Bio

Californian-Melbournian artist El Tee – the moniker of Lauren Tarver – has been building a devoted following amongst Melbourne’s thriving music scene since 2018. El Tee has quickly positioned herself as much more than just an honest and vulnerable songwriter. She demands attention as she marries her dark-mood lyrics with a blanket of sonic warmth and intimacy – an unassuming pair that sits comfortably between the ebbs and flows of energy in her songs. Releasing her debut single ‘Hold On’ and B-side ‘Inside’ to a reception of open arms in 2018, El Tee followed up with a new, refined sound and a much anticipated single, ‘How I Like It’ in August 2019 and hosted her first headline show in a packed room at the Gasometer upstairs. She released her debut album, ‘Everything Is Fine’ in September, 2020, receiving critical acclaim, and celebrated with an album launch that sold out the Curtin Hotel. The album was named feature album on 2ser and saw singles ‘Keep Walking’ and ‘Space’ garner spins on triple J, triple J unearthed and topped the metro and regional Amrap charts.

El Tee has been compared to the likes of Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, and her songs have drawn dedicated community radio support. El Tee is a captivating live performer whose authentic lyricism finds new life on stage. Her songs saunter through chilling, intimate moments, and then drive hard and fast straight into the pit of your heart – all within the same few minutes. Often backed by a four-piece band, El Tee has supported the likes of Blake Scott, Ryan Downey, Clea, Alice Skye, and Freya Josephine Hollick and has graced lineups alongside artists such as Julia Jacklin, Eilish Gilligan, and Elizabeth. Playing various local notable gigs and festivals such as Delivered Live, the Instagram live Isol-Aid Festival, Music That Matters Bushfire Benefit and Leaps and Bounds Music Festival, El Tee has been steadily gathering a wake of dedicated music lovers in tow.