Meredith Elsie brings the independent spirit of Montana to life through her music. A talented musician and songwriter based in Livingston, she weaves together country roots, folk melodies, and original compositions with vibrant world styles. Join her on a journey that celebrates authenticity and the rich musical heritage of the region and beyond.
Meredith grew up in Cleveland, spent over a decade in New York City, and now calls Montana home. A collector of folk music, she loves to sing a soulful tune and play for dancers.
For years alongside a career in urban development, music moments were found while visiting family in Nashville where bluegrass jams were common. But as a member of a co-living community in her last years in NYC she searched for meaningful ways to contribute to the space, and music always rose to the top. She brought her guitar out on the town to explore bluegrass circles which led her to wonderful music communities and connections with some extraordinary teachers. And during her last year at Lightning Society, she regularly hosted intimate rooftop bluegrass jams (nachos included), and lively flamenco house concerts.
When she drove out West to visit family a few years back she decided to stay and begin a new chapter. In Montana, she continues to discover her artistic voice through the exploration of the roots of bluegrass, old time and country dance music, songwriting and performing, and is particularly inspired by the abundance of musical artistry within the region. Her twist on folk traditions comes from exposure to a diversity of cultures and environments, but also honors the current influence of the Montana landscape - its culture, the wild and wide open spaces, and the slower pace of life all inspire as she carves a unique musical path all her own. Although squarely planted within the Americana realm she might veer off and sing a Spanish or Irish tune on occasion as a true love of folk music knows no boundaries.
She is also a vocal instructor who has developed a curriculum based on the flamenco teaching style which she credits with empowering and liberating her voice in recent years. Dynamic vocal techniques and exercises help singers and non-singers alike regain the vitality and strength in their voice, and to engage the supportive structure necessary to sing safely with ease, power and stamina. She believes that empowering people to sing in their authentic voices in their natural speaking range offers a healing and connective experience that can be a true gift.