Eli-Mac
Bio
Eli-Mac’s story reads like a fairytale– it’s a musical journey which has turned into an impressive career that took flight with her debut release of her hit five-song EP, entitled Dubstop EP. A proud Filipino growing up in Hawaii, Ciara-Camile (Eli-Mac spelled backwards) Roque Velasco was a rebel early on, combining her island music roots with her love of R&B and hip-hop. At the age of 18, Camile's journey took shape when she landed a spot on the hit TV show American Idol as a Top 10 finalist on Season 3. From there, Eli-Mac went on to record a version of Bob Marley’s “Guava Jelly,” produced by his son Stephen Marley, at Tuff Gong Studios in Jamaica. The track earned her the Hawaii Music Awards’ “Single of the Year.” Since then, Eli-Mac has been touring relentlessly across the US and beyond. A new studio album is currently in the works for this year, following up on her latest release "Resume" featuring Collie Buddz.
Eli-Mac’s musical and fashion style comes from growing up in the ‘90s listening to Lauryn Hill, Salt-N-Pepa, TLC, and Erykah Badu along with hip-hop icons Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Tupac Shakur, and Mobb Deep. She shared her mom’s love of ‘70s disco and ‘80s Madonna, while her father turned her onto ‘60s classic rock and jazz from The Eagles and The Doors to Billie Holiday. She discovered her sound by combining her three favorite genres – roots reggae, hip-hop and R&B – creating the groundbreaking Dubstop EP with subsequent dub-wise, rootsy songs like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Roots Girl.” Earlier releases, like the slinky “Mr. Sensi” featuring Conkarah, represent Eli-Mac’s unique urban island style and support for cannabis culture.
“I am proud to incorporate my upbringing in Hawaii into my music. That culture remains important to me…”
By rebranding herself as Eli-Mac, Camile has been able to step outside herself – and the limitations put on her by others. She has emerged into a rebellious, confident, polarizing performer, not an alter ego, as she insists - but a truer version of her real self.
“Eli-Mac is an extension of who I really am,” she explains. “And that has allowed me the
ultimate freedom to finally be myself without conforming to any of the stereotypes the industry imposes on women.”
Eli-Mac has shared the stage with iconic artists like Gwen Stefani, Sublime, Lauryn Hill, Shaggy, Stephen Marley, Iration, SOJA, Collie Buddz, J Boog and Common Kings, just to name a few. Visit elimacmusic.com for tour dates and more info.