EL1AX (Elias Attumally) is a Seattle-based deep progressive house and melodic techno producer and DJ originally hailing from Kerala, India.
His latest single Sculpture Park has been released on Solarstone’s imprint, Pure Progressive. The track was part of the imprint’s July milestone release, Pure Progressive Vol. 2, which was mixed by Forerunners.
EL1AX bases his creations from experiences and places he’s been, thus this track is an ode of one of Seattle’s iconic locations.
“It’s a place where I go for my runs, meditate, introspect and listen to music; essentially use its a place for my personal escape,” he describes.
Sculpture Park captures the feeling this place gives him, which serves as a place to reflect and ponder. These sentiments are shared by many Seattleites alike.
In three words, EL1AX describes Sculpture Park is best described as “euphoric, groovy, and nostalgic.” He displays a mastery over syntheses that harkens back to the older eras of progressive. The track opens with a robust, pulsating rhythm to warm the listener up for the five and a half minute journey. Tasteful high hats complement a well carved groove. A hopeful melody arises and the breakdown’s deep atmospheric aura holds you in anticipation. The tracks ends on a melodic and emotional note. It’s a track that creates an ethereal world for one to get lost in.
EL1AX draws influences from progressive heavy hitters such as Guy J, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Laurent Garnier, John Digweed and Patrice Bäumel. He is constantly rinsing Guy J, who he sees as a pioneer of progressive who also helped spread the style and essence of the genre. He also loves Alex O’rion’s production style and views the artist as one of the new frontrunners of the genre. He also loves discovering up-and-coming progressive artists such as HAEN and Aman Anand.
EL1AX got into production in 2006 after getting a taste of trance from his brother.
“When I got serious about production, I hit up artists on forums to learn techniques and utilize the vast library of resources on YouTube,” he recalls.
His big break came in the form of a remix competition by trance and progressive label, Intricate Records. At this time, EL1AX was geared towards making pure trance. Over time, his tastes changed to new artists he discovered, including Guy J, Guy Mantzur, Nick Warren, and Hernan Cattaneo. These artists opened his eyes to another facet of electronic music.
EL1AX then started making deep, progressive with a tinge of electronica in 2020. Since the advent of the EL1AX moniker, he has released on some of the finest labels in the underground deep progressive scene such as Juicebox Music, Soundteller Records, and now with Sculpture Park on Pure Progressive.
Credit: Jamison Weeks
@djami.unchained
Creatively, EL1AX prefers a free flowing state and letting the creative process take hold. The definition of the genre has several interpretations and isn’t always straight forward. To EL1AX, progressive house is thought provoking and introspective. He looks at progressive on a spectrum rather than a genre” On one end, you’ll hear deep, lush sounds via Sunset over Puget Sound, and on the other end, you’ll get a taste of groovy, dance elements through his track Birg. He also has a Peace of Mind Techno on Soundcloud, which is a versatile mix for listening at home or in the club.
His true passion lies in creating deep progressive tracks and looks to help give the genre more recognition in the PNW. We met EL1AX in 2020 shortly after things opened back up at a show, and it has been a pleasure watching him gradually elevate his artistry.
His productions have now garnered support from Paul Oakenfold, Solarstone, GMJ, Enamour, Praveen Achary, and Wassu. He’s performed opening slots for Anjunadeep bossman Jody Wisternoff, Fatum, Solarstone, and will be opening up for Öona Dahl November 4 at The Ora. Tickets can be purchased here! EL1AX has an arsenal of tracks up his sleeve with other labels coming in the near future. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
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