Rising Stars: Meet El Lambert

Today we’d like to introduce you to El Lambert.

Hi El, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born in Washington, D.C., but was raised in Martinsburg West Virginia. My father is a Pastor, Singer, Musician, and Educator, and my Mother is an Administrative Supervisor for the Federal Government. My parents helped shape who I am in many ways! Watching my Dad sing and preach for large crowds of people gave me the confidence and guidance to take music and performance seriously, while my Mom commuted every day (over 2 hours each way) from West Virginia to DC to go to work. She would leave before I woke up for school and would get home around 6:30/7 pm…. every day. That work ethic and leadership helped me to limit my excuses and always work hard in everything I did.

I was active in church, starting as a drummer at 2 years old and then focusing on piano at age 14, music and performing had become a large part of my life early on. Singing and playing music was a way for my family to connect during special times of the year (especially Christmas Eve) when we would gather and sing Christmas and Gospel songs until the early hours of Christmas morning.

By high school, I was a budding professional musician and singer who was also an athlete and student leader since Middle School. At age 15, my (now deceased) Uncle purchased a laptop, midi (keyboard), mic, and some software for me as a gift and that sparked my passion for music production and writing songs. I would spend hours after school, locked in my room learning new patterns, working on song structures, and honing my skills on the piano. In addition to production, I was active in my school’s music department, singing in the Men’s Chorus, Concert Choir, All-State Chorus, and our award-winning show choir named “Good Times.” (you can laugh) But this was the training needed for where my life was going.

I entered West Virginia University in 2009 and for the next 4 years, I developed as a leader, entrepreneur, musician, performer, and overall person. I studied business and was pre-law for most of my time in school. In addition to music, I was active in organizations like NAACP, Black Student Union, Student Government Association, Entrepreneurship Club, and my beloved brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated! Those years made me become more self-aware and developed my talents and skills enough to take my next steps to Washington, D.C. in 2013.

After working on Capitol Hill (under Frederica Wilson) as a Congressional Intern, I was determined to pursue my passions full-time. At the time, I was playing piano at local churches while I was managing artists, curating events, and networking in various cities. I hadn’t given up on my music, but it was in the background as I continued to work with other talented artists and creatives as an advisor, manager, and consultants. Doing that for several years proved to be unfruitful, but pushed me to pursue my original music again.

After performing, promoting events, and studying under various mentors in DC, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in search of new opportunities. Since moving, have worked diligently to foster community through curated music events, live performances, and creative collaborations. With such a supportive audience, I have performed in over 750 shows and curated 150+ events since 2018. In addition to performing, I am also working on new music set to release in November and December of 2022 as well as launching a vocal tea brand in 2023!

Beyond being a creative entrepreneur, I am also recently married to my beautiful wife Jada, and have inherited an amazing family of loving, gifted, and talented people. I am also a certified Data Analyst and after almost 10 years of being a full-time entrepreneur, I recently started a new career in Technology Sales for a Real Estate Startup! Coined as the “Corporate Creative,” I’m on a mission to encourage artists, creatives, and everyday entrepreneurs to diversify their skillset, don’t let their past define their future, and continue to have faith in God and themselves, and do the work!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all.

Growing up in West Virginia, I was faced with a unique set of challenges from racism to trouble with the law. I remember being called “the N-word” during several stages of my early childhood by both peers and elders. I also recall being singled out by teachers wanting to make an example out of me as a Black boy who was smart but liked to talk a little too much. Having a father in my house helped me to respect authority and his wisdom helped me avoid many pitfalls, but being involved in the wrong crowd caused me to do things that I wasn’t raised to do…in the name of “fitting in.” At age 15, I ended up getting arrested for stealing CDs from Walmart (yea I know lol). That changed everything for me. Seeing my Dad break down in tears as he picked my cousin and me up from the Police station, I knew I never wanted to hurt him like that again. I straightened up my act and started to put everything into my music.

Another tough time was after a bad breakup. We’d been together for years and things didn’t work out, but I was left with no money (I didn’t have much, to begin with), no car, not much of a network, and after saving up to purchase a car….totaled it after performing a string of shows back-to-back. During those extremely dark times, I was able to heal, go through therapy, meet my wife and rebuild a new life. I’m better for it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a Classic R&B/Soul Artist whose influences include: Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, PJ Morton, and so many more. I’ve always been captivated by singers who could also play instruments, so I began to study and shape myself after these types of performers.

I’m mostly known as a Creative Entrepreneur that’s multifaceted as an entertainer, musician, event host, curator, and businessman. I haven’t narrowed down a specialty yet, but I enjoy staying inspired and creative by exposing myself to a variety of people, places, and things.

So far, I’m most proud of touring across Italy in 2021 as a musician and singer for 2 weeks. That was an amazing experience with such a talented group of artists, musicians, and future stars.

What sets me apart from others is my perspective. Coming from a state that’s often overlooked as well as a perspective seldom talked about, I have a unique sound and message. Also, being a student of so many great composers, producers, singers, and musicians, my sound has become eclectic, multicultural, as well as multi-generational.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Learn and apply the 48 Laws of Power. I studied these laws in college and they’ve helped me tremendously.

Contact Info:

• Website: Theellambertband.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamellambert/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamellambert/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQazc2j4W7Yjtda8HMhD4ig
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/el-lambert

Image Credits
JessTheRookie and Christian Reyes