, DrillTeam, and Dance.

This same momentum went on through high school, where I participated in choir, drama club, and was the assistant choreographer for the cheerleaders. I even spent a portion of High School attending The Los Angeles School of the Arts. As I approached my Senior year of high school, I was asked by a mentor what my plan was after school. “I want to just find a job that pays me to perform”. Being highly persuaded to have a back up plan, I went on to attend The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, on a four-year choir scholarship. But of course, I couldn’t just participate in choir. I majored in Journalism, and double minored in both Theater and Music.

Although I have a lot of great experiences while in college, it was then when I received my first recording contract with On the Rise Productions. This was a turning point, as the contract was gained from a televised competition that I won through CW. This boost my confidence and let me see for the first time the gift I really possessed. However, after the deal went bad, due to poor management and inproper planning, I was left with a bad taste for music.

Taking a step away from music for about ten years, I had time to find the love for music and re-evolved as “The Artist ElJay”. This name expressed my desire to let the world know that I am an artist, telling my story through music, dance, acting, modeling/fashion, and storytelling.

Since my breakout as an Independent Artist in 2018, with my first EP entitled “Melody”, I have worked tirelessly to make sure my name is known. In just a few short years I appeared in podcast, blogs, and magazines, including the largest music magazine, Music Connection JUN/JUL 2021 Edition Vol. 45. My collaboration with Big Noise marketing firm, on a new artist campaign, placed me in front of millions of promoters that have afforded me the opportunity to perform on a variety of local and major platforms. These stages included, festivals, concerts, and platforms opening for mainstream artists such as; Muni Long and Ginuwine. My music has received consideration in both the 64th and 67th Grammy Awards by the Recording Academy in the Best R&B Performance category, for three of my songs. The same music garnered over 600K+ organic spotify streams and has steady climbed in numbers.

These recognitions led me to sign with The Next Paige Agency Model and Talent based in KC, and co-represented by Images Agency in St. Louis, MO., I hold a catalog of music that now includes two EP’s (“Melody” & “Champion”), one album (I Need You), and several singles (“Don’t Stop the Beat”, “Party Ain’t a Party”, “Drip”, and “Breathe”). I have produced multiple YouTube cover videos showcasing my perspective on other artists’ music, and co-produced my own music videos to several of my songs.

In January 2024 I signed a management deal with Trammell & Associates which unlocked a recording and distribution deal with Iconic Worldwide Music / 4Cobb / Empire Distribution. I have no plans on slowing down and hope to be able to introduce my craft to many more in years to come,

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am huge on adventure so I would definitely want to do as much outdoor things as possible. Some of those things would consist of; The Miami Sightseeing Cruise, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Philip & Patricia Frost Museum, Bayfront Park, Zoo Miami, Fairchild Botanical Garden, and any beaches just to name a few.

Some of the best food locations that I’ve found are; Crazy About You, CVI.CHE 105, & Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita. I’m also big on trying new places.

Finally for the nightlife. I love the locations with cool lights and big crowds. Places like E11 Even Miami, Club Space, Mango’s Tropical Cafe, and I’m sure many more. Just don’t get out much due to my extensive schedule.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The success of my career spans back to my childhood for their are many individuals who have played a part in investing in, shaping, and molding my career. Whether is was my parents and family, pastors, teachers, mentors, coaches, sponsors, engineers, producers, managers, etc. It is hard to give credit to a few names because that would in a sense discredit those small pieces to the puzzle that has helped to get me to this current place. Let’s just say, there has been hundreds of people along the way that has believed in me enough to invest their time, energy, knowledge, wisdom, and even some money. To them all I’m appreciative.

Website: www.theartisteljay.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theartisteljayone

Twitter: Twitter.com/the_artisteljay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/9SXgxhpckr8fUQjW/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theartisteljay1

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theartisteljay?_t=8ejFy6b5FfO&_r=1