Elephante

Elephante
Background information
Birth nameTim Heng Wu[1]
Born (1989-11-10) November 10, 1989 (age 34)
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Genres
Occupations
  • DJ
  • musician
  • producer
Instruments
Years active2013–present
Labels
Websiteelephantemusic.com

Tim Heng Wu (born November 10, 1989), better known by his stage name Elephante, is an American musician, DJ and music producer based in Los Angeles.[2]

Early life

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Wu was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan.[3] His parents were born in Taipei, Taiwan and moved to the United States in their 20s.[4] He is based in Los Angeles.[5] He started to play music at an early age and taught himself to play guitar and was trained to play classical piano.[2] He majored in economics at Harvard University.[6][7] In 2011, he graduated and wanted to involve himself in the music industry as an acoustic singer-songwriter before he moved on to electronic dance music.[2][8][9]

Wu began using "Elephante" as a stage name because it was a reference to the phrase "elephant in the room" which he described as his unhappiness of working at a corporate job since he wanted to be a musician.[7][10]

Musical style

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Wu describes his music as melodic electronic music that fuses with various other genres.[11]

His preferred genres are big room, progressive house and regularly incorporates pop and trap into his music.[2] His songs have been played on streaming services such as SoundCloud for over a million times.[12] Trap high-hats, deep house elements and house synths are incorporated into his melodic sounds.[13] Wu has quoted Skrillex to be his inspiration in music, citing "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" astonished him.[8]

Wu uses Ableton Live as his digital audio workstation and previously used GarageBand, FruityLoops and Pro Tools.[8] He remixed songs for artists such as Calvin Harris,[14] Galantis,[15] The Chainsmokers,[16] Jack Ü[17] and Zedd.[18]

Career

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2014: SERC Fall Concert

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In October 2014, Wu performed at SERC Fall Concert alongside Sage the Gemini.[19]

2015: Beginnings

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Wu started his career by remixing music for artists before began releasing original songs.[2] His first single was self-released, titled "Temporary Love" which features the vocals of Brooke Forman.[20] He released his first single through Armada Records titled "I Want You" featuring Rumors.[21] He opened for headliners Deorro and MAKJ at the 2015 Echostage in June.[22]

2016: Debut extended play

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In 2016, he released his debut extended play titled "I Am the Elephante".[23][24][25] The EP consists of nine songs of progressive house, synthpop and trap.[26] He released a single titled "Age of Innocence" featuring Trouze and Damon Sharp. The song peaked on Billboard's Dance/Club chart at 18th and received over a million plays on Spotify.[27] His single "Closer" featuring Bishop had peaked on the Spotify 'Viral 50' chart at 27th.[28][29] Spotify 'Velocity' has "Closer" and another single titled "Plans" featuring Brandyn Burnette charted at 22nd and 28th respectively.[30] The third single "Hold" from the EP was released, it features American singer Jessica Jarrell.[31]

2018–present: Glass Mansion

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On 15 June 2018, Wu released his second EP, titled Glass Mansion.[32][33] The nine-track extended play includes the previously released singles "Troubled", "Come Back for You", "The In Between" and "Have It All".[34] The EP reached number one on iTunes in the US Dance album category.[35] Compared to his previous release, Wu takes a stripped-back approach on this extended play, with songs featuring more light guitar melodies than electronic instrumentals.[36]

Describing the EP on Twitter, Elephante said it is about "realizing that no matter how beautiful and strong what we build is, it's ultimately fragile and one stone could bring it all down. It's about coming to peace with the fact that it all might never be finished, and that's okay. It's about realizing that our Glass Mansion isn't the answer to all our problems, and it's about the journey of finding grace and happiness in a half-built home."[37] In October 2019, he announced a live tour titled the "Diamond Days Tour", which is based on his single of the same name and dubbed the "natural evolution" of his evolving live shows.[38]

Discography

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Albums

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Title Details
Heavy Glow[39]
  • Released: October 20, 2021
  • Label: Zoo Music
  • Format: Digital download

Extended plays

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Title Details
I Am the Elephante[40]
  • Released: September 14, 2016
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download
Glass Mansion[41]
  • Released: June 15, 2018
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

