With his distinct melodies and pop sensibility, Elan Lea is an artist who is instantly accessible. At the same time, his emotionally charged songs display a credibility from their core. It’s not surprising that his combination of lyrical melody and edgy beats has inspired comparisons with One Republic and Maroon Five as well as singer-songwriters such as Daniel Powter and Jamie Cullum.

Elan’s debut international album has been recorded with UK writer/producers Full Phatt (Lemar, Christina Milian, Mutya, Chris Brown, Anastacia). Recorded in London, Cape Town and Johannesburg, the album includes songs written in collaboration with Nathan Thomas and Adam Argyle as well as the stunning "I Don't Know About That" penned by Diane Warren.

‘I love this track with all its harmonic twists and turns,’ says Elan. ‘It was sheer luck that we stumbled across it and were able to record it. I’m really grateful for that opportunity.’

Growing up in Johannesburg, Elan was always open to different musical influences. His father is a musician and Elan remembers going to gigs even before he could walk.

‘Dad plays everything from the piano and guitar to the accordion and harmonica. He did a whole bunch of gigs with me sitting by the speakers!’

Encouraged by his mother to pursue his musical career, the 16 year old Elan stumbled across his grandparents’ piano and couldn’t tear himself away:

‘I spent hours practicing by trial and error... probably disturbing the whole household in the process!’

There were no complaints however, when Elan’s first song landed him a record deal in his native country. ‘Hold Me In Your Arms’ was nominated for the best pop/rock single at the South African Music Awards and playlisted at major radio stations across the country including Highveld Stereo and 5 FM. Spending hours emulating his idols - Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra and Marvin Gaye amongst others - was obviously starting to pay off.

It wasn’t long before Elan wanted to move things to the next level and reach a wider audience. He set up his own record label, Mutha Deer, and explored further afield. A chance meeting in 2007 led him to Full Phatt’s studio in London. He has achieved with them that perfect balance of tracks that is both emotionally charged and uplifting.

Elan describes his sound as ‘pop but not the bubblegum kind’. His songs are often based on relationships and he takes inspiration not only from his own life but also his friends and people around him:

‘I like to put other people’s experiences into music as well as my own. When I wrote "I Miss You, I Love You" about a friend who lost his girlfriend to the Tsunami in Thailand. It was as though I could hear the melody coming from his eyes...’

Pouring emotion into his music, Elan says, takes more ‘blood, sweat and tears’ than his other love... martial arts. He practices and teaches Kung-Fu and Mixed Martial Arts. The contrast to his musical life is enormous but he says the discipline is the same in ‘teaching your mind... it also helps to open up your lungs. I know if I can carry out one particular move or physical challenge then if I’m having trouble in the studio, I remember that and think, well I can sing that note! It all comes down to confidence and self belief.’

With a degree in Business Management, Elan certainly has a grounded outlook. He’s worked hard to get this far and whilst chance encounters can play a part in life, he’s a firm believer that ‘the more we practice the luckier we get’.