Musician pairs new tracks with recipes

A rapper and passionate home cook has found an unusual way to showcase his latest music, by adding food pairings.

Similar to wine pairings, Bristol-based Elijah A.M. has matched courses to tracks from his EP, Table, and will prepare the meals onstage while performing the songs.

The record, which comes out on 29 September, is described as "a collection of songs which each represent being sat at a different table".

The artist, who trained as a chef, said cooking and making music were similar processes. "Ultimately, I want to have my music digested," he added.

"I feel like when I'm cooking it's a demonstration. It's always theatrical," Elijah said.

The performance will also include tracks from his previous EP A La Carte, which was available on CD from restaurants.

He has planned dishes, including a vegan curry and jerk chicken, for his guests to enjoy over the two-day listening party ahead of Table's release.

The rapper said Regal, the latest single from the EP, "conveys this vibe of being sat at a dining table in a low-key jazz bar".

"This is going to be the first time I've seen a seated, catered listening party," he told BBC Introducing in the West.

"This notion of overlay between cooking and creating music is really apparent to me," he added.

Elijah explained taking raw ingredients "and converting them into a cooked meal, a dish, a memory", is "almost akin to alchemy".

"There's something beautiful about this transformation," he said.

"I feel the same way about songs," he said, as they are built by blending "raw feelings" and other "ingredients".

Some of the food at the event will be prepped beforehand, but Elijah will be making the rest on a small kitchen unit on stage.

He said he was pretty sure he would be able to "chop and perform".

Elijah hopes the idea can grow and be taken to other venues, such as community centres and libraries.

"How long does it take to really take in a song? Probably a meal," he said.

The Table - Listening Experience takes place at Unit 8 in St Werburgh's, Bristol, on 27 and 28 September.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.