Back Down South

Music Monday – Elim Bolt

Photographed by Jamie Clayton

I didn’t know who Elim Bolt was until Jamie showed me this photo he took of their frontman, Johnnie Matthews. When I asked about them, he directed me to their song “Field” first.

“Grew up in South Carolinaaaa…”

Well, that’s a good start.

Twangy guitars, a voice somewhere between Elvis and Roy Orbison (but still very much his own), songs about the South by a band that sounds new, yet familiar…Why yes, I like it all very much.

Stream: “Field”

02 Field

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Raised in:
Elim, South Carolina

Lives in:
Charleston, South Carolina

How Charleston influences your bands sound:
Charleston is a wild, beautiful, and dirty city. Living here has put me around some great musicians. There’s lots of parties, lots of medication, and lots of pretty people. It’s a city where being a slacker like me is socially acceptable, which is cool.

Now would ya look at that:
Johnnie, Elim Bolt‘s lead singer.

  • Willow hat from the movie. “It was a gift from a friend and my most prized article of clothing.”
  • Ray-Ban club masters glasses.
  • American Apparel shirts. “I like the simplicity of their clothes, and I wear multiple collared shirts a lot.”

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Get familiar with Elim Bolt’s album Nude South.
iTunes | Spotify | Bandcamp

Comments

  2. Jessie says

    As a six year resident of Charleston, I think our city is what you choose to experience. Patrician and regal,South of Broad, gritty and wild, Upper King, a place where you can create your scene. Also, as a friend of Johhnie and an avid follower of local music, douche is a completely inappropriate word. Uncouthness is very not Charleston.

  3. D says

    Caroline & M – How would you describe Charleston? How much time have you spent there?

  4. jamie says

    Coming from someone who calls Charleston home, I think Johnnie describes Charleston perfectly. Its such a beautiful place with pretty people walking around but also is home to a ton of creatives running wild. His music also reflects the city and their current incredible music scene coming up. Charleston is more than just walking around King and Meeting. And Jacob, you’re right, what I would do for some Xia Boa Biscuit after visiting Rogue Wave Surf Shop right now. I love Spring street.

  5. M says

    He’s a douchey guy trying to sound cool. I agree with Caroline his description of Charleston is way off base.

  7. Jacob says

    Oh, but Caroline, it’s true. Walk down Spring Street on a Friday night and you’ll see what he’s talking about.

  8. Jacob says

    Oh, but Caroline, it’s true, too true. Walk down Spring Street on a Friday night and that’s what you’ll find.