Landon Elliott is an indie singer-songwriter based out of Richmond, VA. His upcoming release “Live at Poe’s Pub” was recorded over a four week residency held in the afore-titled historic dive, and was concentrated down to the most memorable performances from those evenings. These intimate shows were a return home for Landon, to a room that harbored his beginnings as an artist. Though his powerful voice and storytelling is recognizable, these shows were an opportunity to reintroduce himself (post COVID-19 shutdown, coming out as gay later in life, moving through his marital separation, and a significant haircut). The quaint bar room, packed to the brim with eager listeners, was the perfect backdrop for Elliott to share his new colors.

Landon Elliott has recently released his single “Aftermath” with a music video captured in one take. He has also recently opened for the Head and the Heart in Washington D.C. (7/7) as a part of new venue, the Atlantis’, 44 series, as well as in Charlottesville, VA (7/11) at the Ting Pavilion. 

Landon comments, In the far east end of Richmond, Virginia, where the asphalt of Main St. ends, lies Poe’s Pub; a place gilded in wood paneling, old photos and memories; untouched by the turn of the millennia. For years this haven at the bottom of the hill has remained for any who walk in, past the buzz of its “Sorry We’re Open” neons. When I first moved to Richmond, I was there every Tuesday for open mic, learning to perform, experimenting with covers or playing songs I had scribbled on pieces of receipt paper while waiting for my name to be called. it harbored my beginnings, so it felt only right for it to be where I reintroduced myself and this new chapter I’m sharing. “Live at Poe’s Pub” is a collection of recordings from a four week residency held in the room that has held me through the years.

We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed Richmond, VA-based artist extraordinaire, Landon Elliott; greetings and salutations, Landon! Before we dive down the proverbial Q&A musical rabbit hole, how have the dog days of the summer of ‘23 been treating you?

Well hello! So grateful to be here. It’s been great. A bit of a whirlwind over here with my kiddos picking back up at school. We spent the waning days of summer break at the community pool and the park. Looking forward to the coming Autumn coolness!

Major congratulations on your freshly-minted new – and breathtakingly awesome, we might add! –  EP Landon Elliott: Live at Poe’s Pub! What prompted you to undertake that most difficult of musical accomplishments, the vaunted live performance album?

Wow, thank you so much! The idea behind the residency initially started as a way to get back to performing after the shutdown from COVID-19 and as a way to reintroduce myself after some time away from music handling some life changes. As the idea began to really develop and as we got into rehearsals, I realized that there were going to be some performances throughout the sets that’d be once in a lifetime that I wanted to capture. So glad we took a chance at it! 

What was it specifically about Poe’s Pub in Richmond, Virginia which made it the perfect venue for a live EP?

There’s just something about the room. It’s like Richmond’s “Cheers”; a dive-y, neon-lit bar with familiar patrons and staff who know who you are. It doesn’t change, and when it seems like everything around me is changing a mile a minute, it’s constant and familiar. Even with something new like my residency held there, the room and the atmosphere still felt like 8 years ago when I first started playing there.

When setting about cracking the code for a successful live EP, did you look towards other artists and their own forays into live recordings such as Sam Cooke at the Copa or The Band – The Last Waltz for your own personal inspiration? 

I’d say Jeff Buckley’s “Live at Siné.” It’s an absolute masterpiece. It’s just Jeff, his guitar, an intimate bar, and an active audience. It was definitely in the back of my mind as a vibe to aim for.

What differentiates Landon Elliott: Live at Poe’s Pub from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?

I guess I’d say it’s minimalism. There is some subtle post-production, but basically what you hear is what it was.  It was a one-take situation, so whatever happened in the performance is the final take.  I obviously love a studio album and producing a record, but I think there’s something special about letting go and just letting the songs be the songs; all the unique happenings and bar noise and nuances of the performance just make it all the much more of a time capsule for the moment.

With Landon Elliott: Live at Poe’s Pub, is there a sense on your part that you’ve sort of come full circle both artistically and personally?

I’d say so, yes. Obviously there’s progression and I feel like I’m taking steps forward in both arenas. In some ways, though, this all felt familiar. Performing and recording this project in the space where I started my music venture, it felt like I was still the green singer-songwriter I was at Poe’s all those years ago; still honing my craft and learning the ropes. Was a special milestone to say the least. 

We’re big admirers of the tune Strangers off of the Live at Poe’s Pub EP! Is there a VH1-Behind the Music secret origin story on how you came to choose this lovely tune to perform for the live EP?

Funny enough, I actually discovered Strangers the first time through another cover of the song done by Lucius on their album ‘Good Grief.’  I was working with Scott Lane over at Subflora Records on my first record, “Domino,” and I remember him showing me the album, and I was absolutely floored by Strangers when it came on. Later I found out it was actually a song written by the Kinks, and I went down the rabbit hole of discovering a new-to-me artist. Dave Davies is just a master of the craft; he’s written something timeless and at the same time timely for the current cultural landscape.

On the heels of the release of the new EP, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring circuit in the coming weeks and months?

No major touring plans this fall, but I’ll be bopping about Richmond some. Playing Virginia Pridefest this year which I’m super excited about. Have a couple of shows regionally I’ll be announcing soon too. Keep your eyes peeled!

As we noted at the top, you’re based out of the beautiful city of Richmond, Virginia. How do those roots inform you as both an artist and as a person?

I just love Richmond so much. I don’t know where I’d be without my friends in the music scene who constantly inspire, challenge, and encourage me. I feel like the people of Richmond are the best combination of honest and hospitable. There is a boldness to the art’s scene, but there’s also a comradery and a sense of ‘high tide raises all ships.’ I count myself very lucky to live and be a part of this city’s vibrancy.

With the premiere of this brilliant new EP, how is late 2023 or sometime in 2024 looking as far as an LP release goes?

Well, I have a finished album ready to put out next year! Just getting the ducks in a row for its release, but it is coming very soon!

Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite movie about the music scene – This Is Spinal Tap, Almost Famous, That Thing You Do,  or Oliver Stone’s The Doors?

Funny enough…I have seen none of them haha. So I’ll say Wayne’s World.

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