Tonight we welcome LA-based beat maker, musican and performer, Stro Elliot to Neck of the Woods. Stro has worked with the likes of The Roots, performed with the Wu-Tang Clan and just stepped off a stint at DJ Jazze Jeff’s All-Star Playlist Retreat. We caught up with Stro the day before his gig to ask him a bit more about himself, and his music.
Your heading down under to play at Neck Of The Woods this Thursday, it’s your first time in New Zealand. What are you expecting New Zealand to be like?
I really don't know what to expect honestly. I'm hoping they have a good time. So far I've enjoyed just being around the people in this city.
What can the crowd this Thursday expect from you?
Some remixes, some unreleased tracks, some they might know if they are familiar with me. And maybe some that I just feel like hearing.
You are a multi-instrumentalist artist; we hear you play the trumpet, drums, guitar and piano, alongside producing. If you were to pick up a new instrument, what would it be?
I play a little guitar honestly. I would love to learn to play it more fluidly. There's nothing like real guitar in music.
Who are your all-time influences, and your new-age favourites?
Hard question to answer. I'll have to say Pete Rock, Dilla, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell to play it safe. New favorites would include Robert Glasper, Thundercat, Childish Gambino, Goldlink.
Which track of your own never gets old? No matter how many times you listen to it.
Ooh. Harder question to answer. Actually, it's impossible to answer. The track is old to me days after it's done. I hate going back to even fix things sometimes. Always looking forward to the next.
Tell us a bit about Chasing Goosebumps the album that was created and recorded at Jazzy Jeff's Playlist Retreat 2 weeks ago.?
Amazing experience. Learned a lot. Inspiring, to say the least. Also, it was too much fun. Taking on something of that magnitude would seem stressful. Being surrounded by those individuals makes the process ridiculously enjoyable. And they are the most talented people in the world.
After this tour, what’s next for Stro Elliot?
Hopefully more of the same. Creating music with awesome people. Peeking music for and with awesome people. In any location willing to have me.
Stro Elliot is playing at Neck of the Woods tonight, $10 on the door. Click here for more details.
