I had the opportunity to interview Elliot Weber who is a contestant on Season 20 of the "Amazing Race." The 28-year-old Scottsdale, Ariz., resident teamed up with his identical twin brother, Andrew, for the show. The premiere of the new season will air on Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.
Who decided to audition for the "Amazing Race"? What motivated you and Andrew to do it?
Elliot: I think it was both our decisions to compete in the race. I pushed a little more for it, but it always takes two to tango. We haven't seen much of the race before, but we love to compete. We thought, why not try the race? Travel and hang out with your best friend. I don't get to see him much which is hard sometimes. This was a good experience for us.
Elliot is a full-time musician in Scottsdale while Andrew is an MLS player who lives in San Jose, Calif. Although he admits that he also does some modeling, Elliot's main focus is his music. As a singer and songwriter, he has formed his own band, ENOVA. It is clear that being separated from his music was one of the hardest parts of being on the "Amazing Race."
You had to put your music on hold while doing the show. How did you handle it?
Elliot: I wrote a lot. I couldn't bring a guitar and not being able to jam was skin pulling.
Can you describe ENOVA?
Elliot: My group, ENOVA, is my love. My baby you could say. It's melodic, heavy, meaningful and from the heart. It's alternative/rock music in the realms of Incubus, Chevelle and most progressive bands. Since my guitar player Derek Keever and I first met, honestly we bumped heads, but we soon found a chemistry that works. He wasn't used to structure, and I wasn't used to minor tones. We soon found this awesome sound we dig and started building ENOVA. We are currently being looked at by labels and management. Until that trigger is pulled, it's guerrilla warfare. Our progress is our own. We have to keep grinding despite the interest at a higher level.
Do you think being on the "Amazing Race" will help your music?
Elliot: CBS will be playing one of my songs on the first episode of the race. "Counterpart." Not sure how much but it's hitting the TV waves.
Despite living apart and pursuing different careers, Elliot and Andrew share a strong bond. Reality shows can sometimes put a strain on relationships, but the "Amazing Race" actually benefitted the brothers.
Has this experience changed your relationship with your brother?
Elliot: The race has opened both our eyes and hearts. We are more focused than ever to ensure our future becomes a living dream. It's made us closer for sure, and it's time to rock new chapters of our lives. We clash sometimes, but take a breath and remember we're best friends. We'll always have our differences, but we're more alike than anything.
Have you ever played soccer and has Andrew ever played music?
Elliot: My brother can actually sing and play guitar a little bit. We've never done music together, but he can harmonize. It's funny, when my songs are being rocked, he always sings my harmony parts. My brother and I played club soccer since we were 8. Then, after my freshman year in college, I stopped playing. I love soccer though. One of my favorite channels on TV is FSC. I am also a weekend warrior, playing on Sundays with my buddies.
Why did you stop playing soccer?
Elliot: You know I just had to make a decision on what I loved more. Going into college life wasn't easy, and through music I found an escape. I've been writing poetry and lyrics since I was 14. By freshman year, I had up and running musical projects which I created. I had to make a choice, so I left soccer to pursue the newly found fire in my veins, music.
Do you have any regrets about doing the "Amazing Race" and would you do another reality show?
Elliot: None at all. It's an experience I'll be able to hold onto forever. Yeah, as long as it was something that had a positive message. Who knows? You may see my brother and I have our own.
Do you have any advice for future competitors on the "Amazing Race"?
Elliot: Patience is a virtue, but isn't that in life?
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