Illuminde is an independent musician, based out of Houston, Texas, specializing in experimental electronic and psychedelic rock music. The music of this one-man jam band is well known for its dark atmosphere, heavy sub bass, and profound guitar playing. Since its start in 2020, Illuminade has already seen radio play from places such as College Underground Radio, and Frost fm. As of now, Illuminade is doing an ongoing music campaign, releasing one track a month, for life. While Elijah Reed has performed locally in many different bands and genres for the last eight years, the music of Illuminade takes a different, darker direction.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Illuminade. Can you tell us about your early career? Where did you get the idea for the music industry?
I've been playing guitar since I was about 14. Early on I was the president of the guitar club in my high school, and would eventually go on to college, where I was the lead Jazz guitarist for three years. After graduating, I played around town in a few bands before eventually recording an EP with a neo-soul band called 'Exzentrik'. This would enevitably lead me down the path to producing my own music, starting about 5 years ago in 2018.
Where do you start when producing songs?
Sometimes I will have a clear idea on where the song will start or even how it will end. Though, Lots of times I feel I tend to start with a good, solid drum beat, or a good chord progression I've been playing around with. There are other times where I go in with only a musical concept or experimental idea, and I'll develop it from there. I've made songs built around just the kick or snare, other songs built around certain production techniques, such as sidechaining or effect automations. However I start though, I always try to quickly develop the drum groove to something danceable.
Your latest song is 'Spoonflower'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Nothing unusual about the production of this particular track I feel. On this track I started with the bass line and tried to maintain the vibe throughout. After setting the track down and coming back to it a few months later, I decided to add in the unique melody that's found in the beginning and end sections. Having time away from the track really helped me to hear out what was missing from it.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced?
When I was younger I used to be a dancer, before I broke both of my legs during an accident. Now I often find it difficult to perform onstage. Especially if it is really cold or rainy on that day.
What is your goal in artistic activities?
Depends on the mood of the day, some days my art has meaning and depth, other days it is simply an expression for expression's sake, or a musical experiment I play through. I guess I will say that I do aim to make people feel something, even if that something is apathetic, or unclear.
How do you know when a work is finished?
I have extremely high standards and am super self critical of all my work. But as long as I am happy with the production value of the song, and I feel like I got every thing I wanted to express in the track. then I will consider it complete. Some tracks definetly come easier than others, though. Even after finishing a track, I will always come back to it after some time with fresh ears, so I can see if there is anything more that could be added to enhance the music. 'Spoonflower' is a good example of where this worked out wonderfully.
What is your trademark? It's about unique sounds or behaviors on stage.
I absolutely love heavy bass lines. When it hits on a good sound system and it shakes your whole body, it's an amazing feeling. When I play live I love moving around and dancing onstage. I like to think that I have a very interesting guitar style, and with my unique improvisational skills, it makes every show feel very different and one of a kind.
What are your biggest achievements so far as an artist, but also personally?
I have actually made the worlds first fully aleotoric symphony. Everytime you press play you get a brand new symphony. A project so large I could never find a programmer willing to program it for me, unfortunately. Other than that I am honestly really proud of all the albums I've put out over these past few years, a younger me would have loved all the music I am currently releasing. In addition, I had a tour earlier this year, which was a personal dream come true for me. Outside of music I have also published a poetry book, which is something I never thought I would do.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
One of my first shows someone told me that I sounded like if Smashing Pumpkins met Carlos Santana, which was a great compliment considering how much I personally love both of those bands. I have also had people under the influence tell me that my music was the greatest thing that they've ever heard, which is flattering, to say the least.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently I am releasing a new track every month, for life. Besides that and putting the finishing touches on my 4th and 5th albums, both of which are set to come out in October 2023, I plan on playing quite a few shows this coming up year. I have plans for another US tour, but as of right now my main focus is making the best album possible before setting anything big in stone. My fans would expect nothing less I'm sure.