Interview with Music Artist “Elena Charis” known as DJ ECP Release new single “FAKE LOVE”

5 min readMay 5, 2021

Q: Please introduce yourself to the readers and how you first got into this field of work

I go by Elena Charis or DJ ECP which stands for Elena Charis Productions. I’m an underground dubstep artist who has collaborated with producers and artists throughout the world. My two most popular tracks are “Save the Night” from Greece with producer Panos Savvidis and “Man Lankawe” Sri Lanka with producer Dimi3 for the Cricket World Cup 2019. I’m also the former host/producer of the Kuldesac Krew radio show and internet station “TKK RADIO”. But my love for music began as a little girl. I’ve always had an on-and-off love affair with my involvement in music.

–and who were some of your influences growing up?

I grew up in the 90s with much older brothers so my musical influences may be different from some of these other artists. I lived in Lakewood, California for 19 years so I listened to a lot of No Doubt growing up and followed Gwen Stefani’s music when she began her solo work. Other artists that have influenced my sound, especially growing up, were Fergie (and Black Eyed Peas), Seal, The Cranberries, and Missy Elliot.

Q: What kind of training have you had, if any?

I’m classically trained in piano and I’ve taken some lessons in LOGIC as well as sound engineering for use at my former job. I love learning though, and always end up taking home a few cool new techniques each time I’m in a music session.

Q: What has been your favourite project to work on so far?

Producing The Kuldesac Krew radio show. I know right now I should say the “Fake Love EP” right now but that EP was more like the most EMOTIONAL project I’ve ever worked on. The Kuldesac Krew was the first time as an on-air personality where I had full control of all the content. I was finally able to express my passion for community and the independent artist. Our motto is “We come from all different sides of the cul-de-sac” and interviewed talent from all genres, even a barbershop quartet came on. It was amazing.

Q: How did you get the gig?

I was a co-host on a show at a local radio station from 2011 to roughly 2013. A few years after I left the show the radio station owners asked me if I was interested in producing my own radio show. I was stoked.

Q: What sports do you enjoy watching?

I’m not a huge sports person but the energy at a live game is such a dope experience. I’ve been to a Ducks vs Kings game in Anaheim once so I’ll just say I enjoy watching hockey. haha.

Q: What has been one of the biggest highlights/achievements of your career?

One of the highlights of my career would be working on the single “FIND A CURE” with Los Angeles based hip-hop group, Los Malditos, where I sang the hook. The song is dedicated to everyone who has lost, survived or is battling cancer. It was real and for such a good cause. We need more genuine music in the world and we definitely need more love for humanity in the world.

Q: If you had a chance to work alongside anybody who would that be?

Honestly, it’s so hard to just name one. If I had the opportunity to collaborate with anyone it would be Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Rihanna or Gwen Stefani. But Timbaland would be so exciting. He’s got such a dope approach to music and so does Missy. One of my favorite tracks ever is “Bounce” by Timbaland feat. Dr. Dre, Missy, and Justin Timberlake. That song is from 2007 and it’s still fire.

Q: What projects do you have coming up?

I recently released a promotional EP called “FAKE LOVE”. You can stream that on Youtube with some pretty trippy visuals or download it for free via Reverbnation.com. I had a few people approach me about wanting to support my music more so I also just came out with collection called “#highoffecp” and “fake love” May 2. If you like the Hot Topics store, you may really dig this collection of clothes and accessories.

Q: Who is your inspiration?

God inspires me to pursue the passions of my heart (Psalm 37:4) but also I have to inspire myself and also the people within my network and the listeners inspire me too. The music I make is for me and the people that listen to it. If you don’t listen to it, then it isn’t for you. I can’t hate on that, so you gotta be inspired by yourself at times. The times that I don’t’ feel inspired God has given me such a wonderful network of people to be inspired by. Whether it’s just watching them work on their social media’s or getting a call from them. My network inspires me and I am thankful to God for it.

Q: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?

The most interesting thing I’ve seen this week was a recreation of the famous Michelangelo painting “The Creation of Adam” except it was Darth Vadar and Luke Skywalker. That was for sure interesting. Like, who did this? Haha.

Q: What are your favorite venues to perform in?

Schools! I love doing school performances because of the energy the kids bring and again, being able to connect with our communities. I remember when I was a teen and bands would come play at youth events. Those are pretty unforgettable memories. I want to create unforgettable memories.