Conversations with Raphael Eliez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raphael Eliez.

Raphael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up surrounded by music. My father, Thierry Eliez, is a professional pianist and composer, so it was always in my world. Before I picked up a guitar, I tried different instruments—drums, piano—searching for what truly spoke to me.

Rock ‘n’ roll, though, was always in my heart for as long as I can remember.

Then, at 8 years old, everything changed. AC/DC played live in my hometown, Nice, in the south of France. I’ll never forget it. Angus Young, 50 years old, was shredding an insane solo on a rising platform, wearing nothing but his undies. Fireworks exploded, confetti filled the air, and the crowd went wild.

I was just a kid, barely tall enough to see over the crowd, but I pointed at the stage and said, “That’s what I wanna do. I wanna be that guy.”

It’s amazing what having a clear vision can do. Fast forward to today, I’m living in Los Angeles, playing shows at iconic venues with my best friend and bringing the rebellious edge and South of France flair to everything we do.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I’ve been fortunate in many ways. I started creating music in a more professional environment earlier than most, recording my first guitar tracks at 12, on a prog-rock symphony my father composed. By 15, I was performing live with the Thierry Eliez Trio, which included my dad on piano, my uncle Philippe Eliez on drums, our family friend Daniel Ouvrard on bass, and my brother David Eliez, who joined my dad on vocals. We played in front of 2,000 people at the Castle of Biron in France (you should check it out—it’s gorgeous), as well as at another festival in Brittany, in the northwest of France.

Those experiences gave me confidence, but they also raised the stakes. The pressure was higher, and even now, I’m still tough on myself at times.

But one thing I’ve learned: no matter the opportunity or how big the challenge, just go for it. Take the shot.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Right now, most of my work is focused on Side One, a duo I’m part of with my childhood friend Castille. We share very similar music tastes and have a great dynamic, mixing House and Afro House with Funk/Rock and live guitar. We’re passionate about making our shows a transportive experience that keeps the audience on its toes.

With our production, we give the crowd that summertime St.Tropez energy then let the guitar shine through to bring unexpected sonics and textures into the mix, blending groove with the grit and realness of Rock’n Roll.

I consider myself a chameleon when it comes to music. Thanks to many blues circles, I’ve got a knack for improv and blending genres. I go from Afro House and Disco House for Side One to powerful guitar licks and riffs with LinoXren, a talented rapper, lyricist, and great friend.

No matter the setting, crowd, or genre, I always bring that old school electric Raphswell flair to it.

The collaboration projects have been a lot of fun, and allow me to find new ways of expression through the variety of sonic spaces. But on top of that, I’m dialing into a new solo project that’s closer to my roots: Real Rock’n Roll baby! With a twist… I won’t say too much for now, but stay tuned.

Whether you catch me on stage or riding a wave, I’ve got that swell in my soul that drives my creativity at all times.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If your readers don’t know about Side One yet, it’s time to loop in. We’re taking off and you don’t want to miss this.

“Stay tuned and get ready, a tsunami’s coming.
Because Rock is not dead baby, it’s just been napping.”

Cheers,
Raphswell

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raphswell/
• Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HEEzkovtcCM3jbPhCKNHa?si=V565-70aR9yA6_9JBmNTfw
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/sideonemusic/

Image Credits
Keanu Debliquis