Chad Elliott

Iowa's own Chad Elliott is the overall winner of Folk Alley's first Open Mic Contest. Thousands of songs were whittled down to 12 through a series of votes and Chad's work ultimately rose to the top! And now we look forward to seeing Chad perform at the 40th Kent State Folk Festival! - folkalley.com

Chad Elliott is not afraid to walk into an establishment and take his chances with his music. In some cases he'll just hand them one of his CD's and let them know he'd enjoy playing there; other times he'll find a coffee shop or tavern that's hosting an open-mic night and join in.
Elliott enjoys the intimate feel of small clubs where he's given the opportunity to try out his own original music in a public setting.
"I had the hardest time writing my first song," he says. "Finally I realized it was my own critic in my mind saying 'it's not good enough' and I'd stop."
To silence that inner critic, Elliott threw himself into the task. "I just forced myself one week to write 20 songs," he says. "I wasn't going to look at them, I didn't care how bad they were, I just wanted to get them down."
It worked. The spell of the inner critic was broken, and since then Elliott has maintained a rhythm of writting music. He calls what he does a mix of folk, blues and bluegrass country. "Alot of people call it Americana," he says.
Arts on Grand, a popular gallery in downtown Spencer, has recently been hosting "Coffeehouse Night" for Elliott. "His songs are all inspired by events that have happend to him throughout his life," explains Oxana Bedore, executive director of Arts On Grand. "He's so easygoing, and easy to relate to."
When it comes to his music, Elliott is clear about what he wants. "I hope to come away with being completely honest and open to the world," he says. "I'm trying not to be biased as an observer. Honesty is the most important thing to me as a musican and songwriter." - Sioux City Journal-(condensed)

The originality of Chad Elliott's lyrics and the history told behind each song is facinating! His variety of styles and sounds, whether it be vocal or instrumental, is incredible! He can relate to anyone through his music, all ages alike. Chad possesses a true gift in the ability to sing, play and perform that leaves the audience hungry for more.
-Carly Littlefield - Daily Reporter

"(Bowl of Stars) is one of the most delightful CD's in it's genre that I've had the pleasure of reviewing in quite some time...."
"...while I'm sure you get the James Taylor comparison, you certainly hold your own and have a very distinct style.."
"The new material...is equally as compelling...it's stripped down, minimal personality is refreshing and honest."
- Ryan Hoffer (Shut Eye Records and Agency)
- Shut Eye Records & Agency

Chad is often compared to famous Iowa songwriter-cum-poet Greg Brown, but the comparison sells them both short. They are both Iowa voices to be treasured, but as different as they are similar. Theirs are not so much unique stories, but songs from unique storytellers, both to be treasured for their Iowa perspectives. - NoDepression.com

Chad is often compared to famous Iowa songwriter-cum-poet Greg Brown, but the comparison sells them both short. They are both Iowa voices to be treasured, but as different as they are similar. Theirs are not so much unique stories, but songs from unique storytellers, both to be treasured for their Iowa perspectives. - NoDepression.com

There’s something warming about an open, what-you-see-is-what-you-get personality and with Chad Elliott it transfers to the stage very naturally. His first song of the night, “Swear I Could” featured a rocking beat, with country hooks and a folk presentation. This great song, like many of the others Chad played on this evening, has not been recorded yet. That tells me that Elliott is an ongoing, productive writer and story teller with a lot to offer music fans for years to come. - HoustonMusicReview.com

Since then [Chad Elliott] has developed a sound that can be held alongside performers like Bo Ramsey and William Elliott Whitmore as being distinctly Iowa. A tireless songwriter, Elliott’s creativity seems boundless, and the next album is always right around the corner. - Cityview

Since then [Chad Elliott] has developed a sound that can be held alongside performers like Bo Ramsey and William Elliott Whitmore as being distinctly Iowa. A tireless songwriter, Elliott’s creativity seems boundless, and the next album is always right around the corner. - Cityview

"Redemption is something a working artist like Chad Elliott understands. It is the saving or improving of something from irreversible decline. Sometimes it is the art. Other times it is the artist himself. Eight years ago, the 35-year-old singer-songwriter-guiartist bought a one-way ticket to California. With only $20 in his pocket, he immersed himself in San Francisco's homeless community. For one month, he ate and slept with them. Then for the next 11 months, he lived in his car, rambling like a vagabond before returning to his native Iowa and settling down in Coon Rapids." - Michael Swanger - Cityview

