BearWatch: ELIAS02 serves us sexy R&B vibes with ‘You Can (Get It)’

10th June 2021 Bryce Quartz

ELIAS02 brings sexy Pop/R&B to the table with new single “You Can (Get It),” and we can’t get enough!

ELIAS02, formally known as just Elias, is an R&B/Trap Pop artist who’s ability to thrive in any genre makes them a chameleon in the music world. Invoking heartfelt lyrics with a passionate, effortless delivery, they have formed a career and discography that stretches over the past 12 years, captivating audiences along the way.

ELIAS02 started their real journey in 2017 when the non-binary singer joined forces with hip-hop group “Adobe House,” giving the star a unique spotlight and exposure to an audience that is not historically LGBT+ friendly. Lacing the group’s music with heavy hitting verses and catchy hooks, all while releasing singles, an EP, and two albums, the crooner proved that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Towards the end of 2020, the rap group dismantled, but that did not stop the star. Now an independent artist, ELIAS02 has released three singles since parting ways with their label/ group, with “You Can (Get It)” as the latest single that came out last Friday!

The song starts with a lighthearted and catchy instrumental melody. We are then blessed with ELIAS02’s soft and smooth vocal delivery. The catchy lyrics and vocal melodies make this track a joy to sing along to.

Every time I hear the chorus, I can’t help but sing to it! ELIAS02’s voice gets me every time, because it’s so distinguished and elevated. It feels like their voice soars on every instrumental, making ELIAS02 the voice of a generation.

I had a chat with ELIAS02 to ask some questions about the new single and what we can expect next, check it out below!

Bryce Quartz: What inspired you to make this song?

ELIAS02: I used to be weird about making songs about sex. I felt uncomfortable because I was uncomfortable with myself. It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I really came in tune with myself. I started loving the parts of me I hated or was ashamed of.

I’ve never made a song about sex before so I was excited when this came about. It sounds so sexy, the little “bloop” noise you hear in the choruses reminded me of Nina Williams from Tekken for some reason.

It’s raunchy and harkens back to a simpler time in pop and R&B. The smooth, simplistic beat gives me so much room to just sing. No auto tune, no gimmicks. Just a good beat and great vocals.

BQ: What was your favorite part about making this song?

E02: I had to drive up to Phoenix to record this song, which is only a few hours away. But I got to record it with my good friend Dominik Helmiski. Who has been around since the start of Adobe House and has always been one of my biggest supporters. It was great to see him again after the groups split back in 2020.

The both of us have grown so much in our craft that it was long overdue that we got together again. Love that guy! One of the sweetest, kindest, supportive people I’ve ever met. Working with him and getting to catch up was my favorite part about making this song/EP.

Also, on the way back home I got arrested on warrant for an unpaid ticket in 2017! So, I was on this great high from recording, then I got pulled over and arrested, in a rental car, on Mother’s Day. Just my luck right?

BQ: What was the hardest part making this song?

E02: I haven’t recorded vocals in a studio since like early 2020. I was having literal withdrawals from not being near a studio or living with producers anymore. So, getting back into that studio groove/work ethic was kind of challenging at first!

It wasn’t group music this time. It was just me, which is nerve-wracking now and again. I used to rely heavily on my friends on stage because I wasn’t the only person up there or on songs. Now it’s just me again so there is a little bit of fear about starting over and continuing to pursue my dream. But I was doing this before the group and I’ll continue to do it! Alpha and Omega babyyyy!

BQ: Was this release cathartic for you?

E02: It’s always such a moment of relief when I release something. I’m never on a schedule and my releases are spread out.

It’s been four months since my last release, so I kind of feel the pressure to pump out as much content as possible. But, I’m my own boss and I make quality work. So, I like to let people savor it.

BQ: What keeps you motivated?

E02: I’m 27 years old right now. I have had this same passion and drive since I was 5 years old. That dream has never died for me. It continuously burns in the back of my brain that I’m going to be a successful singer and songwriter.

My faith in my talent and myself is what keeps me motivated. I won’t stop until the world sees me how I see me.

BQ: What can we expect next from you?

E02: This song is one of three off an EP I am releasing later in June. Everything I release is going to sound a little different, but still have the same roots, if that makes sense. I’m not a one trick pony.

I love to experiment with my sound and genres because I am super adaptable and diverse. I also make music that will still sound good in 20 years. I don’t conform to what’s popular. I could do it easily, but that’s not me or what people know me for. My catalog is thicc and I have dabbled in so many genres.

BQ: What other artists are you listening to right now?

E02: I listen to so many different kinds of music. I’ve been listening to Yung Baby Tate and Bree Runway quite a bit. That Slime Language 2 album is always on replay too.

As for other queer indie artists, I really enjoy Bronze Avery, Saint Wade and Sashathem, just because they make music like the music I listen to. Future superstars right there.

BQ: Thank you for taking the time to answer those questions for us, ELIAS02!