Gifted Singer-Songwriter Elza Announces New Single “It Was Always Me,” Signs with Sync Agent Kristina Benson of Sweet On Top

Gifted singer-songwriter Elza is back with her powerful new single, “It Was Always Me” (available on all major music streaming services), marking a triumphant return to the music scene after overcoming life-altering health challenges. Also, in a significant milestone for her career, Elza has signed with the acclaimed sync licensing agent Kristina Benson of Sweet on Top. This collaboration, in tandem with her latest single release, showcases Elza’s inspiring comeback story—a blend of resilience, talent, and determination.

Charlie Feldman, former VP of Writer/Publisher Relations at BMI adds credence to Elza’s story and helps explain her success in sync licensing. He said, “Several years ago I was taken to a listening room by a great guy who knows talent—he headed up the New York office of the William Morris Agency. He wanted me to see and hear a great talent—Elza Libhart. He was spot on. She has worked so very hard and has the most beautiful voice. And she knows how to write great songs, which is why they are being heard in successful movies and TV shows. In short, Elza is a great songwriter with a magical voice as great as any artist making music!”

This is a new chapter for Elza, who despite a life-altering battle with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), has persevered to reclaim her place in music. These personal and professional milestones highlight her resilience and dedication, underscoring why she’s an inspiring artist to watch.

In September, Elza joined the exclusive artist roster at Sweet On Top, an agency renowned for its connections with top music supervisors across film, television, and advertising. Headed by Kristina Benson, Sweet On Top has earned its reputation by curating an impressive roster of artists whose music has appeared in acclaimed shows including Station 19, Grey’s Anatomy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Ray Donovan, Riverdale, and Quantum Leap, as well as major advertising campaigns for brands like Apple, Michael Kors, and Vogue.

Elza is thrilled to be represented by Benson. “Kristina is a wonderful person, and I am so fortunate that we have gotten to know each other and get the opportunity to work together. My signing with Kristina is a significant milestone that will open new opportunities for my music to be placed in high-profile TV, film, and advertising projects,” she said.

Benson is quite enthusiastic about adding Elza to her roster. “It is increasingly crucial that artists interested in sync licensing have an authentic voice and sound,” she said. “Authenticity is a tricky concept to define but it is instantly apparent when an artist has chosen to make themselves vulnerable in their music. When an artist can do that and express it in a way that is accessible even to the casual music fan, then this is an artist worth paying attention to. When I listened to Elza’s music, I was able to detect this vulnerability, authenticity, and clarity of expression.”

Elza is no newcomer to music sync licensing. 47 of her songs have been licensed a total of 73 times. Her first break came in 2003 when the song “Everything To Me,” written and performed by Elza, was featured on the second season finale of the hit television series Smallville. It was additionally used as a promo theme to promote the season finale episode of the series.

Other projects have further established her reputation as a go-to sync licensing artist. Her songs have been featured in television series such as Netflix’s Charmed; ABC’s Hopkins 24/7, BostonMed, and NYMed with Dr. Oz; CBS’s Clubhouse and The Young and the Restless; the film Crown Prince of Christmas, and, most recently, BYUtv’s Ruby and the Well, season 4 episode 4 (October 3, 2024).

Most notably, Elza was in the cast of the film Single: A Documentary directed by Richard Atkinson. In the film she speaks as well as sings and performs her original song “This Is Love” which she wrote with her husband, Reggie Libhart who is a gifted lyricist and screenplay writer in his spare time.

As dynamic live performer, Elza has opened for Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Train, and Martin Sexton, to name a few.

Photo credit: Disc Makers Independent World Music Series Contest, sponsored by Billboard
This versatile singer-songwriter, who is adept at multiple musical styles—pop, country, Americana, and jazz—views her versatility as a big asset in the sync world, where musical adaptability and emotional authenticity are highly prized.

“Sometimes the existing songs in my catalog are a perfect match for a project, but music supervisors also call on me to provide something new that fits a specific project,” said Elza. “I enjoy the creative challenge of writing custom to briefs. I like to think that my versatility helps make their jobs easier. As an actor, I enjoy the challenge of taking a storyline or reference and getting into character when writing and recording custom made songs for filmmakers. It’s an absolute thrill when it elevates the onscreen drama!”

Elza’s latest single also reflects the emotional intensity and perspective she brings to her craft—qualities that resonate deeply in the music world.

Elza had to overcome a significant health journey that has shaped her artistry today

Elza’s accolades as a songwriter and performer emerged early in her career. She had been lauded as a songwriter, as a two-time recipient of the ASCAP Plus Awards, 1st place winner of the 2005 International Broadjam Songwriting Competition, and finalist in both the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and the Billboard World Song Competition.

As her career trajectory was quickly rising, she was diagnosed with CRPS, a rare and excruciating nerve condition with debilitating pain and muscle spasms, eventually confining her to a wheelchair. She was told by doctors that she may never walk again, but her unfailing optimism and sheer determination proved them wrong. Nowadays, Elza is doing more than just walking—she’s dancing, too!

Elza has overcome serious health challenges to emerge energized and optimistic.
Reflecting on her journey, Elza says, “This has been a long, consuming journey, but I feel like I’m myself again. I’m full of energy, optimism, and creativity. It’s made me deeply grateful for what I have and has strengthened my empathy for others facing life’s challenges.” Today, her experience has not only influenced her music but also fuels her passion for guiding new artists navigating their own paths.

Elza’s commitment to supporting and inspiring others will be on display on November 9 at the Connecticut Film and TV Conference 2024 in Hartford, where she will showcase live as a featured artist and participate as a panelist. The conference brings together top talent from the Connecticut and New York entertainment scenes, offering Elza the chance to share her insights and experiences with other industry professionals, as well as some of the young artists for whom she mentors.

With the release of her new single and her partnership with Kristina Benson, Elza is poised to continue her voyage as an artist whose story and music inspire listeners worldwide. Her resilience and unwavering dedication to her craft make her an exceptional addition to the sync licensing community and an artist with a truly compelling comeback narrative.