Elza Coutinho Mixies Tradition With Innovation In Music

Playback and mix engineer Elza Coutinho is bringing a unique perspective to music in Hollywood thanks to her Indian roots. “Music has always been about connection for me—it’s a universal language,” she says, describing her approach to sound design and production.

Growing up in a traditional Catholic household, she often heard Bollywood classics by A.R. Rahman and Kishore Kumar playing alongside disco and pop legends like Michael Jackson and ABBA. “There was always a blend of old and new in my home,” she reflects. “That mix of sounds taught me the power of storytelling in music.”

Pursuing unconventional careers, Coutinho faced societal expectations that initially discouraged her from choosing music as a profession. “I was told to keep music as a hobby,” she recalls. But her determination led her to teach herself production techniques and later enroll at the prestigious Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California.

While studying, she immersed herself in Los Angeles’ underground music scene, collaborating with independent artists like LA Laura Paris, Shal Antal, and Sierra Stone. Her work on LA Laura Paris’ debut EP, Underground Girl, was a turning point, showcasing her ability to blend raw creativity with precision engineering.

Elza’s technical skills have taken her far beyond the studio. As a playback engineer, she’s worked on tours with Chxrry22 and supported global acts like Mariah The Scientist and The Weeknd. Performing in sold-out venues, including stadiums in Australia, she learned to thrive in high-pressure environments. Her collaboration with Queen Naija at The Dell Center in Philadelphia further cemented her reputation as a reliable and innovative engineer.

“Touring taught me how to adapt quickly,” she explains. “Every performance is different, and you need to make sure everything runs smoothly for the artist and the audience.”

Elza Coutinho’s passion for music is deeply rooted in her Indian heritage. “Growing up with Bollywood and classical Indian music inspired me to think about how these styles could intersect with global genres,” she says. Today, she’s working to bring that vision to life by collaborating with emerging Indian artists and infusing traditional elements into contemporary music.

One of her career goals is to elevate Indian music on the world stage. “There’s so much talent in India,” she says. “I’m excited to work with more Indian talent and see the music reach a global audience.”