Watch: Elijah on staying relevant in an ever-changing music scene
The first edition of Jambu Talks by the UK-based artist spanned the obstacles facing independent artists, the rise of digital platforms & the power of community-driven scenes
On March 22, Kuala Lumpur’s LaGula hosted an evening of thought-provoking discussions as Elijah launched his book Close The App, Make The Ting in collaboration with Mixmag Asia and Jambu Jambu Asia's Jambu Talks.
As the inaugural edition of Jambu Talks, the event brought together artists and industry figures of Malaysia.
Elijah opened his talk by addressing the challenges faced by underground music culture in London, particularly the impact of discriminatory policies like Form 696—a controversial risk assessment form, which effectively restricted grime events. His work has consistently pushed against such limitations, helping to carve out space for artists in both offline and digital spaces.
He then took the audience through his journey, starting in the early 2000s documenting pirate radio culture in London, which became a pivotal movement in the rise of underground music. In 2006, he directed one of the first grime music videos on YouTube, marking a milestone in the genre’s digital rise.
Elijah also shares about his label Butterz, working with artists like Swindle, Flava D, and DJ Q while promoting events and supporting emerging talent.
Another highlight of his talk was Yellow Squares, his post-lockdown Instagram project blending music journalism, scene-building strategies, and artistic reflection. With it, he was able to encourage discussions on club culture, artist sustainability, and creative innovation—his book expands on these ideas, inspiring artists and industry professionals to take action in shaping their careers.
Elijah’s journey—from pirate radio to label management to cultural commentary—offers valuable insights into the evolving relationship between music, digital platforms, and creative independence.
Watch his entire talk below.
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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