Events At OutWest In May

Scout: Thanks for spending some time with your OutWest fans, Eli. Tell us a little of your involvement in the Western Music Association and what it means to you.

Eli: I have been a member of the WMA for several years. The western way of living is my heritage and my roots, so it's important to be a member and involved in a great organization that works so hard at preserving this lifestyle.

Scout: And it takes hard working members like you to make that happen. In 2008 you released 'Darn Hard To Tame', a tribute to Canadian singer Wilf Carter. What drew you to that project?

Eli: As a young girl and performer I was drawn to Wilf Carter. I was probably most impressed with his gracious stage presence and that he was a genuine cowboy. The songs that he wrote and performed were created in the saddle as he rode the plains of Alberta and Montana as a working cowboy.

Scout: OK, this one's just for fun. If you could have only five songs loaded on your ipod, what would they be?

Eli: Michael Buble--'Everything'

Kathy Matea--'Where Have You Been'

New Grass Revival--'Don't You Hear Jeruselem Moan'

Mercy Me--'I Can Only Imagine'

R.W. Hampton--'The Place Where I Worship"

Scout: Wow. Your music list really reveals a lot of your heart.

How do you spend any spare time you may have? Any Hobbies?

Eli: Well, the majority of my time is spent doing something in the music business...BUT I always make time for family, of course, and some 'me' down time. My favorite side projects are usually making cowgirl accessories, like my signature cigar box purses. I am also writing a cookbook, but that's a very side thing....projecting about three years before completion.

Scout: Wahoo!...sign me up for a cookbook! You grew up on a farm. How has that influenced your music?

Eli: Growing up on a farm/ranch certainly influenced all of the genres I perfrom...especially Western. When I sing about riding, cattle branding, fencing, etc. I've lived it and been there. A song/topic is easier to deliver on stage if you can relate to it.

Scout: Well put. Who would you say were your early musical influences?

Eli: My early influences were some of the old Opry Stars, like the Carter Family, Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells...and the yodelers like Patsy Montana, Wilf Carter and Elton Britt.

Scout: You do them proud! Of your ten CD releases, do you have a favorite? Which one and why?

Eli: Well, to pick a favorite is not easy. However, I would put my Gospel album 'Close To Home' at the top of the list. My family and I live a faith-based life, and to me it's a high priority to sing and share this message. Out of all the music I've recorded, this CD gets the most feedback as 'making a difference' in someone's life.

Scout: Like you said, it's easier to deliver a message you've lived. And your message really comes through on that one. To wrap this up, tell us about any goals and plans you have for the future.

Eli: Continued songwriting, record many more CDs, learn a couple more instruments, and perform on The Grand Ol Opry!

Scout: Be sure to let us know when The Opry happens. I'll bet we could fill the place with your OutWest fans.

Thank you so much for sharing with us and we'll see you down the trail.