Spotlight: Eli Cruz

Eli Cruz shares his journey with Stage Fright, from the early struggles to the band's rise. He reflects on the strong bond with his bandmates and his passion for creating music together.

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Jonah Wilder

3 min read

Photo of Spotlight: Eli Cruz

Every band needs a bass, and for Stage Fright, that’s Eli Cruz. Born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma, Eli doesn’t just lay down the rhythm — he breathes life into it. His basslines aren’t mere backbone, they’re the guts, the pulse that gives the band’s sound its raw, unshakable soul. When Eli locks in, every note lands like a punch to the chest, deliberate and undeniable. And that head-to-toe black he rocks? It’s more than a look. It’s a nod to his roots, a quiet rebellion echoing his Oklahoma grit: unpolished, unapologetic, and fiercely authentic.

Not only does Eli lay down bass lines — he’s also the band’s sound engineer, tweaking tones and making sure every live set hits just right. His perfect road trip playlists set the mood for long stretches on the highway as Stage Fright takes their Oklahoman rock to the rest of the .

For Eli, music isn’t just about what you hear — it’s about what you feel. His bass lines aren’t just notes, they sync with the crowd, making every Stage Fright show an amazing experience. As the band continues to break barriers, Eli Cruz remains the steady bass at the center of it all.