New York City has always been a magnet for artists, and for Elza Coutinho, it’s a place that symbolizes creativity, professionalism, and opportunity. Having recently worked on two memorable shows in the city with Chxrry22, one at the iconic Brooklyn Paramount and one at Terminal 5, Elza has solidified her reputation as a skilled playback and mix engineer, record producer, and creative force in the music industry. Her experience in New York left a lasting impression, with the stunning venues and its welcoming team making it a highlight of her career. During her downtime in the city, she explored its vibrant energy, further reinforcing New York as one of her favorite places.

Hailing from Bengaluru, India, and Vancouver, Canada, Elza’s journey to becoming an accomplished music professional was driven by a single dream: to make music and work in the industry. What began as a self-taught endeavor soon evolved into a career path as she decided to pursue formal training at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Her time there not only honed her technical skills but also introduced her to the thriving underground music scene. It was in this creative hub that she collaborated with independent artists such as LA Laura Paris, Shal Antal, and Sierra Stone. Her work as a recording engineer on LA Laura Paris’ debut EP, Underground Girl, showcased her talent and set the stage for future projects with these artists.

Elza Coutinho’s most significant accomplishments, however, stem from her work as a playback engineer. She’s collaborated with some of the industry’s brightest stars, including Chxrry22 on two major tours—Mariah The Scientist’s To Be Eaten Alive tour and The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour in Australia. These tours included multiple sold-out shows, with one even being a stadium tour. Her expertise has also been sought by Queen Naija, notably for her performance at The Dell Center in Philadelphia.

Photo Courtesy: Silvia Garcia / Elza Coutinho

One of the aspects that distinguishes Elza is her ability to adapt to diverse roles in the music industry. From managing complex playback systems during live performances to engineering intricate studio sessions, she has consistently demonstrated her versatility and technical prowess.

Coutinho’s creative vision plays a pivotal role in her collaborations. Her background as a record producer enables her to contribute artistically to the projects she works on, bringing a unique perspective that enhances the final product.

Looking ahead, Elza’s career trajectory appears to be as promising as her past achievements. She is currently working with LA Laura Paris and Sierra Stone on their singles and albums as a recording and mix engineer. Additionally, her role as a playback tech will see her collaborating on future tours with Chxrry22 and Queen Naija.

Elza’s time in New York City not only reaffirmed her love for the city but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and community in the music world. The Brooklyn Paramount show, in particular, stood out as an example of what can be achieved when talented individuals come together to create something extraordinary. The professionalism and kindness she encountered during her time there have become benchmarks for what she seeks in future projects.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Elza’s journey is an inspiring example of perseverance and passion. Starting from humble beginnings in Bengaluru, she charted a path that took her across continents, overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities along the way.

Elza embodies the spirit of an artist committed to making dreams a reality. With every project she undertakes, she pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. By choosing to follow her dreams, she’s not only carved out a space for herself in the industry but also offered inspiration to others pursuing similar paths.

Published by Tom W.