Scottish guitarist and lyricist Elliot Greer has a few covers under his belt like The Chainsmokers and Oasis but the singer has a lot of original material up his sleeve for the new year. His music touches on the sensibilities of folk, blues, and a bit of country. His second installment of the Barebones series is called Barebones II and is out now. He is set to go out on a brief tour with Sam Barber next year.
I talked to the singer about his musical style, falling in love with guitar, and playing the iconic Music Hall of Williamsburg next year.
What made you fall in love with music?
I grew up with musical parents. My dad was a professional singer & actor in London’s West End along with my mum who was a professional dancer. So I always had music in my life. But I would say I was around the age of 12 when I knew it was what I wanted to do for a living.
When did you pick up guitar?
I started playing guitar around 12 years old. I was inspired seeing a VHS of Bon Jovi live at Wembley stadium. Haven’t put it down since.
Where are you based now?
Currently based in NYC. However, I’m originally from a town called Stirling, Scotland, and I’m so proud of that.
Your music touches a bit on the country side of things. Were you influenced by that genre of music at all?
You know it’s a funny thing actually… I’ve always been influenced by “American Music” growing up—blues, country, and folk. I think for me the grass was always greener, as in those styles weren’t such a big thing in the UK so it felt cool and special. I just liked it, so I guess without trying it rubbed off on my voice and writing. That’s the only explanation that makes any sense, ha.
Your covers are phenomenal as you add your own twist to them. What made you decide to do covers in the first place and why Chainsmokers and Oasis?
Thank you so much. You know, this year has been a methodical one. I didn’t want to rush music out the door—I’ve been working my ass off to get it right. So in order to give my fans something to chew on before the album release, I thought why don’t I release a bunch of acoustic covers to bridge the gap? When it came to choosing, I just went for songs that were some of my favorites that I also felt I could apply my own unique twist to.
Do you have any new original material on the horizon?
Yes! 2024 is gonna be full of new original music. And I have to tell you, it’s the best music I’ve ever made. I’ve never felt more excited and proud to share something with the world.
What is the Scotland music scene like?
To be honest, I’m not sure as I’ve been in NYC since I was 18, but I hear really great things. There are so many talented musicians from Scotland. And actually, they’re not just musicians—many of them are true artists. And it feels so genuine. The music is real and no bullshit cause the Scottish people are real and no bullshit.
The Barebones projects—why did you name it as such?
When pitching this idea to my team, the CEO of my management kept saying “barebones” and I loved the idea. It’s just another way to say stripped, acoustic, raw. These tracks have a very reductive approach, often just me and a guitar and maybe one other instrument. It’s very close to what I sound like live.
You are going on a small tour in the new year. What are your thoughts when you get on stage?
I love being on stage. It’s the reason I do what I do. I get nervous, but I’m confident in my abilities and I always see it as a privilege to be on stage so I never take it for granted and try to make the most of every moment. I’ve been gigging and playing shows for almost 12 years now. I’ve even busked in Central Park. So while the nerves don’t go away, I always know I can do it because I’ve done it in some of the most intimidating circumstances. And to be honest, I always have a great time.
Are you excited to play Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn?
Yeah, such an iconic venue. I saw The Lumineers play there a few years ago and they looked like they were having a blast, so it’s cool to be back now playing the same stage.
What do you want the audience to take away from your music and lyrics?
In short, I want my music and lyrics to resonate with people. Of course, I want to turn a whole room of heads, but if I even capture just a handful of people who leave feeling connected to it, then I’ve done my job.
Elliot Greer 2024 Tour Dates
March 3, 2024 – Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON*
March 21, 2024 – Roxian Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA*
March 22, 2024 – The Atlantis – Washington, DC*
March 23, 2024 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY*
March 25, 2024 – Royale – Cambridge, MA*
*Supporting Sam Barber
