An Interview with Eli August

There are many musicians vying for your time, efforts, and money. One such musician is the darkly soulful, and uplifting deep Eli August. I had the opportunity to sit down and have a brief conversation with Eli.

[divider]

Ashley: What’s say we start with the usual question that you’re ALWAYS asked… Can you describe your music?

Eli August:  Melodic, heartfelt, hopeful, hopeless, dark, earthy, lyrical.  This interview is where I officially stop describing the music in sentences!

Ashley: Would you consider your music “Steampunk Music,” if so/not why/why not? Either way what do you think DEFINES Steampunk Music?

Eli August: The music is appealing to some steampunks, but to call it “steampunk music” does not quite seem quite accurate. I want the music to appeal to everyone, not just those in the steampunk crowd.

Ashley: Let’s forget about music for a moment, how does Eli August have fun?

Eli August: Drugs.  Next question.

Ashley: Oh, well then uh-

Eli August: You didn’t think I was gonna leave the question at that, did you?  I love amusement parks.  I am a big dork for anything Disney and I celebrate the entire Tom Hanks catalog.

Ashley: Let’s go back to the music. Recently you went from being a solo artist to a full band, can you tell me a little bit about why you chose to expand your sound and what you think bringing The Abandoned Buildings into the mix does for it?

Eli August: I don’t know if there’s one clear reason why I’ve started playing with a band at present.  They are all people I have known and it just slowly came together.  I enjoy performing solo as well and will continue to do so, but there’s something special about being in a band.  Its like you’re on a team and you have others out there to pick you up so to speak, if you’re having an off day.  Bringing the whole band into the mix hopefully will give some of the songs more impact when you are playing to a live audience.  There are also more colors to work with and choices you can make musically, since there are more hands on deck.

Ashley: Many musicians say that if there is a song they could write that could be half as powerful, half as heart-felt (And sometimes) half as good as this song they can die happy. Is there a song you feel a similar connection to?

Eli August: “The Road to Ensenada by Lyle Lovett.  He’s in my top 5 songwriters.

[divider]

Eli August and The Abandonded Buildings are however putting out a full band album, if you would like to be a part of the process check out their Indiegogo here. To hear the full band sound; listen to the song “Kind,” Here. Eli and the band are hard at work in the studio but their next appearance will be at Roxy and Dukes in NJ January 26, 2013!