Meet Peri El

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Peri El a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Peri El with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
At the age of 7, I found out I am dyslexic. Before this diagnosis, I thought I was stupid because I could not spell my last name. I did not know how to read or write until the age of 8. The biggest lesson I learned was that I was just as smart as everyone else, I just learned differently and needed to work harder. My passion and resilience stem from these challenges as a young kid and having to overcome them. I learned to work hard, and this has helped me throughout my life to be successful and has gotten me to where I am today. My work ethic has served me well in performing and writing music and screenplays.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a singer/songwriter/actor/screenwriter located in New York City! I have performed since I could speak and have written since I was 12. When I found out I have dyslexia at the age of 7, I started singing in order to learn how to read and write. Music has always been an outlet for me to be able to express myself even in my darkest times. I write mostly about social change and social justice. I pray that my music at least speaks to someone out there needing someone to relate to what they are going through. I recently wrote my first full screenplay based on my life and creating my own destiny. I am extremely excited to share this feature film with the world soon! My film is called “Born In The Metaverse” and I cannot wait to share my work with you soon!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I would say that the top 3 qualities I have are a strong work ethic, determination, and not putting all my eggs in one basket. First and foremost as an artist, it’s extremely important to have a strong work ethic. This industry is tough and unfortunately, you need to navigate it

The second most impactful thing for me was moving to NYC and learning how to be an adult and take care of myself not only as a person but as an artist. As an artist our lives are tough but it’s worth every minute. Learning that you can do what you love and are passionate about is one of the greatest gifts you could ever receive. Although rejection hurts the more rejection I receive the more resilient I become.

The third would have to be picking a direction. In college, I specifically studied songwriting and music business. Whereas when I got to NYC I started writing my feature film and traveling with my band. I learned early on that being a jack of all trades is great but you have to focuss on one thing at a time to give your 100 percent all. So as of today, I am working on the first-ever feature film and playing shows about once a month in the city. I am always open to work and hope that I find more opportunities that I am passionate about!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did growing up was to get me tested for learning disabilities at a young age so I did not have to struggle like other kids who did not until much later on. I knew young that I was different but they always told me I had a superpower. This still sticks to me today and my superpower is music and film! I found love in the arts and felt confident in my academics because of it. My parents have always been real with me but have been my biggest supporters. They only want the best for me and to see me succeed in something I love. I am forever grateful to my parents for showing me my super power early on. Without them who knows where I would be today.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All headshots were done by Jon Taylor Performance shot done by Marley Hein

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