On The Rise: Elenowen

Josh and Nicole Johnson, also known as the Americana-folk duo, Elenowen, have had both a real and rare romantic and musical chemistry since they were 15 and 16 years old.

The couple met while in high school, dated for a year, broke up for a year and a half, got back together and have been together since.

The duo emerged from the same Americana-folk scene in Nashville as The Civil Wars, but are delivering music of their own as Elenowen with deep roots and soulful sounds.

The married couple spent their time writing their EP's songs all at once, and all based on issues and feelings they were experiencing and going through as a couple. The musical duo is truly inspiring, for they are the full heart behind their music.

"When it's 3 AM and I have an idea for a song, my best friend, music partner and husband can grab his guitar and the idea takes off.

The songs that come out of those moments are part me, part him, and all us", Nicole explained.

While on their American fall tour with singer and songwriter, Matt Wertz, Empty Lighthouse had the chance to sit down and talk with Josh and Nicole of Elenowen.

Read further and fall in love with not only their talent, but also their inspirational relationship that puts reason and devotion into their music.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you individually get your start in music?
ELENOWEN: "I started playing drums in middle school. when I got to high school, I wanted to start writing songs so I asked for an acoustic guitar for Christmas, and the rest is history", Josh explained.

"I always sang in church.

It was natural when I met Josh to sing along with him and the songs he was writing.

I eventually developed a passion to write myself, and we ended up forming the duo after our first year of marriage", Nicole continued.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who do you consider your musical influences?
ELENOWEN: Ryan Adams, Fleetwood Mac, David Gray, etc.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you come up with the name "Elenowen"?
ELENOWEN: "Josh's mom's middle name is Ellen and he got music from her side of the family", Nicole stated.

"Nicole's dad's middle name is Owen, and she got music from him", Josh continued to explain. "We wanted to keep it unique and in the family, so we put them together and got Elenowen."

EMTPY LIGHTHOUSE: In your spare time, who are some bands and artists you can't stop listening to?
ELENOWEN: Lately we can't get enough of Lissie, Kings of Leon, Lord Huron and Jake Bugg.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What has been your most memorable experience while touring?
ELENOWEN: this current tour has been pretty memorable considering the 15,000 miles we have driven in under two months. On our drive out to Los Angeles, we decide to take a detour to the Grand Canyon even though the forecast was calling for rain.

We drove three hours out of the way just to get soaking wet and see a terrible, foggy view of the canyon. It was a memory though!

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
ELENOWEN: "Stevie Nicks, because she's Stevie Nicks!", Nicole answered.

"Off the top of my head, I think it would be a blast to write with Coldplay. I have always been a fan of how they can build simple songs into arena-filling anthems", Josh finished.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you bring with you?
ELENOWEN: Nicole said, "A satellite phone so I could get off the island.

While I was killing time waiting for a rescue, I would bring almond butter and carrots (my favorite snack) and a cozy tent." Josh would bring a machete, Angie's popcorn and bourbon.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What are your upcoming plans in regards to more touring, recording and releases?
ELENOWEN: Thanks to everyone who helped us meet our goal on Kickstarter. We now plan to get into the studio to start recording our dream record.

We are looking forward to pushing it out next year.

We love being on the road and this year we have had the opportunity to tour quite a bit - whether it was bringing friends of ours on the road with us, or us hopping on tour with friends.

It has been a great year and we look forward to being out on the road next year as well.

For more information on tour dates and new releases from Elenowen, be sure to visit their website at http://www.elenowen.com -- we look forward to seeing what this admirable couple has in store for their musical future.