ELYSE HAREN

Someone once called me a one-woman production company because on any given day you could find me playing guitar, fumbling around a piano, editing video, designing the website, booking, the band, making coffee (okay, soy lattes), but you get the picture. Supercilious sounding, maybe, but it's the truth and in truth lies strength.
I decided to make music, in an instant, at a Fleetwood Mac concert; and it's had a hold on me ever since. Music is the most balanced relationship I've known- the more I give, the more it gives back. When picking up an instrument, I took control of my destiny. I'm an audio geek, so I may or may not be cool enough for you or your friends. I've played a number of parts in and after college including waitress, insurance assistant, music teacher and nanny for Saudi Royalty. True story. Guess it really is time to start that production company;)
This is me -- real, curves, flaws and all. Classic girl with a hippie heart, who masquerades around in black latex pants and the occasional corset. The songs you hear I write myself and I recorded with three or four guys who have become lifelong friends. Our self-titled album, The Aftermath, was recorded on a shoe-string budget, passion and blinding determination. On a whim one night, I emailed my favorite mixer in the world and the next morning, I had already received a reply. The following week, I was sitting in his studio and he was mixing the album, smack between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks' respective solo albums. I finished paying for the album with the only Gibson guitar I've ever owned. Doesn't get better than the truth.
In the less than two years, we've been fortunate to license some songs, play with some great bands, including a few sold-out shows in Los Angeles and Orange County with pop band, Berlin (Take My Breath Away). It was there I met Dave Schulz (Berlin, Goo Goo Dolls), and he added the final piano, keys and synths to the album. The Aftermath, is now available directly through our website and on iTunes. We've toured over 2000 miles, playing SXSW ('09 & '10) and most recently the Southwest this past September. Our tour driver was someone who saw us play with Berlin, and took time off work to drive us across 7 states. Real dedication and the real story.
So this is what an independent artist looks like in this new world where music is a service that streams in bulk. It is hard to see the little fish in cyberspace, as it's so seemingly infinite. But, people still do love a great song, and I have faith in that and in my story. the aftermath of what became of me.
Follow Elyse on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/elyse411
PAST SHOWS
CALIFORNIA
THE COACH HOUSE (Opening for Berlin), The Key Club, , The Viper Room, The Roxy, The Brixton, The Mint, Molly Malone's,The Dragonfly, The Derby, The Knitting Factory.
TEXAS
Stubbs, The Lucky Lounge, Sister's Edge, The Speakeasy, & Darwin's Pub