When your friend starts raving about someone—and that friend is seriously talented themselves—you know it’s not just noise. Talent recognizes talent, and suddenly you’re all ears, eager to discover the next big thing before anyone else. It’s like getting the inside scoop straight from the source, and you don’t want to miss out.
When Sourabh Sharma—a visionary with a career spanning over 15 years who has shaped the trajectory of major brands, including founding a niche fragrance company Histoires de Parfums, leading his marketing agency FIG or Out, as well as startups worldwide from New York and beyond—vouched for Elia Berthoud, I knew it counted.
Elia Berthoud, a Swiss singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles, was recently in town to celebrate his debut album with a dinner alongside Sourabh and other tastemakers. Before the dinner, Elia and I caught up at The Time Square EDITION to chat about his music, his creative process, and his just-launched clothing collaboration with Print All Over Me (PAOM), where Sourabh serves as co-founder and CMO.
Elia’s debut album, APOLLO, dives deep into Greek mythology, forging a personal connection to the deity and other powerful figures. His music blends poetic storytelling with indie pop, experimental, and cinematic soundscapes that mirror the emotional depth of his journey. Sometimes subtly hinted at, other times explicitly woven in, this ancient mythology threads through his songs — and through his own process of healing and growth. Entirely self-written, produced, and recorded by Berthoud, the 10-track album was mixed and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Jim Caruana (Beyoncé, American Gangster).
The myth-inspired universe of APOLLO now extends beyond music. Elia’s first merchandise collection with Print All Over Me brings the story into the physical world. Each piece serves as a wearable extension of the album’s rich narrative, making the mythic feel tangible and deeply personal. The collection includes thoughtfully designed sets, statement tote bags, and more — all modeled by Elia himself. And yes, it certainly doesn’t hurt that Elia has abs that could be a side project of their own.
This is exactly the kind of music I want to listen to, whether I’m out in New York, soaking up the city’s restless energy, or relaxing at home, letting the sounds carry me somewhere deeper. Elia’s sound feels intimate and expansive at once — perfect for both moments.
APOLLO merges mythological storytelling with lush, introspective pop, exploring themes of love, identity, and transformation with a rare blend of vulnerability and bold vision. Named after the Greek god of music and light, the album invites listeners into a richly layered soundscape where ancient narratives meet modern emotion.
Now streaming worldwide on sites like Spotify and Apple, APOLLO marks Elia Berthoud’s bold entry into the music scene — a deeply personal and innovative journey where storytelling, symbolism, and sound collide.
