The Multifaceted Talent of Eli Riccardi: Acting, Music, and More

Currently gracing screens in the hit Amazon Prime series “Maxton Hall,” Eli Riccardi may play the quintessential ‘mean girl,’ but she is anything but. Our conversation flowed easily, like a chat with an old friend over a cup of coffee. Eli’s warm, engaging demeanor makes it hard to reconcile with her on-screen persona, and as we delved into our shared German heritage, it was clear just how down-to-earth she is.

Eli’s eyes lit up when asked whether music or acting came first in her life. “It’s always been there,” she said. Her love for music is evident in her melancholy cover of “Sea of Love,” featured in an episode of “Maxton Hall.” Interestingly, she hadn’t planned to showcase her vocal talents on the show. Sonja Weißer, who plays Lydia Beaufort, shared Eli’s demo with the producers of the show, Ceyland Yildirim and Valentin Dealer, and they offered the cover of “Sea of Love” to Eli. The result is a hauntingly beautiful rendition that perfectly complements the show’s atmosphere.

Eli eagerly anticipates the second season of “Maxton Hall,” a sentiment she shared with a twinkle in her eye. In a unique twist, Eli was the only actor who dubbed her lines with a British accent, being the only native English speaker among the cast. The other actors had their lines dubbed by English-speaking voice artists, adding an intriguing layer to the production.

A black and white image of actress and singer, Eli Riccardi

Photo provided by Eli Riccardi

In a delightful personal touch, Eli mentioned she had visited my website and enjoyed my work, embodying her belief in encouraging others to pursue their passions. This encouragement extends beyond her professional life as an actor and singer; Eli is also a dedicated yoga instructor, a testament to her commitment to holistic well-being.

Our conversation veered towards the importance of healthy boundaries between actors and fans and in all aspects of life. Eli’s perspective on maintaining these boundaries is insightful and grounded, reflecting her balanced approach to her career and personal life.

Bonding over our love of music, Eli shared some of her favorite artists, including Bob Marley, D’Angelo, and Led Zeppelin. Her favorite concert, however, is from Seeed, a German hip-hop and reggae band, showcasing her eclectic taste in music.

Her music is a clear reflection of her diverse musical interests. Eli’s music is a captivating fusion of soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and indie pop and alternative folk elements. Showcasing her versatile vocal range and emotive songwriting, her EP “Beyond The Sea” was released in September 2023. With tracks like “Go Ahead” and “Make Me Feel (Like Nothing Else Exists),” the album shows her talent for blending introspective lyrics with infectious, melodic hooks. The production on her songs is both lush and intimate, creating a soundscape that invites listeners to get lost in her musical world.

Riccardi has established herself as a rising star in the music industry by releasing an EP and multiple singles, including “Lovehandles” and “Miss Me.” Her ability to collaborate with other artists is evident in songs like “I Love You (Outro),” highlighting her versatility and eagerness to experiment with various musical styles.

Eli’s genuine spirit shines through whether she’s captivating audiences with her acting, enchanting them with her music, or guiding them through a yoga session. As fans anxiously await the next season of “Maxton Hall,” they can take comfort in knowing that behind the ‘mean girl’ facade is a kind-hearted, passionate artist who loves to connect with and inspire those around her.

Watch Maxton Hall on Amazon Prime