PRAISE FOR ELSKA
“Childlike and playful, sophisticated and clean, the sound, concept and presentation are fresh, inventive, and inviting.” – Claire Green, President, Parents’ Choice Foundation
“…pure of heart, unique, musically sophisticated, and, quite frankly, absolutely breathtaking…a transcendent work that your young children will adore and hold dear.” – Jeff Bogle, Out With The Kids
“From the first note it’s clear that Elska is something entirely new for the world of kindie music. Middle of Nowhere is a beautiful example of what music for kids can be: experimental, original yet very easy to listen to.” - The Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
“…brimming with joy and a powerful sense of wide-eyed wonder.” – Midwest Book Review
“A refreshing and groundbreaking new concept in family music.” – Nugget Island
“Elska’s debut album is the hottest thing to come out of Iceland since the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted.” - Edge Network
“Kids will love the catchy, repetitive rhythms and lyrics in this album, and hipster parents will appreciate the musical masterminds behind it.” – Edge Network
“…something totally, deliciously different…great lyrics and a fun techno-pop sound for our wonder-filled children…unique, break-the-mold singer who seems to be coming up with her own ideas about kids’ music…definitely worth a listen.” – Cool Mom Tech
“Curious, colorful, magical…should we ever find life on other planets, I sure hope they look and sound like Elska and her pals. Or, perhaps we should take a little break and spend more time on the Island of Elska. I’m game!” – Kids Can Groove
Live Performance
“You can almost a hear a (diaper) pin drop as Elska performs. It was nothing short of a miracle to see what is often a room packed with rowdy children ready to dance, sit enraptured and awed by the sights and sounds of Elska and her band. Images and melodies, I might add, that are like nothing that has ever come out of this genre previously. It’s truly one of the most beautiful and engaging performances I’ve ever seen.” – Darren Critz, Symphony Space
“I have secured and watched performers who have performed for families at the Richland Library for over 25 years. Some have been good. Some have disappointed with childish pandering, instead of childlike engagement. I feel that children deserve respect. They also deserve the best in books and library programs. We seek outstanding performers who engage with children by sparking their imagination and curiosity, and respecting their intellect. We are also sensitive to their emotional development, and veer away from performers who talk down to children. We also look for performers who are warm and inviting, and take time to talk to the children after the program.
From the moment Elska invited the children into her world, until the very last song, you could have heard a pin drop. Her performance was full of quiet energy and a huge dose of respect for each and every child. I could tell that there was a great deal going on in their heads as they listened to Elska watching her turn three simple, small stools into rocks and boulders and islands. And that was the tip of a huge iceberg of her creativity. The children went with her on her journeys and were entranced by her entire world, for every moment of the performance.
Elska is outstanding, and every part of her memorable performance, from the visual elements to the use of everyday objects which, in her land, become something magical, was unforgettable. I know the children agree.” – Leslie Tetreault, Manager, Children’s Room, Richland Library, Columbia, SC