As Landon Elliott prepares to take the stage at Virginia Pride Fest 2024, Elliott reflects on his journey in music—a path shaped by family, local influences, and his own personal growth.
Elliott’s musical roots run deep, stemming from a childhood steeped in melody and rhythm. “I was surrounded by music as a kid,” he recalls. “My mom and uncle were songwriters and performers. Some of my earliest memories are of my grandfather playing Elvis, George Strait, and Johnny Cash behind his guitar, with all of them singing together.” This early exposure to music, coupled with the support of his family, laid the foundation for a lifelong passion.
It wasn’t long before Elliott took his first steps into performance. From singing in elementary school choirs and church programs to teaching himself guitar and piano in his teens, his musical journey was marked by a desire to create. “My parents bought me this Esteban infomercial guitar for Christmas when I was 12,” he laughs. “The videos were so cheesy…but I learned enough of the basics to start playing by ear, and the rest is history.”
Over the years, Elliott’s sound has been shaped by a wide array of influences. From the storytelling of Johnny Cash to the intensity of early 2000s emo and post-hardcore, his music is a tapestry woven with diverse threads. “My friends, who I’ve had the privilege of playing music with these past several years, are definitely my biggest and best influences,” he says. “Watching friends like Sleepwalkers, Angelica Garcia, Deau Eyes, and The Head and the Heart crush their craft raised the bar.”
The last few years have been a time of reflection and transformation for Elliott, particularly during the pandemic. “Before the pandemic hit, it felt like there was a high tide raising the local scene’s collective ship,” he reflects. “The pandemic really did take the wind out of those sails.” For Elliott, the lockdown period was a time of introspection, which, while challenging, also brought about significant growth. “The songs I wrote during the shutdown, and the sounds that accompanied them, mirrored the energy of that moment and felt very intimate and raw.”
In 2023, Elliott released Live at Poe’s Pub, an album that marked his return to live performances. “The residency at Poe’s was really challenging to pull off logistically, but each night was so heartwarming and unique and totally worth it,” he says. The experience reignited his passion for music and performing. Poe’s Pub holds a special place in Elliott’s heart, as it was where he first began performing in Richmond. “Their weekly open mic was where I tested new songs and met so many of my friends who I collaborate and create with to this day.”
As Elliott prepares to perform at Virginia Pride Fest 2024, he reflects on the significance of this moment. “It’s a bit surreal,” he admits. “It took me a while to come to terms with who I am as a gay man. To have this chance to celebrate the journey and to affirm self-acceptance and unconditional love with my Richmond queer community…I’m just so honored.”
For those unfamiliar with the Richmond music scene, Elliott describes it as “insanely talented” and “very eclectic.” As for what’s next, fans can look forward to the release of his new album, aftermath, on November 1st, 2024. “I cannot wait to share it with everyone,” he says, his excitement palpable.
In a city known for its rich artistic culture, Landon Elliott continues to be a shining example of what makes Richmond’s music scene so special. Whether on stage at Poe’s Pub or Virginia Pride Fest, Elliott’s journey is one of growth, community, and a deep love for the music that defines his life.
