Elijah Delgado, a 23-year-old musician from Austin, marked a significant milestone in his career by performing at his first official showcase during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival this year. Having attended numerous SXSW shows as a fan, Delgado’s journey has been a long time in the making.
Delgado’s passion for music began at the tender age of six when he started composing songs in his mind. “I would tell my mom, ‘I’ve got a song coming on, and I need you to write it down for me,’” he recalled during a recent band practice at Orb Recording Studios in Southwest Austin. Although his early lyrics were whimsical and often nonsensical, they laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.
His mother, Elvia Delgado, recognized his talent early on, keeping a binder filled with his childhood compositions. “He was probably about three and already had a knack for performing, turning anything into a microphone,” she reminisced.
Despite not coming from a musical background, Delgado was surrounded by instruments and music at home. He picked up a guitar before he could fully grasp its neck, and as he grew older, his father taught him fundamental chords. “I would draw little figures to show him how to play a C chord and a D chord,” Gabe Delgado shared.
In his teenage years, Delgado began busking on South Congress Avenue, performing in front of Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds. “I would sit there with my case open, playing covers and the few originals I had at the time,” he noted.
Now, with an EP set to release this summer, Delgado is excited about his musical evolution. Performing live is for him the culmination of countless hours of writing and rehearsing. “It feels like a celebration of all the work that I — and we — have put into it,” he stated.
A Unique Sound
Delgado describes his music as indie rock lullabies, characterized by emotional melodies and a sometimes ethereal vocal quality. He aims for his lyrics to be personal yet ambiguous enough for listeners to find their own connections. “If we can achieve that, then it’s a success,” he expressed, highlighting the fulfillment he derives from his craft.
Elik Jazdzewski, who plays bass in Delgado’s band, emphasized the chemistry among the group members, noting the joy they experience while performing together. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the audience’s reaction, whether they’re jumping, smiling, crying, or singing along,” he remarked.
Delgado often reflects on his childhood experiences watching bands and wonders about the journey to success. “No matter the show, I always feel grateful for where I am,” he said, acknowledging the unexpected nature of his progress.
In addition to performing, Delgado intended to use SXSW as an opportunity to network, attend workshops, and seek mentorship while being open to various outcomes. “At the end of the day, you’re doing this because you love it, and while you hope for success, the joy of playing together is what truly matters,” he explained.
Showtime at SXSW
As Delgado took the stage at Lefty’s Brick Bar one chilly evening, the initial crowd was small, consisting mainly of friends and family. However, as the night progressed, the patio filled with enthusiastic attendees who responded to his energy and music. He encouraged them to move closer, and soon the atmosphere was electric with heads bobbing and bodies swaying to the rhythm.
Following the performance, audience member Raul Torres, who had discovered Delgado’s music just hours before, expressed his excitement. “I’m grateful to have caught his show today. His voice and genre-blending style are unique, and I believe he’s destined for great things,” Torres shared.
As Delgado packed away his equipment, he reflected on the performance with satisfaction. “I felt like I expressed myself in the way I wanted, and I think the audience received it well. It was a great turnout,” he concluded, ready to focus on the next chapter of his music career, starting with a new single set to release on Friday.
