Eli Bramnick, a native of Princeton Junction, has established himself as an in-demand recording session and touring guitarist on the Los Angeles music scene. Artists with whom he’s worked include folk-pop singer Peter McPoland (Columbia Records), singer-songwriter Marc E. Bassy, TikTok pop sensation Haiden, soulful vocalist Kyle Lux, award-winning songstress Ella Collier, edgy pop belter Kate Grahn, and jazzy actress/singer Jordyn Simone, who was a finalist on “American Idol” and “The Voice”.
“I love collaborating with aspiring artists and helping them to bring their visions to life,” says Bramnick, who currently lives in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles. “My exposure to different kinds of music growing up, both as a fan and performer, allow me to present a wide array of sonic and stylistic options that enhance the projects of whomever I’m working with.”
Bramnick grew up in a household where music was always played: his parents were fans of such bands as the Beatles, U2, Genesis, and The Who, and Bramnick absorbed that soundtrack as he grew up. His passion for music expanded in 2008 when he enrolled at School of Rock Princeton, an after-school music program for kids, tweens, and teens that combines private lessons with student performances of themed repertoires at local venues.
“SoR Princeton introduced me to all the great classic rockers as well as sounds that were new to me, such as funk, folk, Motown, and important stars of the 50s like Buddy Holly, Elvis, and Little Richard,” says Bramnick, who was a 2018 high school graduate of Solebury School in New Hope, PA. “I made friends with kids in the SoR program who also loved music and exposed me to a wide world of exciting genres, artists, and influences.”
While a student at School of Rock Princeton, Bramnick performed with the School’s bands for audiences across New Jersey at such popular bars and clubs as McGuinn’s Place, Bullshooters, Whisky Tango, Morey's Pier, and the Stone Pony. In 2015 and 2016, he was selected to be a part of the School of Rock AllStars, which features some of the top student musicians from SoR franchises across America and sends them on national summer tours. Bramnick’s gigs with the AllStars included the Mo Pop Festival in Detroit and Lollapalooza in Chicago.
After high school, Bramnick enrolled in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. He graduated in 2022 with a B.M. (Bachelor of Music) degree and immediately began to get hired as a professional musician.
“When most musicians begin their careers, it takes them a while to learn how to collaborate with other players, find opportunities to perform in front of live audiences, and hone their stagecraft,” says Bramnick. “Thanks to SoR Princeton, I had almost 10 years of live performance experience under my belt, and I had been in multiple bands both within and outside of the School.”
In terms of high points of his journey as a pro musician, Bramnick has racked up a number of big wins as a member of Peter McPoland’s band - including touring the country in 2021 while still attending USC and taking his classes online, opening up for the Grammy winning and multi million selling duo Twenty One Pilots on their sold-out 2022 arena tour, and performing at Madison Square Garden.
Bramnick has simple advice for young people who wish to pursue careers in today’s music business: network.
“No matter which area of the music industry you wish to be a part of, whether on the artistic or business side, making connections is essential,” says Bramnick. “Getting out and meeting people at shows, album release events, and even a party that’s hosted by your friends will expand your network of relationships and introduce you to more people in your field. You never know what kind of future opportunities a 10-minute conversation with someone can make possible.”
