Elijah Bland brings a refreshing dimension to the modern world of soul music. Coupled with powerful lyrics and soulful grooves, his silky smooth delivery is a gift that has already touched many around the world. His sound fuses elements of funk, jazz, and R&B to create a unique brand of soul music.
With a healthy blend of passion, purpose, faith, and love, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, and musician embodies a humble expression of soul that fits the mold of a true artist. Largely influenced by old jazz and soul records from his childhood, Bland is a self-taught musician who has been tuning his uncanny ear for music since anyone can remember. He credits his parents as the founders of his musical journey: "They provided the opportunities for me to explore my gifts and create; I could never thank them enough!"
Elijah was born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he generally kept his musical talent under the shell of being a lifetime athlete. After a successful college basketball career and receiving his bachelor's degree, he turned to his creative side and focused much of his time on songwriting and production. In writing for other artists, however, he realized a voice of his own that would become the tool he used to pursue his career as an independent artist. It was then that he decided to follow his passion and turn his life over to music.
Elijah's debut album "Just Me." (April 2007) quickly earned him the respect of music lovers everywhere! With a very fitting title, E. Bland was at the helm of all writing, production and recording. His first musical effort boasts of an immediate international reach, including sales in Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, and more.
His sophomore release "Soulcentric" (August 2008) has received rave reviews! It includes the hit singles Necessary, Talk To Me, and Sugar High (featuring Grammy-nominated soul singer, Wayna). With an overwhelming response since its release in November 2007, "Necessary" quickly became a MySpace.com favorite and has been in rotation on Internet, satellite and mainstream radio stations around the world. In 2009, "Talk To Me" made its debut on the nationally syndicated Michael Baisden Show and "Necessary" was nominated for Best R&B Song in the 9th Annual Independent Music Awards.
On stage, he leads "The Soulcentric Band" as its primary keyboard player and has been known to play nearly every instrument on stage at some point during the show. His performances continue to touch countless lives with positive, uplifting music. To date he has performed throughout the east coast of the U.S. at venues in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and more, while looking to broaden his horizons whenever possible.
Anyone who knows this man can attest to his undying passion and love for creative expression. Elijah Bland has dedicated his life to the art of music and is committed to sharing his gift with the world, one soul at a time.
