Elise Trouw

Elise Trouw is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and visual artist whose innovative approach to music has captivated audiences worldwide. Known for her seamless live-looping performances and genre-blurring sound, the San Diego native has carved out a distinct space in the industry, blending pop, rock, jazz, and alternative influences with a fiercely independent spirit.

Trouw first gained viral recognition through her meticulously crafted one-woman-band videos, reinterpreting classics like Foo Fighters’ “Everlong” and Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love.” Her breakout success led to a performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a rapidly growing online following, now numbering in the millions. Following the success of her debut album Unraveling, she sold out her first headlining tour and was later invited to open for Incubus on their 20 Years of Make Yourself and Beyond tour in 2019.

In 2020, Trouw was invited to perform in a video for the Amazon digital premiere of Sound of Metal, a film exploring the world of a drummer who loses his hearing. She reimagined Metallica’s Enter Sandman with a fresh, atmospheric approach, performing alongside Travis Barker and Paul Raci, who starred in the film. The video paid homage to the film’s themes of rhythm, texture, and resilience, showcasing Trouw’s ability to reinterpret iconic songs through her distinct artistic lens.

Beyond her solo work, Trouw has established herself as an in-demand drummer, performing with a range of artists across many genres. (Seal, Creature Canyon, Wise John) She was also featured as a drummer in Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, a PBS tribute special alongside Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, and Noah Kahan. Her work as a drummer has earned her industry recognition, including a Rolling Stone shoutout from Stewart Copeland and high praise from other legendary musicians. She also has a signature line of drumsticks with Vater Percussion, further cementing her influence in the drumming world.

Elise has also been a pioneer in fostering collaboration in the digital space. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched #EliseCollab, an online project where she shared stems of her recordings, inviting fans and musicians to remix, reinterpret, and create alongside her—resulting in hundreds of collaborations from around the world.

In 2023, she released the Losing Sleep EP, followed by a successful U.S. tour. She has performed at major international jazz festivals, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, as well as major music events such as SXSW and Kaaboo Del Mar.
With a hands-on approach to every aspect of her artistry—from production and performance to visual storytelling—Elise Trouw continues to push creative boundaries, forging her own path in the modern music landscape.