Born in the Israeli kibbutz Ein Carmel, Elai Botner was drawn to music from a young age, joining several bands before putting his talent to use in the Israeli Air Force's orchestra. He released Equals in 2007, a beautifully mellow folk collaboration with Ran Danker, followed by a self-titled 2010 album featuring a bevy of Israeli vocalists performing his carefully crafted songs. His love for collaboration led to the creation of his band, Elai Botner and the Outside Kids, which showcases a more thumping, energetic sound—with uplifting guitar anthems and stunning, hushed pop-rock ballads.