Matthew Patania Kentucky-born, Elvie Shane fell in love with music at his small-town Baptist church, combining his love of gospel and rock music. After being invited to be a part of a local rock band, he further discovered his passion for singing and songwriting.
With over 25 million career streams to date, Elvie recently released his 6-track debut EP County Roads via BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records and all streaming services. The EP pays homage to his roots and features the ultimate Father’s Day song, the tender-hearted hit song. “My Boy.”
“My Boy” is a non-traditional father-son anthem Elvie wrote about his connection with his stepson. The single has already received great success. It has reached over 1 million weekly on-demand streams, an incredible 1.2 billion views on TikTok, peaking at #1 on the USA TikTok Sound Chart, Top 30 on Country radio, and received 1.4 million views on the official music video within the first 10 weeks of being released. “That song has really been the driving force of my career. A lot of these songs are really rock ‘n’ roll, and a little edgy, but then you’ve got this one tender song about a father’s love for his stepson,” Elvie says. “I want my music to make people think, and I want it to be as raw and real as possible.”
Growing up in the small town of Caneyville, Kentucky, working blue-collar jobs, as well as attending your local Baptist church, when did you come to pursue your passion for music? In what way have these experiences influenced the music you create/identify with?
Elive Shane: “Mama says I was born on a Sunday and the Sunday after she had me tightly beside a hymnal in church. It was there I was first introduced to music. After church, I’d get home where my Pops would be working on his Semi or some old beater he’d traded for. Sounds of John Fogerty’s “Blue Moon Swamp” or Steve Earle’s “Guitar Town” pouring out the windows. I started trying to string words together at an early age. I think the first time I actually wrote a song was after I saw this awesome movie that randomly came on one night back in 98, “The Temptations.” This blend of Gospel, Country, Blues, R&B, and Heartland Rock is something that has been deeply embedded in my musical genome since I could even hear. I just hope it all finds a space to live in my own Music.”
Though the scene may be thought of as overwhelming to those that may not necessarily “fit the mold,” what was it about Nashville’s sophisticated music culture that eventually drew you in? Over time, how has Nashville become a place where you can further explore your southern roots and authenticity while chasing your dreams?
ES: “Well, I’ve never felt like I’ve fit in anywhere my whole life, so Nashville just became a welcome challenge… or at the least an opportunity to aggravate the shit out of some people in the music industry. I stayed away for the longest time cause it all just
seemed so out of reach. Like… a dream. But I guess it’s always just a dream unless
you chase it. So, after finding every excuse not to come down here I could muster up,
I saw a CMA performance that changed it all. A hillbilly from KY just like me on one
side of the stage, and the current “King of Pop” on the other. The way they came
together proved to me that there were plenty of lanes in between to drive down. So,
the following Monday, I drove like hell and brought my ass to Nashville.”
“Since then, Nashville has been good to me, but I found myself struggling to pull from
my roots and write the “songs of my people” living in the rat race. So, last year I
hightailed it back to Kentucky where I am living now, driving back and forth every
week to create. I enjoy the time on the road, the struggle of living out of a suitcase,
and the contrast of culture and environment I experience on a weekly basis.”
Congratulations on the release of your 6-track debut EP, County Roads. What does this project mean to you both lyrically, and musically, as the record explores who you are, not only as an artist but as an individual? Explain how your hit song “My Boy” laid the foundation for what is a record built on southern rock, gospel influences, and Mustang drives, and what will continue to be a career full of love, warmth, and success.
ES: “Thank You! Lyrically this project means everything to me. It is my life in 6 songs. The ups, downs, twists, and turns that got me here. The “County Roads” of my life. It’s as honest as I could possibly be while still making it all Rhyme. I’m glad I was blessed
with an opportunity to tell my story through an outlet I’ve always had a great relationship with….music.”
“There were two movies that really inspired the concept of “County Roads.” First, my all-time favorite, and the movie responsible for turning me into a gear head, “American
Graffiti.” Second, and very similar, “Dazed & Confused.” I watched them back-to-back
one night after having written a lot of songs, and was trying to decide what to put out.
One thing I noticed is that although these movies were based in a different time,
everything from what the characters were experiencing, to the coming of age, and monumental moments in their lives, were the same as mine in the early 2000s… The cars were just different.“
“As For ‘My Boy,’ it’s just an extension of my truth. The first song that was written on
the whole piece, and the foundation that led us to write these stories based on
actual events and emotions I’ve experienced. When it comes down to it, it’s all about
1 thing… FEEL… that’s why we took so much time putting the band together (props
to Oscar Charles, Co-Writer and Producer), letting them do what they’ve trained to
do their whole lives. I always tell them the same thing when we go in to cut. “I want
y’all to have fun and love what you’re playing.” If the players aren’t as happy as I am
when we leave the studio, we did something wrong.”
In April of this year, you performed live at the Grand Ole Opry. Tell us about that experience.
ES: “I can sum it up… that Circle. As I walked up to it, I noticed all the scrapes, scars, divots, and chunks missing. I thought “The only way it got that way was from 95 years of boots scootin on it.” I hope I took a lil’ chunk home on my Sole that night as well, or at least left a little sole there myself.”
Do you have any advice for those who might not know where to begin, or may feel intimidated by their dreams? What core values do you hold close to your heart that have led you to where you are today?
ES: “Quit thinking about it and do it. Be persistent, swallow your ego, and keep people
around you who are mighty where you are weak. I have this mantra… “Persistence
always gets dedication to its goals.” A lot of people say money is the biggest roadblock, I say BS. I didn’t have a pot to piss in when I started this journey. God gave
you talent and a dream for a reason. Trust your passion. Angels come along with a
little gas money for the trip when you need it most and least expect it. Just KEEP ON
STRUMMIN.'”
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