We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elijah “LX” Harvey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Elijah “LX” thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
It’s interesting. I’ve been a self taught musician since I was 5. My first instrument was Piano/Keys. When I was younger, I was inspired by Disney themes and video game music. You could ask anyone back then and even know, some of my production for songs sounded like themes vs beats. I just thought it was impossible to be able to do that so I decided to rap. Rap was fun and dope way to express myself. Plus, as a producer, playing keys is probably the most beneficial thing you can know when producing on these programs. Back then it was Cakewalk/Sonar. Now I us Studio One. I’ve produced about 96% of the songs I’ve been on so that was a great way to learn and get better. During my early 20s, I decided to learn guitar and try out rock. I eventually learned Bass as well. Simply put, I’ve dabbled in about every genre to include this current R&B project I’m working on….Never in a million years would I see God spin the block and I get to use all these skills in scoring films and themes. Knowing what I know now, I could have been more open to other production opportunities. When you’re young you want to be seen and on the stage. I was always deaf in one ear to anything that deviated from my thoughts of where I should be and what I should be doing. That was my worst mistake. I think that’s what stopped my from learning more, but no regrets. Nothing happens that isn’t supposed to, right?
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I got into the industry officially in College (Bowie State). I was a radio member and that opened doors to events and connections that I still have to this day. I would say homecoming with Ludacris was my big break. His team invited us to intern for Def Jam College, and then I would join Atlantic Records Street team and branch out from there. I was concurrently working on my first rap CD, “Eternity: The Rebirth” (Still in stores now BTW) there was a song called “DC Stand Up” where the late DJ Ill Will spinned it on our city radio station. That along with my collaboration with my good friend DJ Heat “I Got Dat Koolaid” got me on the map as an artist.
Production is really what got me in the door. My first major placement was a co production with Tim “Judah Beats” Matthews on a song for Wale called Critical Acclaim. Shortly after I placed on Rostrum Records artist Boaz featuring Scolla from Dru Hill “Gimmie The Mic” along with Nappy Roots “Pursuit of Nappyness’ which charted on the Billboard and earned a Southern Entertainment award. I learned how to manage myself and business through research, asking peers and mentors like the late Tyrone “Tye” Kohlheim who pretty much taught me how to use production programs as early as 9 years old.
Setting up shows also fortified my place in the industry. I had an unconventional way of reaching out to bigger artists and their management and venues to connect shows, I just wanted to open for them which made the connection solid. I’ve collaborated with Nappy Roots, Bone Thugs and Harmony to name a few. I with other local artists would also set up show cases across the area.
I think one of the greatest feats that I’m proud of is being on the Red Carpet at the grammys, actually getting my music played at the Emmys, Oscars and the Grammys and my latest greatest accomplishments is that I’m the first and official producer for the Washington Wizards.
If you were to ask what I enjoy most? Scoring/Themes. I scored the movie “Bundles” which premiered on BETHer and Collide amongst various podcasts and projects. I’ve even produced and arranged the National Anthem for the Department of Defense. Twice. My music has also been featured in the Award Winning show “Succession” On HBO.
If you need any theme for anything, a show, a party, podcast, TV. I can custom make it just how you want!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, I want to be “THE GUY” when shows and movies are made. I want to be the known go-to and I am well on my way!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes! “Make it Happen” by Kevin Liles. READ IT.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.IamElijahHarvey.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/IamElijahHarvey
- Facebook: Hacked- if you see me on there, it’s not me
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/IamElijahHarvey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamElijahHarvey
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13223423/
Image Credits
StellarLife Photography Stefan Artistry