Elio Mei.

With true stories, poetic language, and genre-free productions, Elio Mei (he/they) has quickly distinguished himself with a daring indie-folk twist on bedroom pop. The 23-year-old American singer-songwriter began writing his own music at the age of sixteen after participating in a summer songwriting workshop. In just over two years, he released a debut album, three EPs, and numerous singles, all written and recorded from his bedroom in Arizona. Inspired by artists like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Lianne La Havas, and Regina Spektor, Elio found a growing audience through TikTok and YouTube with a visual and musical style reminiscent of a one-man circus: imaginative, slightly eccentric, and inviting enough to fully immerse himself in. His music moves between indie-folk, indie pop, and bedroom pop, with a playful, theatrical approach. This resonates through imaginative songwriting, light acoustic arrangements, and a high, clear vocal. Recent songs push the boundaries even further, drawing influences from ragtime and accordion, lending his sound a slightly absurdist feel. Thematically, his work revolves around self-discovery, queer joy, anxiety, and nostalgia.