who we are
About Acoustic Element
ABOUT US
When cousins Callen Petersen and Jody Abel decided to combine their musical talents more than 10 years ago, a dynamic duo was formed, and an extraordinary sound unleashed.
Callen’s violin and Jody’s guitar and beatboxing make up the sound that is uniquely Acoustic Element, whose music has earned them worldwide success.
Acoustic Element have graced the most elegant weddings in their hometown South Africa, and have also performed at celebrations worldwide in Lake Como, Corfu (Greece), London and the Maldives.
AE have also entertained at the swankiest events, both for corporate and private parties, where, among others, some of the notable celebrities they’ve entertained include Bill Gates, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Their residency at Cape Town’s exclusive One and Only Hotel, once caught the ears of countless VIP guests like Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, DJ Snake, Nicky Romero, John Legend, Charlize Theron and Martin Garrix. They’ve also performed for and alongside some notorious South African celebrities and entertainers including South Africa Rugby Caption, Siya Kholisi, the Oppenheimer family, the Rubert family, Trevor Noah, Freshly Ground and Nomcebo Zikode.
South African Sophistication
Acoustic Element have had the pleasure of gracing some of SA’s most exquisite venues around the country. From luxurious wedding venues, wine farms, Golf Estates and conference centres in every province in South Africa.
They have also had a number of amazing bush gigs where they entertained guests from all over the world at corporate events, weddings & private functions in the Kruger National Park & Timbavati. They’ve also been known to be ‘regulars’ at some of Cape Town’s most exclusive hotels including The One & Only Hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel, 12 Apostles, Ellerman House, Mount Nelson Hotel and Boschendal Wine Estate.
A Global Stage
They have performed at various corporate functions, weddings, beach bars, festivals, conferences and private parties internationally:
- Austria
- Germany
- Greece
- South of France
- India
- Italy
- Maldives
- Netherlands
- Qatar
- South Africa
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- UAE
- Zimbabwe
Outstanding Talent
The duo has a diverse repertoire and are able to adapt their genre to suit any desired style and taste. From pop and rock to jazz and smooth ballads, Acoustic Element is able to cater to any function. They play both acoustically for a more chilled “background” feel, and are also able to play with backing tracks or a DJ for a party event or festival. Their use of beatboxing & guitar forms the beat and the rhythm while the violin takes on the melody and gets people singing along every time.
Europe Summer
Acoustic Element have been travelling Europe for the since 2017. Their first international gig was in Stockholm, Sweden and since then has been playing on the European stage every summer. They have since ventured on over 15 trips to the EU and played over 70 gigs in places like Santorini, Lake Como, Vienna, London and Salzburg
In 2023, Acoustic Element embarked on their first international tour, collaborating with Gasteiner Mineral to bring Austria the “Gasteiner Infinity Tour” – 29 gigs performed at lakes, restaurant and bar hotspots and beach bars throughout Austria over the whole summer.
A Collaboration
Acoustic Element have also collaborated with a number of local and international brands over the years:
Sunglass Hut has sponsored the boys for over 5 years now, which is why you’ll always see them always wearing the newest and coolest sunglasses on the market
The boys have also had the privilege of working with some prolific skin care companies such as Dermalogica SA & Lancôme International.
Acoustic Element also work closely with the exquisite Culture Wine Bar in Bree Street, Cape Town, a local hotspot for tourists and wine lovers alike.
The Artist Connect – On The Bill
In 2023, Acoustic Element launched their specialised booking agency, On The Bill which is a non-exclusive booking agency overseeing a roster of carefully selected top-tier talent. From world-class instrumentalists, DJ’s and singers, OTB connects and delivers talents to venues, restaurants and corporate events around South Africa.
With unique charisma and flair, Acoustic Element is sure to bring that “something extra” to make your event an unforgettable experience!