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Title Year Peak
chart
positions 		Album
US
Airplay
[42]
"Temporary Love"
(featuring Brooke Forman) 		2015 — Non-album singles
"I Want You"
(featuring Rumors) 		—
"Age of Innocence"
(featuring Trouze & Damon Sharpe) 		2016 —
"Shake the Earth"[43]
(featuring Lyon Hart) 		— I Am the Elephante
"Closer"
(featuring BISHØP) 		18
"Hold"
(featuring Jessica Jarrell) 		—
"Dynasty"[44]
(with Miia) 		—
"Catching On"[44]
(featuring Nevve) 		—
"Sirens"[44]
(featuring Nevve) 		—
"Plans"
(featuring Brandyn Burnette) 		—
"Troubled"[45]
(featuring Deb's Daughter) 		2017 — Glass Mansion
"Come Back for You"[46]
(featuring Matluck) 		—
"The In Between"[47]
(featuring Anjulie) 		2018 8
"Have It All"[48]
(featuring Nevve) 		—
"Shooting Stars"[49] 2019 — Non-album single
"Diamond Days"[50] — Diamond Days
"Chameleon"[51]
(with Mako) 		2020 — Non-album single
"High Water"[52] 2021 — Heavy Glow
"Holy Ghosts"[53] —
"Dopamine"[54] —
"Hollow"
(with Haliene) 		2023 31 Non-album single
"No Explanations"
(with Stephanie Poetri and Zhang Yanqi) 		—
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.

