Kimu Elolia brings his podcast expertise to Sonic Union
)
The creative producer and journalist will work closely with Sonic Union’s executive creative producer Halle Petro.
Sonic Union has welcomed Kimu Elolia to its podcast production team.
Elolia is a seasoned creative producer, journalist, and media strategist who has worked for both Spotify and the Intercept. The inclusion of Elolia, who will collaborate closely with Sonic Union's Executive Creative Producer Halle Petro, coincides with a crucial moment in the worldwide demand for podcasts and amplifies the company's proficiency in audio storytelling.
Sonic Union was also recently honoured at the 2023 Webby Awards in the Sound Design and Original Music Category for their work on SAVEUR's podcast Place Settings – an auditory journey that celebrates a sense of purpose, passion, and culinary experience in America. 14,000 entrants from over 70 countries submitted for the prestigious media awards, with just 5 nominees and 3 Honourees for each category. Elolia contributed to this project and others as a key consultant in 2022.
"I'm delighted to join Sonic Union to develop and produce new stories and explore innovative ways to push audio forward," says Elolia. "With established sound design and studio facilities, Sonic Union is in an ideal position to flourish in the podcasting sphere. I'm thrilled to bring my journalistic expertise, intersectional perspective, and trauma-informed approach to the company to develop and produce culturally-relevant content."
Elolia's experience often focuses on the intersections of identity and culture. He has worked on several critically acclaimed, chart-topping international podcasts, including the Peabody-nominated Stolen, Renegades: Born in the USA, Resistance, Wind of Change, LOUD, Dope Labs, and others. In 2021, the Resistance podcast won the Dart award for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma. Elolia is interested in various audio projects surrounding investigative journalism, cultural documentaries, and music-focused podcasts. He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill School of Journalism.
"I met Kimu at a time when our podcast projects had begun expanding," notes Petro. "His collaborative spirit and writing talent stood out from the beginning. He brings not only passion and a wealth of creative experience about audio storytelling but also knowledge we know our clients will benefit from as they navigate this changing and expanding space for brands."
Dedicated to fostering conversation and supporting education around various topics related to sonic journeys, Sonic Union recently hosted an evening featuring Elolia and Petro, along with Simon Adler (RadioLab), Jocelyn Gonzalez (PRX), and Rose Reid (Shoot the Messenger). Each shared insights and experiences on journalistic approaches to story narratives, what makes audio production the most important medium for storytelling, and creative approaches and challenges they have encountered along the way. Listen to the podcast here.
PRX and Expedia® collaborated with Sonic Union on season four of its Out Travel the System podcast. Hosted by Nisreene Atassi, Global Head of Social Media and Influencer Engagement for Expedia Group, Out Travel the System features compelling storytelling, tips, and travel inspiration from travel experts and industry insiders.
In addition to its work in broadcast commercials, experiential projects, and film, Sonic Union is a trusted podcast production partner for brands and media distributors, offering a comprehensive suite of creative services. Among them are concepting, scripting, casting, and complete audio production, including custom music, sound design, and audio mix, such as Dolby Atmos. Sonic Union is now in production on an additional podcast collaboration with PRX. Moreover, other shows in development from Sonic Union will premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June.
