The Musical Talent Of Elise Trouw Is Undeniable

LOS ANGELES, CA- The first time I remember seeing Elise Trouw was scrolling through my Facebook feed one evening and discovering this random video, that I’m assuming based on social media’s algorithm, told me would fit my music taste. Within a click, I was transported into this beautiful new world of musical bliss played by a one-woman-band. It was her soon-to-be viral hit, “Radiohead Meets The Police”. A live mashup that has now garnered over 1million hits on Youtube, and would eventually propel her into her musical career, and launch her new album and tour.

I was immediately intrigued after watching her swiftly play nearly every instrument under the sun, while looping and singing without skipping a beat. It was so effortless, and I was completely blown away. I wanted to know more, and began digging through the webs of the Internet in hopes of finding more of her music like this one. I found that she a true product of her generation- not a Youtube personality, but a purposefully crafted Youtuber in using and influencing her craft. She’s done Youtube competitions for drumming, lessons and how-to’s on shooting video and recording music, AMAs, and of course, showcasing her new music videos. Elise began playing piano at the age of 4, and playing drums six years later after being enticed by the video game, “Rock Band”. Over the years, she has transformed into a highly skilled, and versatile musician with a style completely her own. After her first viral mashup, she followed up with another, “Foo Fighters Meets 70s Bobby Caldwell”. That video topped her last numbers with nearly 3 million views! She’s continued to put out music videos, including her debut album, “Unraveling” on Spotify.

Being entirely impressed, the next step for me was seeing her perform live. My first attempt was to catch her at the Jimmy Kimmel show last January. To my great disappointment, they ran out of time, and she wasn’t able to perform, and I was heading out of town the next day. My second attempt was to see her perform at the El Rey on April 25^th, opening for Moonhchild. Strike two- sold out show. I was graced with a last-minute call to cover her the following day at another sold out show at the El Rey Theatre, 3 hours before I needed to be there. Third time’s a charm.

Elise steps into her compact world, surrounded by drums, mics, a bass, an electric guitar, an electric keyboard, and a looper. She’s barefoot, and adorned a thick white lace romper with colorful embroidered florals. Her outfit matches her style of music; flowy, colorful, and beautiful with a laid back SoCal vibe. After a hiccup with some initial technical difficulties, she jumps right in.

We all show our support and cheer her on out of the mishap. Although she is opening, the audience makes it clear she has a hefty amount of fans. She begins with “Awake” on her new album, which she plays beautifully. The room is at full calm. Not for lack of attention, in fact, quite the contrary. Elise’s soft, silky vocals commands the room- Everyone WANTS to shut up and listen. Her music brings full peace among the audience members packed into the venue.

She changes over to her next song, a cover of “Cry Me A River” by Julie London- one her favorites. Elise is a young artist, but her maturity comes through in her skills, and taste in music, admiring the likes of Radiohead, The Police, and of course, Julie London. Moving from Drums and mic, back to keyboard, looper, guitar and mic, she plays another song from her album, “Illuminate”. The audience continues to silently devour song after song, with uproarious applause at the end of each. The next song, is her first viral hit, “Radiohead Mashup”. The crowd knows, and we go nuts for it by loudly welcoming this beautifully crafted piece. With more enthusiasm, we all sway and nod our heads taking in every note, masterfully and contemporarily put together.

Elise has studied music nearly her entire life, and what would normally stress out the average musician to go between instruments so quickly and timely, practically appears formulaic to her- it doesn’t phase her in the least. The song ends at Elise singing on a much higher note, and is met with loud cheers, whistling and hollering. She jumps in to “Catch My Breath” off her new album, and then her second viral video song, “Foo Fighters Meets 70s Bobby Caldwell”. The crowd reacts the same for this song as they did for the “Radiohead Mashup”, as these two pieces put her on the map. She hits a drum solo and knocks the audience off their feet with louder screams and cheers. Her talent is undeniable.

After this, she meticulously adjusts her instruments, and without much intro, states, “This next song…I’m just gonna play it”. She plays my personal favorite off of her new album, “Line of Sight”. Elise dropped a live mashup of this on Youtube as well, but the lyrics are what really grab me. It’s about trying to fix a relationship that is inevitably falling apart- something we can all relate to regardless of age. It’s beautiful live, and I enjoy every second. Before she closes out with her last song, “Burn”, she mentions today is the last day of her being a teenager. I need to take a minute to pick my jaw up off of the floor. Everyone knows she is a young, upcoming artist, but I don’t think anyone in the audience knew just HOW young she is.

Elise Trouw has more talent and coordination in her left pinky, than I do while trying to tie my shoe and breathe at the same time. This “kid” has nowhere to go but up. She plays her last song, with intermittent “WOOS” from the crowd, and a final huge applause at the end. She warmly thanks everyone for coming, and welcomes the physical presence of her faceless Internet fans for a meet and greet after the second consecutive sold out show.

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