Remixes

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2013

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2014

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2015

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2016

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2018

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  • Elephante featuring Anjulie – "The In Between" (Elephante "Zoo" Remix)[63]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "AGE OF INNOCENCE". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e Simpson, Paul. "Elephante – Biography". www.billboard.com. Rovi. Billboard. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  3. ^ "Elephante Drops 'Age of Innocence'". Broadway World. October 19, 2015. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  4. ^ "ELEPHANTE Interview- graduating from Harvard, worked at top consulting firm". YouTube. SIDEWALK TALK EDM. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  5. ^ Champagne, Jesse. "Elephantes Remix of Zedd & Selena Gomez Is Awesome". Less Than 3. Archived from the original on January 1, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  6. ^ "An Exclusive Interview with Elephante". EDM Sauce. October 15, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  7. ^ a b Mancino, Mark (December 8, 2016). "The Nocturnal Times Exclusive Interview: Elephante". www.thenocturnaltimes.com. The Nocturnal Times. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  8. ^ a b c "Elephante on ditching corporate life for Ableton Live". Music Radar. March 24, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  9. ^ Joseph, Matt (March 25, 2016). "Exclusive Interview: Elephante Talks Going From Harvard To EDM And Making What He Loves". We Got This Covered. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  10. ^ Chu, Michelle (September 8, 2014). "Interview: Elephante". EDMTunes. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  11. ^ Zabasajja, Jennifer (August 30, 2016). "Billboard Hot 100 artists share details on their new albums". CBS News. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  12. ^ Mel (December 16, 2014). "Elephante – Shooting Stars (Bag Raiders Cover)". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  13. ^ Lambert, Eleanor (May 29, 2015). "The Nine Best Concerts in New York This Weekend". Village Voice. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  14. ^ a b Tost, Miguel (May 19, 2014). "Calvin Harris – Summer (Elephante Remix)". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  15. ^ a b Champagne, Jesse (September 7, 2014). "Galantis Gets A Little Help From Elephante". Less Than 3. Archived from the original on January 1, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  16. ^ a b "The Chainsmokers – #Selfie (Elephante Remix)". Your EDM. March 25, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  17. ^ a b Mel (April 1, 2015). "Jack Ü featuring Justin Bieber – Where Are Ü Now (Elephante Remix)". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  18. ^ a b Mel (April 28, 2015). "Zedd featuring Selena Gomez – I Want You To Know (Elephante Remix)". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  19. ^ Lore, Kara (October 21, 2014). "Small crowd big energy at fall concert". The Stylus. Archived from the original on December 31, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  20. ^ Mel (March 20, 2015). "Elephante – Temporary Love featuring Brooke Forman". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  21. ^ Mel (June 23, 2015). "Elephante featuring RUMORS – I Want You". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  22. ^ Hahn, Fritz (September 15, 2016). "Echostage to host free anniversary party with Deorro, MAKJ and an open bar". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  23. ^ Bein, Kat (September 13, 2016). "Elephante Wears Heart on His Sleeve". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  24. ^ Jones, Connor (September 14, 2016). "Elephante Releases Debut EP I Am The Elephante". We Got This Covered. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  25. ^ Bruski, Alex (September 14, 2016). "Elephante's Debut EP – I Am The Elephante". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  26. ^ Bustos, Luis (October 12, 2016). "Elephante "I Am The Elephante" review". My Met Media. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  27. ^ Green, Patrick (November 9, 2016). "Exclusive Premiere | Elephante Unplugged". Crave Online. Archived from the original on December 31, 2016. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  28. ^ "Spotify Viral Chart". www.billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  29. ^ Cameron, John (March 24, 2016). "Elephante Brings on Bishøp for the Big Vocal In "Closer"". We Got This Covered. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  30. ^ "Spotify Velocity Chart". www.billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  31. ^ Craddock, Lauren (August 24, 2016). "Elephante Takes Inspiration From 90s Hip-Hop in New Dance Single 'Hold'". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  32. ^ "Elephante on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  33. ^ "Elephante Shares & Breaks Down 'Glass Mansion' EP: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  34. ^ Elephante, Glass Mansion, retrieved June 15, 2018
  35. ^ "elephante on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  36. ^ "#NewMusicFriday: 'Glass Mansion' by Elephante". The Life of A Thinker. June 15, 2018. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  37. ^ "elephante on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  38. ^ Bein, Kat (October 7, 2019). "Elephante announces Diamond Days 2019 tour as 'The Natural Evolution': Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 23, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  39. ^ Kupfer, Rachel (October 21, 2021). "Elephante explores self and sonic identity in new album, 'Heavy Glow'". EDM.com. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  40. ^ Bein, Kat (September 13, 2016). "Elephante Wears Heart on His Sleeve for Diverse Debut EP: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 26, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  41. ^ Bein, Kat (June 14, 2018). "Elephante Shares & Breaks Down 'Glass Mansion' EP: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 16, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  42. ^ "Dance/Mix Show Airplay – Elephant Chart". www.billboard.com. Billboard. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  43. ^ "Elephante – Shake The Earth ft. Lyon Hart". Dancing Astronaut. November 21, 2014. Archived from the original on August 19, 2016. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  44. ^ a b c Bein, Kat (September 13, 2016). "Elephante Wears Heart on His Sleeve for Diverse Debut EP: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 29, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  45. ^ Papadatos, Markos (June 14, 2017). "Review: Elephante back with gorgeous track 'Troubled' with Deb's Daughter". Digital Journal. Archived from the original on April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  46. ^ "Elephante Shares Release Date for Latest Single "Come Back for You" Feat Matluck". EDM Sauce. October 24, 2017. Archived from the original on February 20, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  47. ^ Sweeney, Farrell (April 5, 2018). "Elephante talks how loneliness on the road spurred new track, 'The In Between'". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  48. ^ Sweeney, Farrell (May 19, 2018). "Elephante captivates with 'Have It All' featuring Nevve". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on May 20, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  49. ^ "Shooting Stars - Single by Elephante on Apple Music". iTunes Store. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  50. ^ Kupfer, Rachel (September 18, 2019). "The Lead Single from Elephante's Upcoming Album is Here". EDM.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  51. ^ Goldenberg, Ross (February 12, 2020). "Longtime allies Mako and Elephante meld tastes on 'Chameleon'". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2020.
  52. ^ Sweeney, Farrell (May 11, 2021). "Elephante releases his most personal piece to date—experience 'High Water'". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on May 27, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  53. ^ Sweeney, Farrell (July 27, 2021). "Elephante inches closer to release of sophomore album with 'Holy Ghosts'". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved August 22, 2021.
  54. ^ Sweeney, Farrell (October 2, 2021). "Get a rush of 'Dopamine' in Elephante's third album single". Dancing Astronaut. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  55. ^ Lucas (September 26, 2014). "Dirty South – Unbreakable (Elephante Remix)". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  56. ^ "Next to You (Remix) [feat. Elephante] - Single by Oh, Be Clever on Apple Music". iTunes Store. April 7, 2015. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  57. ^ Mel (June 3, 2015). "Phoebe Ryan – Mine (Elephante Remix)". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  58. ^ Mel (August 12, 2015). "Deluka – Home (Elephante Remix)". Your EDM. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  59. ^ Spanos, Brittany (November 11, 2015). "Hear Elephante's Upbeat Nathan Sykes Remix". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  60. ^ "Dynasty (Elephante Remix) - Single by Miia on Apple Music". iTunes Store. December 4, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  61. ^ "No Broken Hearts (feat. Nicki Minaj) [The Remixes] - Single by Bebe Rexha on Apple Music". iTunes Store. June 17, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  62. ^ "Famous (Remixes) - Single by Nathan Sykes on Apple Music". iTunes Store. November 10, 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  63. ^ "The In Between (Remixes) [feat. Anjulie] - Single by Elephante on Apple Music". iTunes Store. October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
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