Today we’d like to introduce you to Elliott Niezel.
Hi Elliott, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It started when I was around five, I was introduced to hiphop and other music I had never heard by my neighbor in San Luis Obispo. We had moved up north from Santa Barbara because my father was working at Cal Poly University. While in San Luis, our neighbor put me on to rappers like Kool Moe Dee, Melle Mel, Big Daddy Kane and music like Parliament-Funkadelic.
Fast forward ten years, and I’m in high school, high in my friend’s car, and come to find out I can freestyle. Unfortunately for me, I then drove myself right into a pit of drugs and alcohol. I got involved in some highly sketchy activities and other risky business adventures. My lifestyle took over my personal desires. I got deep enough to lose sight of the light, but by the grace of God, I was able to make it out. God sent me my beautiful wife 14 years ago. She helped me see the light again and has been by my side since I got sober and escaped a life-style impacted by negativity. Since 2012 I have been making music, performing, and participating in the communities within Santa Barbara County. From 2012 to the current day, I have dropped almost 40 projects, performed in multiple states, including SXSW and A3C festivals, and was one of the first to release a visual album on YouTube in 2015. I love music—literally all music – country, worship, classical, death metal, rap, etc. My love for music and performing fuels me to capture moments of my life within the music and art I create. I am blessed to do this and hope others connect and enjoy it as well.
This past year I released my last three solo projects with cursing and profanity. Those being Beach Trap, Strange Lands and Death Valley. These three projects have become a cleansing experience for me, personally. I was able to let go of things through those albums like shame, guilt, fear, and anger. Those were my final albums with cursing and profanity. Three years ago, I began a beautiful relationship with Jesus and have started to walk along a new path. My next solo release is titled Lamb of God, and it was created with Heartbeatz out of Germany. He is one of the best producers of his time. Him and Wolfie Warship. Stay on the look for that along with the next installment in The Reptile and The Realist series titled Intrinsic Value. C.R.H is an incredible artist, father and human being. Shout out to San Diego. I have lived here for over five years now and its a big-time blessing. Beautiful city, beautiful people.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been challenging without a shadow of a doubt. Although in all that challenge lies the love. You get the good with the bad like in all things in life. No matter how hard we try, we cannot escape the bad. But what we can allow less space in our lives is the fear of stepping out on that stage or the let down of not getting enough exposure for your craft. We can make a choice on how things affect us as human beings. God gave us free will. In my time creating music, I have dealt with many issues and what I have learned is those who overcome those issues can do this with longevity. The music industry is a grind. You need to overcome let downs and failures and use them to propel to the next record. You’re going to be jumping a ton of hurdles, so get your tracksuit on shawty.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I get the privilege to tell my stories over top-notch production and put together musical experiences. Very therapeutic stuff. Most of the music I make is pulled from experiences in my personal life. The things I have done, the good, the bad and the ugly. I include it all. I love the writing, recording, and performing timeline of the creating process. I tend to think it’s a very special and rewarding series of events. I would say I specialize in creating and performing. I love being in the studio recording or on the stage performing. Along with my music portfolio, I also have a small college portfolio from which I’ve sold pieces from all over the world. I am known for my work ethic and the dedication to the upbringing of our youth. I am most proud of my wife, my kids and my family. There is a relatively small group of Christian rappers who make the music we are now making, and I do believe God has a plan to reach more people through the music we create. The sound we have stumbled upon is like a faith-based Marylin Manson. It is very unique.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Surround yourself with people who embrace change and work hard to achieve their goals. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other artists to network and build your friendships. Friendships are what this profession is all about. Before Covid, I would say attend festivals such as A3C and do plenty of networking, although now more than ever, get in contact through social media and websites like Fiverr and Soundcloud.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.elliottniezel.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliottniezel
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/saintabarbarian
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/therealelliottniezel
- SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/elliottniezel
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElliottsEmporium
