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eLi, LA native and now Nashville resident that the industry has dubbed a folk rock troubadour of sorts and compared to the likes of Cat Stevens, Jim Croce and Keith Green, hits the road with his new album, "Gratitude". It seems as if the tide is turning in the music industry and it is a new day for the independent artist. If that is truly the case then eLi says, "I am going to catch a wave and see where it takes me." This album will answer the question, what can a previously signed artist like eLi come up with when left to his own devices? "Gratitude", eLi's first independent effort, delivers 11 new eLi tunes featuring some of Nashville's finest lending their studio talent to what eLi himself calls his best yet. "I had a really great run with Forefront Records and after the release of Now the News in 2001 it was time to move on. I am extremely excited about what we have come up with on our own and I am eager to hear what people think of it," says eLi. eLi was born and raised in southern California. His dad left home in eLi's early childhood and he grew up in a blended family with his mother and stepfather who tried their best to instill values that he strongly rebelled against. "I attempted a career as a runaway, became an addict using both alcohol and drugs and looked for validation in everything and everyone but whom I was truly created for." eLi says. "I know what it is to be hungry and I know what it is like to brush your teeth in a public water fountain. I know what it is like to try and make your bed on the street. I am the guy who says out loud what everybody else is thinking but too afraid to say. I am your brother, your son, the guy next door or the homeless punk on the street you pray your daughter never brings home." He is Abba's child. Saved, loved, forgiven, and sanctified. He knows there are many who thought He would never make it this far, including himself. "I am in my thirties now. I still laugh at things I shouldn't, shop at thrift stores, and I still want peanut M&M's for breakfast or Good & Plenty licorice bits depending on what day it is." A friend's mother from the church he was attending by the time he was 20 handed him a guitar and suggested that he write and play music. She was so insistent, he says so he accepted that guitar and he took it home and started playing. He really only wanted to worship God with it. It just came to him. He fell in love with the instrument almost immediately. eLi found that he has a talent for writing and communicating beautifully through song. As eLi says, "In life it takes a lot of manure to grow a beautiful rosebush. God has the ability to transform our lives and purify us through what happens to us everyday and though it is rough at times, it is incredible to feel and notice the change that is taking place in my life. It is my hope to always share with you who and what I am, warts and all." He is a grown man who continues to grow and reach toward his heavenly Father. Any who experience eLi live or through his music are blessed to take part in his journey. Check out the artist's website: http://www.elinews.com Track List: 1. I Am Your Fire 2. Strong 3. Hallelujah 4. Hide And Seek 5. Sing It Out 6. Norway/New Song 7. Only Heaven Knows 8. What We Don't Talk About 9. Stuck 10. Gratitude 11. I Worship Suggested CDs:Other Genres: |