Myron Elkins: From Michigan factory welder to Nashville recording artist
Myron Elkins joins The Fabricator Podcast to talk about his journey of being a factory welder from small-town Otsego, Mich., to becoming an touring Americana recording artist backed by Nashville producer Dave Cobb and Elektra Records. From ages 17 to 21, Elkins made his way through a vocational welding program at Allegan Area ESA Tech Center in rural Western Michigan and worked as a welder for Landscape Forms, fabricating high-end outdoor furniture. Also during that time, Elkins also developed his love and understanding of music. He found himself listening to a mix of classic rock, including Motown, southern rock, blues, country, and alt-country while working in the fab shop. That led him to writing more songs and overcoming his performance anxiety by playing small venues between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Then Elkins got the Music City bug. He played a few small gigs in Nashville, signed a manager, and cut a five-song EP called "Just Another Asshole With a Guitar." It caught the attention of Cobb, who has worked with the likes of Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, and the late John Prine. Cobb signed Elkins to a five-album deal on his Low Country Sounds label, an imprint of Elektra, and produced Elkins' first full-length album, "Factories, Farms & Amphetamines." At the top, the guys talk about other musicians from Michigan, some of their favorite Bob Seeger songs, Jack White's Nashville connection, and whether or not Kid Rock is still mad at Bud Light. Email us at podcast@thefabricator.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions.