Previously known as Seaside Feels, Elidas are a band comprising Belle and Venice, who have been performing professionally since they were eleven. Hailing from Scotland, the twins were inspired by their family to get involved in music.
Why the name 'The Elidas'?
"Seaside Feels was great fun and took us, I guess, from childhood into this new phase for our music when we're taking it even more seriously. Our family cultures are a fantastic mix of Hispanic and northern Scottish/Viking. We love that in Mexican folklore, an Elida is a beautiful small, magical winged creature, and in Norse culture, it's a fast sailing ship. The imagery these conjure for us really chime with where we come from and where we feel we are headed."
What are some of the inspirations behind your original music?
"It's an extremely collaborative process for us. One of us will come up with a lyric, or a melody, sometimes a whole chorus, more often just a line or two. We both know when we're onto something worth pursuing. Then we work at it for a few hours before we play it for our parents. If they get emotional then we know it's a winner! "
What genre would you place yourselves in? Who are some artists that inspire you?
"I guess indie folk/country, if that's a thing? We just do what we think sounds good! We listen to a huge variety of music, we are always finding new stuff, mainly online. It's hard to cite specific influences, but we do love Shawn Colvin, The Smiths, First Aid Kit, The Paper Kites, Mitski, Fleet Foxes...I think what they all have in common is integrity in sticking to their own styles and also writing fantastic lyrics."
Thoughts on the music scene in Dubai/the UAE?
"The live music scene in Dubai is thriving! Literally every time we play a gig we meet incredible, talented artists and make connections.Our age isn't a barrier here - people genuinely just see the work, not our relative youth, and it means we can gain hugely valuable experience playing live at festivals, intimate acoustic gigs and big concerts. I don't think we'd get the same opportunities in our home country at such a young age. That Dubai attitude of "If you can do it, just do it!" is so refreshing and all we get is positivity from everyone we come across."
Anything exciting in the works?
"Well, the name change is a big thing for us, but I guess not such a big deal to anyone else. We are planning to record a lot more over the summer, so people can finally stream our stuff, especially the songs people always ask about after gigs. We are hoping for a very busy winter season this year, with plenty of chances for people to catch us live in Dubai and also hopefully in Abu Dhabi."
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