With early musical influences ranging from Björk, PJ Harvey to Aretha Franklin, and lyrical inspiration from Rudyard Kipling to Jim Morrison, Elisa began writing songs herself aged 11. After winning a TV karaoke show and subsequently meeting Caterina Caselli after sending a demo to her, Elisa signed to Caselli’s record label Sugar in 1994.
Elisa’s debut single “Sleeping in Your Hand” was released in 1997, ahead of her debut full-length album “Pipes & Flowers”. The album exposed the singer to a huge national audience in Italy where the album went quadruple platinum. Elisa went on to win the revered Targa Tenco and Premio Italiano della Musica awards and supported Eros Ramazzotti on his European tour.
Going from strength to strength, Elisa’s sophomore album “Aisle’s World” was released in 2000, earning a string of awards at the Italian Music Awards, as well as Best Italian Artist at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2001. Along with her band, consisting of guitarist Andrea Rigonat, keyboardist Christina Rigano, drummer Carlo Bonazza, bassist Max Gelsi and percussionist Andrea Fontana, Elisa embarked on a headlining Italian tour in support of the album.
In 2001 the singer-songwriter released her third full-length “Then Comes the Sun”, which marked Elisa’s return to the pop/rock sound of her debut. She subsequently played at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S., and with the world famous tenor Pavarotti at his concert ‘Pavarotti and Friends” the same year. The acoustic album "Lotus" featuring stripped-back versions of existing songs as well as new material was released in 2003, featuring the single “Broken”. Elisa’s fourth full-length "Pearl Days" was issued in 2004 and produced by Glen Ballard, known for his work with Alanis Morissete, Michael Jackson and Anastacia.
The 10-year compilation CD “Soundtrack ’96-’06” was released in 2006, and slightly expanded on in 2007 with the compilation “Caterpillar”. After a five-year hiatus of releasing new material, “Heart” was issued in November 2009, notably featuring Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons on the song “Forgiveness”. Another stripped-back album “Ivy” was released in 2010, followed by her first all-Italian full-length “L’anima vola" in 2013.
A welcoming artist who wants the crowd to get involved right away, this Italian singer/songwriter is most certainly one who sets the tone for an all round good time. Her music spans across pop, electronica and alternative genres, opening herself up to wide fan base.
As an Italian artist, she is one of the only one that write albums in both English and Italian, a smart artist and with this, after the release of her debut album Pipes and Flowers in 1997, the album went quadruple platinum. Her live performances are the ultimate feel good show including songs like ‘Seven Times’, ‘The Waves’ and ‘Angelo' with friend and fellow Italian musician Francesco Renga. Although her music is rooted in Italian culture, the fusion of rock, alternative and pop provide a well rounded sound and to top it off, she occasionally has her band orchestrated classically! With her personable and interactive stage presence, she invites the audience to her own private party and to get to know her personally. An artist who often brings guest singers on stage, you’ll be sure for a treat and 2 4 1 offers all concert round! You do know she’s at KOKO London on 30th November right?