The Faces Behind the Sound
Eliz - Teen Program Lead
Eliz is a 14-year-old singer-songwriter from San Francisco who has been writing songs and playing piano and guitar since she was six. After releasing her debut album Lombard Street Stories in 2024 and working on her second project Cabin 232, Eliz understands firsthand how difficult it can be for young artists to find real stages to perform.
At Break the Noise, she leads the teen program, helping shape performances, connect with other young musicians, and bring energy and visibility to a space where teen artists can share their music, grow their confidence, and be heard.
Sergei - Junior Program Lead
Sergei is a 11-year-old musician from San Francisco who began playing piano at age three and guitar at five. A solo performer and member of the Break the Noise house band, he has performed at every Break the Noise show as well as around the city at places like the Ferry Building and Union Square.
Sergei writes and composes his own music and loves collaborating with other young artists. At Break the Noise, he leads the junior program, helping create a welcoming space where younger musicians can step on stage, connect, and grow together through music.
Oliver - Community Advocate
Oliver is a 14 year old young musician from San Francisco who plays piano, guitar, and mandolin. He has supported Break the Noise since its early days and has performed at several shows. Oliver writes and composes his own music and helps spread the word about the organization, encouraging other young musicians to get involved.
The Team Behind the Scenes
Behind every Break the Noise stage is a small team of adults supporting the youth-led vision—helping with programming, production, and mentorship so young musicians can shine.
Executive Producer
Ximena Vélez
With over 25 years of experience in business consulting, marketing, and project management in the technology world, Ximena brings strategic leadership behind the scenes of Break the Noise. Over the past three years, she has worked closely in independent artist development and music production, guiding projects from creative vision through release.
At Break the Noise, Ximena supports the youth-led team through programming, planning, and coordination—helping create real stages where young musicians can share their art, build confidence, and connect with a vibrant creative community.
House Band Mentor & Production Advisor
Paul Montes
Paul is an educator and performing musician who has been part of the Break the Noise journey since its earliest days. He teaches guitar, songwriting, and rock band, and brings his experience both as a teacher and as an active performer to every show.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Music Production & Engineering, Paul combines his knowledge of live sound, stage production, and musicianship to mentor the Break the Noise house band and support the flow of each concert. Drawing from his life on stage as a working musician and his years in the classroom, he helps young artists feel confident, prepared, and comfortable performing in a professional setting.
Creative & Communications Advisor
Carolina Troya
Carolina is an artist with years of experience in branding, communications, and content creation, and a genuine passion for supporting young musicians.
She supports Break the Noise from behind the scenes by guiding how the organization’s visual content and storytelling come together across social media and the website.