Mark your calendars, good people. RVA-based artist Landon Elliott is dropping a new collection of songs on Nov. 1. “Aftermath,” a self-released effort, promises to be a banger that’ll probably also make you cry happy tears. One minute it might go down sad-town alley, the next you’ve got a soaring gay anthem. Enter “Boy, Boy,” the latest single and third from the upcoming release, which speaks to Elliott’s nimbleness and vulnerability as a singer-songwriter.
“It’s a proud song about experiencing, you know, the ups and downs of new and affirmed love,” says Elliott. “And the pitfalls of dating in the gay scene,” he adds laughing.
Laden with synth and big ’80s beats, the song is a sonic evolution for the artist, who is typically known for more guitar-centric, introspective tracks. This one is more glitter-soaked bop that’ll have you dancing at first listen. “It’s a turning point for me in a lot of ways,” he says.
It’s a pearl-clutcher, friends.
Prior to “Boy, Boy” Elliott released “Aftermath” and “Neon Jesus.” If it seems like a whole lotta Jesus, Elliott gives us some insight. “This whole album is a kind of grappling with that upbringing and doctrine. The fear and shame that comes from evangelical practices,” he says. “I’m letting go of that having a hold on my ability to move forward.”
Most recently, Elliott played Pridefest and calls the experience transformative and surreal.
“It was a full-circle moment for me to come from a place of not having much pride in myself, or not having a ton of pride in who I was or who I am, into a space where I got to be completely unfettered, totally myself,” he explains. “I got to celebrate with not just my chosen family that was cheering me on but with the entire Richmond queer community and just get to feel that love, and get to feel like I’m a part of something in my 30s. It was healing.” Not only was it special, but the event marked the debut of a lot of new material, including “Boy, Boy” after a bit of a hiatus. “I just needed a second, honestly,” he says.
Aside from several fresh tracks being cranked out rapid-fire, Elliott has a handful of shows coming up and a video from a yet-to-be-announced cut that’s not to be missed (stay tuned for that gem). “All of this is about new experiences and the excitement that comes along with that,” he says.
Catch the video for Boy Boy and stream/download per the usual channels. Landon Elliott plays his album release with the Wilson Springs Hotel and Deau Eyes on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Broadberry. Tickets $20-25. Doors 7 p.m., sounds 8 p.m.
