Bristol’s very own Elijah A.M. is shaking up the music scene with a unique twist by combining his love for cooking with his musical talents.
The artist will prepare curated meals onstage as he performs tracks from his new EP, offering audiences a multi-sensory experience.
Innovative Music and Culinary Pairings
Elijah A.M., a rapper and passionate home cook, has found an innovative way to showcase his latest music. Similar to wine pairings, he has matched courses to tracks from his new EP, Table. The artist, who trained as a chef, will prepare these meals live onstage while performing, creating a unique experience for his audience.
The record, set for release on 29 September, is described by Elijah as ‘a collection of songs which each represent being sat at a different table.’ This concept brings together his two loves: music and culinary arts.
From Chef to Performer
Elijah asserts that cooking and making music are similar processes. ‘Ultimately, I want to have my music digested,’ he explained. He likens cooking to a theatrical demonstration, adding a layer of performance to the culinary experience.
The event will also feature tracks from his previous EP, A La Carte, which was uniquely distributed on CD through restaurants. Planned dishes for the performance include vegan curry and jerk chicken, offering a blend of his favourite Caribbean and Italian cuisines.
The Listening Party Extravaganza
This upcoming listening party is a novel concept. Elijah mentioned, ‘This is going to be the first time I’ve seen a seated, catered listening party.’ The event will take place at Unit 8 in St Werburgh’s, Bristol, on 27 and 28 September.
Guests will be treated to a two-day listening party where they can enjoy the paired dishes as they experience the new tracks from the EP. Elijah hopes that this unique approach will give people the chance to truly digest both his lyricism and the food.
The single ‘Regal’ from the EP ‘conveys this vibe of being sat at a dining table in a low-key jazz bar,’ adding to the immersive experience Elijah aims to create.
Cooking Onstage
To manage the logistics of cooking while performing, some of the food will be prepped beforehand. However, Elijah will be making the rest on a small kitchen unit set up on stage.
He expressed confidence in his ability to ‘chop and perform,’ highlighting the blend of culinary and musical skills he brings to his shows.
Community Engagement
Elijah hopes to expand this concept to other venues, including community centres and libraries. He believes that the combination of food and music can create a warm, engaging atmosphere that brings people together.
‘How long does it take to really take in a song? Probably a meal,’ he remarked, underscoring the thoughtful nature of his performances.
By blending these two art forms, Elijah creates an experience that is both entertaining and nourishing, reflecting his deep passion for both music and cooking.
Elijah’s Philosophy
Elijah explained that taking raw ingredients and converting them into a cooked meal is almost akin to alchemy. ‘There’s something beautiful about this transformation,’ he said.
He feels the same way about creating songs, which are built by blending ‘raw feelings’ and other ‘ingredients’. This philosophy underpins his unique approach to both music and cooking.
Future Prospects
Elijah’s innovative approach has the potential to revolutionise how we experience music and food in concert settings.
Elijah A.M.’s upcoming event promises an immersive blend of music and culinary arts, offering guests an unforgettable sensory experience.
This novel approach exemplifies his creative spirit, leaving a lasting impact on both the music and culinary worlds.
