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Plucked out of obscurity at 19 years old to fill the hallowed shoes of beloved genius Bob Marley, reggae’s “young lion” Elan Atias, was the frontman for legendary band The Wailers for nearly a decade. With his solo album We Are. We Are highlights Elan’s signature vocals paired with uplifting melodies and thoughtful lyrics.  The record’s message is rooted in bringing people together through music via the theme of One Love.  Elan explains, “We Are is raw singer-songwriter, roots, happy, fun, pop music with a reggae twist.  I hope that listening to the album helps people cut through the daily clutter that prevents us all from relating to each other and giving unconditional love.”

 The album’s first single “Step Into The Sunshine” caught the attention of Sports Illustrated, who will be featuring Elan as one of 17 artists in its first ever showcase of emerging artists in the annual Swimsuit issue on stands, on www.SI.com/Swimsuit, and across all Tablet editions on February 14^th. Elan recently had some time to answer a couple of questions, which can be read below:

 You have worked with a lot talented artists, such as Gwen Stefani, Pharrell, and Carlos Santana. Is there any artist you would like to work with that you haven’t worked with?
I would love to work with a bunch of dead great artists, but as for the ones who are alive, I would have to say Skrillex,12th Planet, Bruno Mars, Adele, Bono, U2, Lady GaGa, and Sizzla Kalonji.

Was there something in your life that drew you to become a musician?
I always loved music, but there was nothing specific that drew me to become a musician. I feel it was all fate and I happen to be in the right place at the right time.  I never thought I would be a professional, but that's the way life works, and I'm definitely not complaining! 

How did you manage to become the lead singer for The Wailers?
Music is very powerful. Make's people feel and do things.

I have to credit fate. Al Anderson, the lead guitarist for Bob Marley and the Wailers, played on a demo I had recorded and at the time The Wailers needed a new lead singer after Junior Marvin's departure. So Aston "Family Man" Barrett, who is The Wailers band leader and bass player, and Al asked me if i was ready and if i wanted to do it. The Wailers was the first band I ever played with or ever be onstage with!  There were no sound checks and no rehearsals for the first 7 shows even though we played in front of thousands of people!

Do you have any crazy tour stories or experiences that you want to share?   
Yes, I have lots of them.  One that stands out is from a show I was playing in Morocco on the beach in Essouira for 250,000 people with the King and royal family. Another great show was for Muhammed Ali at his Center's opening in  Louisville, KY, in front of past presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and many celebrities.   Another great one was sharing the stage at the CMA's with Kenny Chesney singing our song "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven" together.

What was it like when you found out that Sports Illustrated would be featuring you in their emerging artist section?
I was happy they chose me and was interested to see how they would mash the two.. and voila, Beauty & Beats!

Which recording process do you prefer to do:  Stripped down to vocals and an acoustic guitar or full band? 
It depends on the venue, but both are amazing in their own rights. I love acoustic but I also love the sound that a full band gives you. So to answer the question:  both.

I also heard that your music would be featured on The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s in-store TV station. How does it feel knowing your music will reach over 3 million people? 
It feels great to know that 3 million people a month will be exposed to my music.  The more the better!  I want to share my music with as many people as possible. It's the best feeling to take an idea from nothing and be able to share it with the world!

Do you believe that music is one of the rare things that’s able to bring everybody together? 
Yes, for sure.   To quote an old song of mine called "Checkyourself," here's a lyric to sum it up:  "I believe I have a voice but what is it worth if it fills the air with empty words."  Music is very powerful.

Having gone into the studio to record your solo record, was there anything from previous recording sessions that made it easier to record this record? 
Having more experience helps!  Having total control from start to finish was invigorating.

Any words of wisdom to the aspiring artists out there?

Never give up, always have a back up plan, sing from your heart, play with your soul and learn from the elders who have experience so you don't make the same mistakes they did.

For more info on Elan, be sure to checkout: http://elanmusic.com/