Equal releases new Asheville-based collaboration

Elliot Heller, aka Equal, grew up in Asheville before moving to New York City. There, as an in-demand DJ, he’s expanded into the role of producer. In his releases, crowd-pleasing rhythms meet emotive melodies and thoughtful songwriting. Interestingly, in his work as a producer, Heller has reached back to Asheville to collaborate with this city’s writers. It’s a smart blending of sensibilities and shows how, by remaining rooted, Heller is builds on his earliest foundations to expand his musical reach.

Heller’s latest effort, the single “Postcards,” featuring singer Sam Island (an Asheville native, now based in LA), just came out this week. Airy, stylish and wistfully beautiful, the song pairs an inherent lightness of tone with a brisk beat and an emotional punch. Plus, Island’s ethereal voice (RIYL Rhye) begs repeat listens.

Listen below, or find the track on Spotify.

Press for the release:

Producer Equal teams up with singer Sam Island, for his latest and third release on HeavyRoc Records, titled “Postcards.” Childhood friends from the mountains of North Carolina, their goal was to reunite and create something together, and a beautiful song emerged through “Postcards” — a melancholic folk vocal over dreamy acoustic house production. Now both based on opposite sides of the country, Equal in New York, Sam in Los Angeles, they hope to continue this collaboration, as they have an ease and energy together, as only long time friends can.

Equal is a New York City DJ and music producer originally from Asheville, NC. He’s previously spent his nights wooing crowds all over the world, from New York City’s hottest parties for the downtown-club kids and fashion elite, to large scale events and festivals such as Bonnaroo. As a lifetime drummer from a musically inclined family, his transition to production from solely DJ’ing was a natural one. He first garnered attention as a producer with the release of his single, “Lost in the Evening (ft. Gary Jules),” and his recent hit “Shakedown” has garnered worldwide DJ support alongside placement in outlets such as Vogue UK and a collaborative ad-campaign from Ciroc for Zoolander 2. Equal will continue to release exciting collaborations featuring indie music’s elite as the year continues.

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About Alli Marshall
Alli Marshall has lived in Asheville for more than 20 years and loves live music, visual art, fiction and friendly dogs. She is the winner of the 2016 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize and the author of the novel "How to Talk to Rockstars," published by Logosophia Books. Follow me @alli_marshall

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