Tell us about yourself and your music
My name is Eline Chavez and my newest project is called Onism E. Onism E is my second reincarnation as a musician and artist. It comes after a long hiatus away from the stage and fronting any kind of band. I have spent the last few years behind the scenes working as a producer and session musician while learning the tips techniques to be a better engineer.
I came out of hiding after I stumbled onto Tumblr and started reading the stories and seeing the photos and artwork of some of the young, creative outcasts on the site. They made no qualms about their status and they found comfort in the friends they made online. More often than not, the stories were dark and heartbreaking. Too often, they left me worried that maybe I wouldn’t see or hear from them again.
My music is roots with heart and soul in rock-n-roll form; I’m a storyteller.
Talk to us more about your latest release
The latest release comes out August 29, 2019. It’s about the person I lost. He was one of the most creative and kind human beings I had ever met. He couldn’t take the bullying and hatred thrown at him after coming out as transgender. I started writing this song for him while he was still alive. I finished it for all of those who feel alone and lost. Someone will always love them for who they are and not everyone is hateful so, I hope they hear it and find strength.
What inspired you to write this release?
The songs I’ve been writing are inspired by the young men and women that are brave enough to express to be who they are regardless of the ridicule and hatred they encounter.
I re-released Fairytales in April and Love You More will be out in August.
Describe the writing and recording process
I have been fortunate enough to have access to gear and recording spaces. When I started it was because a friend encouraged me to finish a song I had been messing with for a couple of weeks.
I have been told I write a little backwards. Ha. I like to write around drumbeats that I make up as I walk around the city and then I hear the lyrics. Most of the time, I lay down the drum track and build around it and then I go back and really bring it to life.
For the new release called Love You More, I had written and recorded it but I really wanted a live vibe. I’m not the greatest bass player either so I gave the track to some musicians I trusted and they put their mark and groove on it which made it come alive. I fell in love with the song all over again.
Any plans to hit the road?
Yes! I am in the process of solidifying a live lineup so as soon as that is ready, we will be out there wherever they’ll take us. For now, I have private acoustic shows going on as well as hired gun shows. I stay busy.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
I am raw energy that comes at you from a very real and personal place. I am the complete opposite of a lot of what is going on in music and it’s not better or worse it’s just me. I tell awful jokes, I drop the f-bomb too much but at the same time, I’m authentically me and I think my fans resonate with that because they feel comfortable with me enough to do and say goofy things. I love it. It’s why I started playing music.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Phew…Let me think. I love supporting women in music so there are a lot on my list: Jade Bird, Mitski, Sara Bareilles, Dermot Kennedy, Striking Matches, Ingrid Michaelson, Ben Howard, Foo Fighters, Rachael Yamagata, The Struts, Radiohead, The Pretenders, Maggie Rogers, and LP. That’s been the last few weeks, you never know what I’ll find tomorrow.
Who are your biggest influences?
I am all over the place there as well: The Pretenders, Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, REM, Dave Grohl, Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Tracey Bonham, Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, Billie Holiday, Joan Jett…
Tell us about your passions
I love to travel because it reminds me how much I don’t know. I love to meet strangers and turn them into friends. I love finding new artists, eating different foods, exploring random cities in beautiful countries; it keeps me grounded. I also love to be outside exploring with my pup; whether it’s in the city, park or trail.
What else is happening next in your world?
More music, more touring/traveling, more meeting people and playing rock-n-roll.
Thanks for an awesome interview, Eline!
Connect with Eline
Website: https://www.onisme.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnismEOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onism_e/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OnismEOfficial/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVws0FbIIN3YqGoAaSM-A_Q
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/onisme
