Eli Waltz is a folk artist and traveler. He was born into a middle-class Jewish family in Massachusetts to a neuroscientist and labor and delivery nurse.

Through early adulthood, he lived in China, South America, the Middle East and Europe, where he busked to make ends meet. He developed a harmonica and fingerpicking guitar style, which drew upon traditional Folk, Blues and Country. Classical and traditional Chinese influences can be heard in his work as well.

In his 20s, Waltz settled in Washington, D.C., and immersed himself in the bar scene. In 2019, he co-founded an acclaimed cocktail bar, and collected stories and ideas that fed his music. He built playlists with bartenders, including “Modern Americana and Old Gems,” which continues to receive much attention.

Since his debut four years ago, Waltz has released six EPs, six singles and multiple collaborative projects, recognized by online and print publications around the world.

Called "a standout figure in the contemporary Americana scene" (Americana Curious), Waltz considers himself a torchbearer of sorts, collaborating with folk artists to further the musical traditions from which he learned so much.

Waltz now lives in Switzerland with his family.