Soultracks’ 2024 Best New Artist Nominee!
Born and raised in the musical landscape of Boston, Jeliz‘s journey is a testament to her talent, perseverance and passion. Her early years were steeped in the rich musical traditions of gospel and blues. Inspired by legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Donnie Hathaway, she immersed herself in the world of R&B and soul, developing her own unique style.
During her formative years in Los Angeles, Jeliz embarked on a tour as a backing vocalist for Janet Jackson, which led to her mesmerizing vocals being sought after by some of the biggest names in the business. Performing alongside Christina Aguilera and Maroon 5, and lending her talents to recordings for Gladys Knight and Sting, Jeliz established herself as a versatile session singer. Despite success as a backing vocalist, Jeliz’s passion lay in songwriting and storytelling, and she set her sights on a solo career.
In 2022, Jeliz relocated to Toronto to embark on a new chapter. Drawing inspiration from the city’s music scene and cultural diversity, she immersed herself in the creative process, collaborating with local musicians and producers to bring her vision to life. The result of this collaboration is a debut EP of original music to be released in early 2025 – a soulful fusion of R&B, pop and funk influences that showcases Jeliz’s exceptional vocal range and emotive storytelling, inviting listeners on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Personnel:
Jeliz-vocals
Duffmusiq-guitar
Roger Williams-bass
Isiah Gibbons-drums
Check out: “Jeliz Trio” “Good Old Fashioned Love” “Secret”
