Los Angeles native Elizabeth Ann Chavez, known by her stage name “eli ann,” has emerged from her artist roots in classical violin performance and musical theater to embark on a new musical journey. After spending a few years post-college as part of the indie folk band Her Treehouse, where she showcased her talent for simultaneous violin and vocal performance, Eli Ann has finally taken the courageous step to let her voice take center stage. The result is her captivating debut single, “Lighthouse.”
The evolution of eli ann’s musical path is a fascinating one, with curiosity and experimentation being the driving forces behind her artistic growth. Her interest in combining violin and vocals led her to explore the guitar and delve into the art of songwriting. These experiences served as the foundation upon which she built her distinctive sound, setting her apart as an artist unafraid to blend various elements and genres.
For “Lighthouse,” Eli Ann joined forces with esteemed vocal producer Rachel St. Marseille and accomplished instrumental producer Brett Kramer, known for his drumming with the band half•alive. Additionally, co-producer Marc Encabo contributed his expertise to the production process. The collaboration between these talented musicians has resulted in a single that is as evocative as it is captivating.
At its core, “Lighthouse” is a haunting and serene ode to life’s cyclical nature of grief and renewal. The inspiration for the song comes from a deeply personal place—unexpected loss, a harrowing car accident, and the struggles of navigating post-grad life—all culminating in a realization of unacknowledged pain years later. Eli Ann’s journey towards embracing vulnerability and honesty is reflected in the raw emotion conveyed through her music, making the experience of listening to “Lighthouse” a profound and relatable one for many. The lyrical prowess of “Lighthouse” paints a vivid picture of navigating through the storms of life, seeking solace in the beacon of a lighthouse. Eli Ann’s captivating vocals float effortlessly over a carefully crafted musical landscape, drawing listeners in and guiding them through the depths of emotion she bares in the song.
The song’s instrumentation is equally captivating, as eli ann seamlessly weaves her classical violin background into the fabric of indie folk, creating a unique and soul-stirring sonic tapestry. Brett Kramer’s masterful production provides a strong foundation, allowing Eli Ann’s vocals and violin to shine brightly while maintaining a delicate balance with the accompanying instruments. “Lighthouse” marks the beginning of a promising solo career for eli ann, as she embraces her true voice and finds the courage to share her journey with the world. The song serves as an anthem for those facing their own emotional struggles, encouraging them to confront their pain, heal, and find their inner light amid the darkness.
As a debut single, “Lighthouse” showcases eli ann’s immense talent as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician. With this heartfelt and introspective track, she has firmly established herself as an artist worth following, one whose music speaks directly to the human experience and leaves a lasting impact on the soul. In a world where vulnerability is often regarded as a weakness, eli ann’s “Lighthouse” stands as a testament to the strength found in embracing one’s emotions and allowing oneself to heal. Through her music, she invites listeners to join her on this journey of self-discovery and growth, ultimately leading to a place of hope and renewal.
As eli ann continues to explore her artistry, her debut single sets the stage for what promises to be a bright and compelling musical future. With her exceptional talent, captivating storytelling, and willingness to bare her soul through her music, eli ann is undoubtedly an artist to watch closely. “Lighthouse” is just the beginning, and the world eagerly awaits what she will illuminate next.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Elizabeth Ann Chavez (“eli ann”) is a Los Angeles native whose artist roots are in classical violin performance and musical theater. When she moved from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach for college, she began to branch out musically on violin—performing and recording with indie folk band Leather Tramp and their self-titled EP, along with singer-songwriter Gracie Gray’s Black Clothes EP (“Black Clothes” and “G I Wish U”). During this time, she also recorded strings for The Moderates “Where Are You (Acoustic)” and on select tracks for The Family Crest’s album The War: Act I.
A few years after college, Elizabeth formed the indie folk band Her Treehouse with bandmate Karen Laura Peters to explore an interest in simultaneous violin and vocal performance, a curiosity which led her to pick up the guitar and try her hand at songwriting. Years later, Elizabeth has finally let her voice take center stage. She teamed up with vocal producer Rachel St. Marseille and instrumental producer Brett Kramer (drummer for half•alive) and co-producer Marc Encabo, to record and release her debut single “Lighthouse.”
A serenely haunting ode to life’s cycles of grief and renewal, “Lighthouse” is inspired by unexpected loss, a bad car accident, the difficulty of navigating post-grad life, and not acknowledging the pain of it all until years later.