realeditorbest profile tools
Armed with her acoustic guitar, powerful voice, and a passionate flair for a life less ordinary. Elke Robitaille is an enthusiastic and self-managed folk songstress.
Hailing from British Columbia, Elke is very nomadic and never stays in one place for very long. For this reason, the place that she feels most at home is on stage. No matter what town or city she’s in, whether it be at a club, cafe, or festival. the familiar and thrillful experience of performing is what Elke finds to be the most comforting and rewarding.
Being no stranger to life on the road, Elke now has two national tours of the United States and Canada under her belt, having performed in 6 Provinces, as well as 25 States. Elke also completed a 4 month contract with Princess Cruises, where she performed daily onboard the Diamond Princess.
Los Angeles is where Elke called 'home' for the past few years, and she involved herself in as many aspects of the music industry as possible: from attending Musicians Institute, to working as SYNC Manager at Nettwerk Music Group, and performing constantly in the LA Music Scene. She took home the Rock City News Award for "Outstanding Folk Band" in 2005, with nominations in 2006 as well.
Currently, Portland Oregon is the northwest native’s home base. After completing an 18 week Tour of the US and Canada, Elke decided to take a break from touring, and settle down in one place again. With a plethora of inspiration from life on the road, Elke compiled a new work of songs and began recording her third album - “Flowers in the City” at Toadhouse in Portland.
Elke’s discography spans from 2002 to 2009 with 3 full length studio albums, released through her own independent label: Rag Veda Records. Her albums, as well as live shows, have gained national press and radio attention.
“Doors” was her debut release in 2002 and is a fully produced, 11 track album. It contains a range of songs from haunting contemporary folk-ballads, to high energy, hard driven folk-rock.
“Naïve” is Elke’s 2004 sophomore release, with a more acoustic and organic sound. Her lyrics are honest and uncensored. The music perfectly blends true acoustic elements of raw emotion and softness.
“Flowers in the City” is the brand new 2009 release. The 10 song album features a mix of folk, pop, rock, and even bluegrass. This album showcases some of Elke’s best songwriting to date and is sure to be a favorite for folk fans everywhere.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Read More of Elke's Reviews & Full Press Listings Here
“Robitaille evokes the dustbowl stylings of Patty Griffin or Gillian Welch in equal measure to the Lilith Fair poetry of Sarah McLachlan.”
~ Nick Mattos, Just Out Magazine (Portland)
“Natural innocence and simplicity oozes from this Canadian native”
~ Music Connection Magazine
“Vocals throughout the CD [Flowers in the City] were strong, passionate and delivered with confidence.” ~ Eugene Foley, Foley Entertainment
“This folk singer, originally from British Columbia, has a beautifully addicting voice that makes you want to hear more of her…”
~ Lissy MacMillan, Inclination Webzine
"Elke Robitaille is a nuanced and subtle songwriter with a unique perspective; she's able to deliver her thoughts in enigmatic fashion without coming across as bizarre. A talented lyricist; her arrangements are fitting to both her subjects and voice. 'Flowers In The City' is one of those albums you keep around forever."~ Wildy Haskell, Wildy's World Blogspot
"Elke has a rare quality in her voice that most artists lack. She projects so much emotion and sincerity when she sings it’s almost as if she enters the listener and enables them to feel what she feels."
~ John Price, Freelance Writer, VA
".Elke Robitaille churns up folk music with the fire of a woman taking control of things. Her voice is Anne Wilson meets Amanda Kravat of mid 90's Mary Me Jane. The songs bridge the good and bad of life, cherishing good parts and casting off the bad."
~ Brian Tucker, Bootleg Magazine
"There are a few musicians I can name that turn me on with good attitudes, hard and honest work ethics, and organic efforts at maintaining their independent careers. Elke Robitaille does those things for herself, and in turn sets a great example for others. Her music is without mercy in a music lover’s ears and you just need to go hear for yourself."
~ Annette Warner, The Beat Magazine
".Pretty voice and good songs. Very reminiscent of Ani Difranco."
~ Cindy Royal, Cindy Royal Blogspot
"Elke's music is the kind of melodic and edgy stuff that changes hearts and affects lives in a deep and romantic way. Her spark is shining bright." ~ DJ Richie the Rishi, ArtistFirst Radio Network
"Elke produces a rhythmic acoustic sound that features strong pop hooks and matches the quality of plaintive honesty one hears in her voice. She is tough, challenging, profane and confident." ~ Rick Alan Rice, RARWRITER.COM
"Listeners will appreciate the therapeutic songwriting Elke has put into this album. [Naive] The lyrics are soulful melodies that are catchy, drawn out and enough to leave you full until the CD starts again." ~ Heather Corcoran, CoffeeHouseTour.com
"Elke has a unique ability to vocalize the incoheremt musings of the soul. She is raw, pure, and prematurely wise with her quirky and seductive point of view. A gift to what is left of the folk genre in its truest state, Elke deserves to be heard." ~ Jennifer Biggio
"The sensuality Elke shares with her “Naïve” release is part addictive and part habit-forming. In other words. I’m hooked. The easy, laid back acoustic sound is nicely enhanced by a non-invasive percussion." ~ Annette Warner, GoGirlsMusic.com
_______________________________________________________________
