Bio
When you take gutsy rock vocals and punchy rap rhythms, and lay them over a blend of acoustic guitars, keyboards and percussion, you have a sound that is uniquely Calling Elijah.
Marc Hamilton and Andy Dickson joined forces in mid 2005 to use their two individual styles to create a sound not heard before in New Zealand. Since then this sound has been heard throughout the country, with Calling Elijah having made 50 appearances a year in 2006/2007, being well received wherever they have played and having extensive radio play on LifeFM.
This radio play has lead to their songs “Even If” and "Outside My Window" reaching number 1 on the LifeFM charts, with "Even If" also clocking in at number 7 in LifeFM’s 2007 top 100 countdown.
Their recent release – the EP ‘Inside Out’, is a step up from their debut self-titled EP, released in December 2006, and is selling well – making the CD&DVD Store’s top 20 selling Christian artists list in Dec 07 and Jan and Feb 08, alongside such artists as Brooke Fraser, The Frey, Lifehouse and Switchfoot.
With a focus on more than musical success, Calling Elijah ensure that their music and performances are filled with encouragement and inspiration, challenging their listeners to become all they can be.
Marc Hamilton
Bringing the acoustic rock edge to Calling Elijah, Marc offers an outstanding combination of gripping melodies, meaningful lyrics and solid vocals (being compared to the likes of Chad Kroeger of Nickleback and Jason Wade of Lifehouse.) This gives him the ability to write songs that are both powerfully moving and yet commercially accessible. Keen to share his story, Marc’s music and heart connect with many, bringing both encouragement and inspiration to those who hear him.
Marc also offers experience to the group, having spent four years singing and playing guitar for Auckland rock act Mozelee, who received airplay on all major NZ rock stations and whose two music videos received substantial airplay on C4 and JuiceTV (JuiceTV award nominee 2004, breakthrough category.) He has also spent many years drumming in a variety of Dunedin based bands, and has spent time both tutoring and teaching music in a variety of settings.
Marc's influences include Lifehouse, Nickelback, Switchfoot, Matchbox20 and Shawn McDonald.
AndyD
“...a bit of rock mixed up with a little twist - take a bit of hip hop, throw it in the mix - when you do it sounds a little like this...”
From their song “Locked to the Rock”, these lyrics are a fitting description of the style of the rap half of Calling Elijah. AndyD’s combination of clever, punchy lyrics and a style influenced by both hip-hop and rock turns heads and changes perceptions wherever they play. His carefully crafted lyrics inspire many and set him apart from the expected rap norm.
After discovering his love of rap ‘by accident’ (on Excel’s 2000 tour) AndyD has thrown himself into his passion, leading him to opportunities to perform with the likes of well known kiwi acts Mozelee and Magnify. He was also the winner of Parachute Music’s 2005 ‘noise’ songwriting competition, being the only rap entry competing against talented songwriters from all over the country.
AndyD's influences include P.O.D., Mat Kearney, Linkin Park, John Rueben and Will Smith.
|
