Carving out a genre-defying space for themselves in our musical landscape, Elder Island captivate with shapeshifting songs wherein textures matter as much as melodies, and lyrics are littered with crypticism. The trio’s music cherry-picks and transforms elements from genres as diverse as electronica, house, pop and neo-soul. The result is a web of sound that threads poetic lyricism and unfamiliar instruments over a backdrop of electronic elements and synth-heavy dance beats.

Elder Island are vocalist and cellist Katy Sargent, bassist and beat maker Luke Thornton and guitarist and synth virtuoso David Havard. Their backgrounds in fine art, photography and graphic design brought about the trio’s introduction in Bristol’s art milieu, and continue to provide the band with its diverse creative influences. Turning their artistic focus to music seven years ago, the genre-splicing music scene emanating out of Bristol, where the trio still reside, provides fertile ground for inspiration.

In 2014 the band released an eponymously titled debut EP, an ambient soundscape of field recordings, loops and percussive elements. This was followed in 2016 with EP Seeds In Sand, on which the band found their sound in a cohesive collection of five dance-influenced tracks. The band’s debut album ‘The Omnitone Collection’ was released in 2019 as an “integrated concept”. The band created bespoke artwork and model equipment reminiscent of a bygone birth of computing era to accompany each song, evidencing the detailed focus they apply to all aspects of their creative output. The Omnitone Collection’s ten tracks are a sweeping soundscape wrought with powerful synths, soaring vocals and catchy guitar riffs. They are songs to be swept away by, but also to decipher and contemplate. The Omnitone Collection Remixed followed in 2020, with mixes provided by collaborators and artists admired by the band, such as Shigeto, Matthew Dear, Kassian, Cousn and former tour companions Dirty Nice amongst others.

Their live shows have taken on a shape and reputation of their own;  refusing to rely on electronic backing tracks, the band create unique and atmospheric experiences where multi-layered beats and melodic broodings stir emotions and never fail to get crowds dancing. The collaborative nature of their work shines during live performances where Katy, Dave and Luke’s charismatic friendship radiates as much from their music as from their on-stage interaction. UK headline tours have been a sold-out success. 2019 saw Elder Island take The Omnitone Tour to Europe and North America… twice, with over 60 dates in total. This included selling out shows in New York’s Bowery Ballroom, LA’s El Rey Theater, and the London Roundhouse. In February 2020, the band played as special guest co-headliners alongside Maribou State to a sold-out crowd of 5,000 fans at London’s Printworks. In June 2020 the band released a short documentary film made during the Omnitone Tour, paying deference to the experience of touring and the energy of their fans.

Released May 28th 2021, the band’s second studio album ‘Swimming Static’ explores with poignancy our disposition towards nostalgia and reflection. Snippets of childhood recollections and falling in love are overlaid with dreamy ruminations on time and memory. Again accompanied by a short documentary capturing its creation. In support of this work the ‘Swimming Static Remixed’ album was released April 2022 and includes an impressive repertoire of renowned international artist; Elkka, Fejka, Close Counters, Chrissy, Leatherette among others, but also a specific inclusion of Bristol Based artists, from the established Batu, to a selection of upcoming producers and artists.

Following the pandemic the band returned to touring with enthusiasm, selling over 3000 tickets in headline London shows alone, and a total of 8000 tickets across UK venues. Returning to North America in spring 2022 with another 16 date tour, including a mainstage performance at Lighting In A Bottle festival, CA.

To announce their 2022 DJ shows, Elder Island returned to Printworks London for a 2 hour DJ Set at the invitation of globally acclaimed DJ Solomun. Continuing with appearances at venues and festivals worldwide; Secret Garden Party (UK), Lost Village (UK), Istanbul (TUR) and a headline DJ set at Los Angeles institution Sound nightclub.

September 2022 sees the band cross the Atlantic once again for Live shows at the Pineapple Ball (DR), CRSSD Festival (CA) and LA for the Sound Nightclub DJ set.

As the band prepares to release new music in the form of an EP entitled ‘Additions & Attachments’. The digital release will drop this autumn and is a collection of new tracks and remixes that expand from the existing Swimming Static LP. Accompanying this release is a limited edition run of ‘Live To Vinyl’ records recorded at Metropolis Studios.

Streams of over 350 Million evidence the group’s huge international fan base who are drawn to Elder Island’s ability to create catchy, dance-worthy tracks that incorporate their otherworldly uniqueness. Elder Island craft hits to thrill live-crowds, but do so with their own distinctive artistry, evolved from a myriad of creative influences and musical styles. Proud to remain independent the band’s popularity and critical reputation grows continually with increasing momentum.