02 Jun

19:30

Paradiso

Weteringschans 6-8, Amsterdam

American singer-songwriter Elio Mei brings his daring indie-folk twist on bedroom pop to Amsterdam, featuring poetic storytelling and genre-bending productions.

Elio Mei

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With real stories, poetic wordplay, and genre-defying productions, Elio Mei (he/they) has quickly distinguished himself with a daring indie-folk twist on bedroom pop. The 23-year-old American singer-songwriter began writing his own music at sixteen after participating in a summer songwriting workshop. In just over two years, he released a debut album, three EPs, and numerous singles, all written and recorded from his bedroom in Arizona.

Formerly known as Madilyn Mei, the artist now goes by Elio and has publicly shared his journey as a transgender man. His music, particularly the "theatrical circus" project explicitly addresses his transition, the pressure to keep his old name, and navigating queer identity.

Inspired by artists like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Lianne La Havas, and Regina Spektor, Elio found a growing audience via TikTok and YouTube with a visual and musical style reminiscent of a one-person circus: imaginative, slightly eccentric, and inviting enough to get completely lost in. His music moves between indie-folk, indie-pop, and bedroom pop, with a playful, theatrical flair. This is evident in his imaginative songwriting, light acoustic arrangements, and a high, clear voice. Recent songs color further outside the lines, with influences from ragtime and accordion sounds that give his music a slightly absurdist atmosphere. Thematically, his work revolves around self-discovery, queer joy, anxiety, and nostalgia.