A gripping songwriter balances the rugged and the tender, carrying forward a long tradition of normalizing truth and matters of the heart. Elliot C. Way is a seeker of truth, propelled by an all consuming dedication to music that bleeds into every aspect of his life.

...A wild visionary with a heavy heart and a load- bearing soul... his songs are

A gripping songwriter balances the rugged and the tender, carrying forward a long tradition of normalizing truth and matters of the heart. Elliot C. Way is a seeker of truth, propelled by an all consuming dedication to music that bleeds into every aspect of his life.

...A wild visionary with a heavy heart and a load- bearing soul... his songs are the hard lessons you come by when you lay it all on the line. An achingly honest steady burner set to a brooding country groove. - Holler Country

Way’s songs are the result of a life trialed and forged by fire, and while some performers obfuscate and distance the relationship between artist and listener, he invites you into the gritty fight he has endured to find his own words. Compellingly raw and laden with emotion, Way’s voice draws listeners into the stories of a man who has lived many lives and is willing to wear his heart on his sleeve. Nothing is withheld as he both bares and exposes the weight of his songs ,which reverberate through listeners' bones and resonate with their spirit. He carries an insight of an old soul who has lived through the storm, but also a young heart that dares to hope for the beauty that emerges in a new day.

Way leans into the strength of self awareness as opposed to feigning might, inviting listeners into the crevices of vulnerability. - RANGE Magazine

Indeed, alongside his songwriting grit, Way possesses a soulful singing voice of real quality” - Americana UK

From a young age Way was fervently dedicated to the songwriting heritage of Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zant, Bruce Springsteen, and Kris Kristofferson. Amongst other qualities, he drew deep inspiration from the level of importance these artists attributed to words, all while further evolving his own authentic storytelling.

His deep connection to the history of the lands and the people around him both provide soulful momentum that is owed to him and him alone. - Honky Tonk Times

After fifteen years of writing, living hard, playing hard and trying to find his place in the world - a journey spanning such disparate settings as performing in various bar circuits around the continent, extended stints living in and writing songs in a 70’s Boogie Van, and being holed up in empty motel rooms with a guitar- Way returned in 2016 after a stint in Austin, Texas to his home town of Fort Langley, BC. Living in a small farm house dubbed ‘Old Mountain’ with his wolf dog Emmy Lou, Way knew this little shack would be the perfect setting and backdrop to record his first full length album All I Know. Inspired by the home studio recordings of Springsteen’s Nebraksa, Neil Young’s Harvest, and self titled album of Indigenous Rock’n Roll pioneer Link Wray, Way converted his little country home into a makeshift studio. Enlisting the help of good friend and renowned bass player and producer, Erik P.H Nielsen, fellow songsmith Bob Sumner, and other longstanding bandmates (The Wild North), the outfit spent a week recording and sculpting both seasoned and fresh batches of personal folks songs into heavy, cosmic, country folk grooves. With shades of all the musical greats who inspired him there is a unique, palpable, and organic magic that weaves throughout these recordings. From start to finish there is the feel of an infectiously moveable collaboration amongst friends, while also capturing Way’s ability to contend with the silence of being alone in rooms only big enough for one person to settle with the strains, shadows, and joys of their own story.

Off the heels of three blisteringly powerful singles and videos for songs Bleed, Angels and Ashes, All I Know Way released his full length LP on North Country Collective Records (NCC), a label he helped found and runs with Bob Sumner that showcases a wide range of homegrown Americana and roots music talent. Hosted by the NCC with vinyl records for sale, Way played a massive album release show at one of Vancouver’s prestigious and premiere downtown venues, The Vogue theater to a packed house. Alongside his band of outlaws he played his record from start to finish, note for note eliciting a frenzy of dancing and enthusiasm from the crowd. This kind of experience is one Way has brought with him on the road through extensive touring of Western Canada, and even as far as Toronto. The universality of Way’s songwriting breeds a deep connection with any audience he plays for, because his songs capture something we all resonate with (namely heartache and the relief of not feeling alone in it). This connection expresses itself in the bliss of dancefloor swings and stomps in any venue he plays at.

Way’s image is a throwback to the 1970’s and his music also takes us back to the era although he manages that clever trick of sounding familiar and yet new and fresh at the same time - Americana UK

Way has kept himself busy these past months since his record release in June 2023 with a steady life on the road promoting its release and sharing songs with crowds all over the country. From coast to coast to coast he has been seeking to continue playing bigger festivals and venues whilst growing a dedicated fan base who have found themselves at home in his music. With an iron will and diligence put towards the lifestyle of a traveling songwriter, Way doesn’t plan on stopping to carve out a space for himself in this competitive industry. He plans to continue his chosen path, and aspires to bring the power of his music to both seaboards of the United States, and across the Atlantic to the UK where he will play any venue, bar, and tavern he can between each countries eastern and western edges.

Way has already started to work on his follow up to All I Know and promises to make it a heavy dose trip. While overcoming the everyday struggles to stay afloat in a seemingly sinking world, when it comes to his ambitions and dreams for his music he’s settled in for the long journey that already mirrors his ride through recollections of sorrow, healing, and sojourning along the plains and deep emotional valleys of his life. In these turbulent days where everyone is searching for meaning he strives to be a lighthouse, guiding and illuminating folks back to a simpler time where people have music that speaks to their own stories and connects them to themselves. To truly know Elliot C. Way is to listen to his music and songs where he lays it all on the line, and in a round about way the listener becomes acquainted to something familiar and true to themselves.