ELSA CROSS

ELSA CROSS

As one critic wrote, Elsa Cross’ “twangy guitar style and edgy lyrics invoke all the gritty emotion of a true rockabilly soul, complete with robust vocals and a western guitar twist that together amount to a doggedly lonesome but resolutely independent style."

Born in the hills of Strong, Maine, Elsa’s deep and devoted relationship with music has been a lifelong obsession. From as early as the age of five, she remembers being enraptured by the voices of the gospel choir in her hometown’s Methodist church. And not before too long, the gusto of tattooed rockabilly beats and sweet, honest simplicity of country & western captured her heart, laying the foundation for her dark and stirring music.

Drawing on these influences and personal experiences with heartache, Elsa began writing and performing her own songs, releasing her debut “Unavailable” in 2008 and the self-titled “Elsa Cross” in 2011. These albums received critical acclaim not only for the beauty and authenticity of Elsa’s voice, but also her ability to unveil, through word and sound, the luridness of the human psyche—the demons, ghosts, and zombies that haunt us all. “Eddie Spaghetti and The Reverend Horton Heat would both fall in love with this woman.”

Now living in Austin, Texas, Elsa continues to captivate audiences with her clear, distinct voice and original songs rooted in the traditions of country, americana, and rock & roll music.

She recently had the opportunity to open for outlaw country legend Merle Haggard, a fitting bill for a singer whose very heart and soul are the embodiment of the outlaw tradition.