Local Pop Group ELIM to Hit 9:30 Club Saturday

Manassas finally has something to brag about, and it ain't construction.

Up-and-coming pop duo ELIM will be playing Saturday at the legendary 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.— a part of Crash Boom Bang's CD release show.

Brothers Mike and Mark Longhelt relate their sound to that of LMFAO or Skrillex, often crossing genres like dubstep and hiphop. But they say their target audience is “anyone with ears.”

“All our [music] is stuff that our nieces or grandparents can listen to; nothing vulgar or profane,” Mark said. 

You might have heard these brothers on local D.C. radio, or while watching Kourtney & Kim Take New York, one of the recent seasons of MTV's Real World, or the FOX Sports Network. If you've been to District or Ibiza in D.C. on a Friday night, chances are high you've already danced to their electric tunes. And if you've ever had a beer in Old Town, maybe ELIM's been at the table next to you.

Keep an eye on these guys. They may watch Wheel of Fortune (rapper Mark tunes in on the chance he might be the night's SPIN ID winner) but they might be the next big thing.

ELIM's story began back in 2008 when the brothers started working together as a joke to prove they could do other genres. At the time, Mike was the long-time frontman for successful hard rock band, Dreaming of Eden, and Mark was rapping for The Common Threat. The Longhelts said they “dabbled here and there until both bands fell apart.”

Now, with their cousin, Joel Lewis on drums, the ELIM brothers said they like keeping it “in the family.” Mike sings and actually composes each body-shaking beat himself in his home studio, and Mark raps.

After their Jammin Java show in November sold out in advance ticket sales, ELIM was approached by another popular electronica band, Crash Boom Bang for the upcoming show.

Of their 9:30 stage debut this weekend, Mike said, “That's the place growing up, you see all your favorite bands, and it's somewhat of an honor to share the same stage with people you respect.”

ELIM recommended you put on your “shuffling shoes and a party hat” for Saturday, a guaranteed dance party. Doors open at 8 p.m., advance tickets are $15, $20 at the door. For pre-sale tickets, e-mail Mark@elimband.com.

If you'd like a chance to meet them, you can participate in their Facebook contest by posting a picture on ELIM's page, holding a sign that says “I love ELIM.” The person in the “funniest, craziest place” will win two backstage passes for the show. 

Their music is available for download on iTunes, including singles “Say Yes” and “Can't Stop Us.”

Mini Q&A with ELIM:

Which song best describes your sound?

Mike: “Don't Let Go.” Lyrically, it has substance, but it's still a good dance song. The songs that I really connect to are the ones that have a spiritual depth to them. You can still do pop music and make a difference.

What is it like to work with your brother?

Mark: Not a lot of people get that opportunity. Mike is a perfectionist, so that is good, but it is difficult as well.

Mike: There's a significant difference in the amount of frustration. Because we're brothers, we know how to get over it more quickly.

What do your parents think about this?

Mark: We're their golden ticket. They joke we need to hurry up and get bigger so they can retire.

Mike: At the same time, they hope and pray for us to have success, they've been the biggest supporters of the little successes.

What's playing on your iPod these days?

Mike: Skrillex, Alvin Risk, Steve Aoki, Swedish House Mafia

Mark: I don't really listen to rap music. A lot of City & Colour, Paper Route, The Roots, Thrice, Andy Stanley sermons

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue music?

Mike: [At first] I wanted to do it for the wrong reasons. But then I wrote a song that would actually connect with someone, before Dreaming of Eden. It was the first time I wrote a song that wasn't terrible.

Next ELIM performance?

Mark: Jan 28, 2012 at Kingdom (the old Alley Katz location) in Richmond, Virginia.