"Redemption is something a working artist like Chad Elliott understands. It is the saving or improving of something from irreversible decline. Sometimes it is the art. Other times it is the artist himself. Eight years ago, the 35-year-old singer-songwriter-guiartist bought a one-way ticket to California. With only $20 in his pocket, he immersed himself in San Francisco's homeless community. For one month, he ate and slept with them. Then for the next 11 months, he lived in his car, rambling like a vagabond before returning to his native Iowa and settling down in Coon Rapids." - Michael Swanger - Cityview

"The music seems to carry on in the tradition of the 'Iowa sound' started decades ago. For those that don't know, 'the Iowa sound' is a 'distinctive combination of folk, blues and roots-rock that perfectly captures the rugged artistry of Iowa's landscape.' Pretty much, Chad Elliott." - Daniel Bosman - Scented Vinyl

"The music seems to carry on in the tradition of the 'Iowa sound' started decades ago. For those that don't know, 'the Iowa sound' is a 'distinctive combination of folk, blues and roots-rock that perfectly captures the rugged artistry of Iowa's landscape.' Pretty much, Chad Elliott." - Daniel Bosman - Scented Vinyl

Singer/songwriter and artisan Chad Elliott constantly tells stories. They're floated on chords, tucked between songs, and layered on canvas. As his tales unfold, Elliott's unassuming character and approachability create immediate intimacy. He's the guy at the end of the bar you want to talk to at 2:00 a.m while the glasses are stacked and the jukebox fades.

On his latest release, Redemption Man, Elliott wields a broad stroke of introspective lyricism, gently coaxing the listener’s heart out of submission to ride shotgun on an absorbing journey though life’s challenges and triumphs. Infused with adept guitar work and rich vocals, Elliott’s roots music reveals a brave and hopeful vulnerability that represents the reality we all feel, but rarely have the courage to share aloud. - Tracey Kelley
- Intrepid Media

"Chad is equal parts Townes Van Zant and Woody Guthrie. A remarkably competent finger style guitarist and arguably one of new folk's most gifted new lyricists. 'Redemption Man' indeed redeems his warm, brown acoustic roots sound. Chad's previous releases, while highly impressive, pale in comparison to his latest release thanks o producer Bo Ramsey and virtual list of who's who in the Iowa roots music scene including Pieta Brown making a notable back-up vocal appearance on what I feel to be the album's signature track 'Same Old Way.'" - Mat D - NoDepression.com

"Chad is equal parts Townes Van Zant and Woody Guthrie. A remarkably competent finger style guitarist and arguably one of new folk's most gifted new lyricists. 'Redemption Man' indeed redeems his warm, brown acoustic roots sound. Chad's previous releases, while highly impressive, pale in comparison to his latest release thanks o producer Bo Ramsey and virtual list of who's who in the Iowa roots music scene including Pieta Brown making a notable back-up vocal appearance on what I feel to be the album's signature track 'Same Old Way.'" - Mat D - NoDepression.com

"In the wide scope of Americana music live stories timeless as the land. With dynamic swells amid driven and transient melodies, Chad Elliott tells them one song at a time." - Sam Burrish (Heard Mentality) - Sioux City Journal

"In the wide scope of Americana music live stories timeless as the land. With dynamic swells amid driven and transient melodies, Chad Elliott tells them one song at a time." - Sam Burrish (Heard Mentality) - Sioux City Journal

Chad Elliott is not only a very gifted folk singer; he is also a brilliant sculptor. This Spencer native tells colorful stories about his beloved heartland through his understated voice and adept guitar work. The subjects of all of these songs, real or fictional, are full of life and vigor. These musical stories are captivating and real. Like a good book, they take you to the heart of the heartland and paint a picture of the wonderful people who inhabit it. This is good music for great people. - Tony Tarbox - Art Scene

Chad Elliott is not only a very gifted folk singer; he is also a brilliant sculptor. This Spencer native tells colorful stories about his beloved heartland through his understated voice and adept guitar work. The subjects of all of these songs, real or fictional, are full of life and vigor. These musical stories are captivating and real. Like a good book, they take you to the heart of the heartland and paint a picture of the wonderful people who inhabit it. This is good music for great people. - Tony Tarbox - Art Scene