Meet Eliki Sol | Singer/Lyricist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eliki Sol and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eliki, what’s your definition for success?
I define success as the ability to make a living off of what you love to do by way of your gifts and or passion. Along with this, your community recognizes your talent and comes to you for these gifts which leads to abundance and that to me, equals success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had an unorthodox way of making a living as an artist. It began with singing for my supper on the streets and subway cars underground in New York City back in 2011. Along the way, I’ve collaborated with the most colorful group of artists/ intellectuals one only could living my lifestyle so visceral. Nothing taught me more about goals, self reliance, character, courage, or inner strength than my creative way of being, singing on the line for the people. I’m most proud that the relationships I’ve built that brought me to this moment are deeply rooted in the New York City scene and my daily life is built around this structure. I’ve had musical placements on “Claws” from co-writes with Jessica Betts, a tremendous artist/writer. Touring Europe multiple times in various ensembles, the one I’m most proud of got me back to tour Greece, where I was able to visit my father’s Horrio, and see my aunts and uncles one last time before their passing during Covid. I’ve learned that belief in myself is a powerful tangible energy. When I speak my desires into the air I just know they’ll manifest as long as I’m steadfast in my part of practice, dedication, work, repeat! I’d like the world to know that making a living off of what you love to do is possible, I’m doing it, one day I sat down and focused!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d tell them to arrive on a Friday. In New York City there’s an event called Soul in the Horn. Dj Natasha Diggs and DProsper head this event which draws the dance culture, with singers, Dj’s actors, musicians etc. SITH parties of the past I remember seeing Erykah Badu at the bar with Maxwell as I walked out Sway was entering and Anderson Paak just played drums randomly. Just another Friday! The best part is the group is eclectic and embodies NYC and in my opinion anywhere in the world with that tinge of good energy! From there I’d say let’s bike! We’d take City bike and bike Central Park and Visit MOMA. The food on the Upper West Side is amazing but I’m Greek so I’d take us to Elea where any dish you like is available vegan or not! If you want to experience more we’d check out Riverside Park and head to Harlem that night for drinks at The Edge! If Brooklyn is your cup of tea We’d go to Abe’s Pegoda and catch a Thursday set at BK Music Kitchen on a Thursday for Errick Lewis’s The Vibe Open Mic. This is just a taste there’s so much more! If the weather is right my guilty pleasure will always be Coney Island. New York has many layers I’d be your tour guide for sure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shout out my grandfather Lyle Mercier, who gifted me The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam when I was 14. My grandfather’s silent guidance left me with a depth of soul that lives in my thoughts long after his passing. Poetry and jazz.

Website: Eliki.net

Instagram: @elikisol

Twitter: @eliki

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100040087672541/

Youtube: Eliki Sol

Image Credits
Demetrius Philp