Texas has produced some of the best country music stars. From George Strait to Hudson Westbrook, the talent in Texas runs deep. Singer/songwriter Sterling Elza is no different. 

Growing up in Amarillo, he spent most of his life in west Texas. When COVID happened and the world shut down, he decided to start DMing people in the Texas music scene to sell merch for them. That opened the door to the music we know from Sterling today.

Your sound is definitely more rock than it is the traditional country sound. Who are some of your influences in the music industry? 

I love all the Texas rock guys. I have been on the road with Dexter and the Moonrocks and they are great. Dylan Wheeler and Austin Meade are awesome too. Koe Wetzel of course. “February 28, 2016” came out when I was 12 and I remember hearing it.

Who impacted your career?

I was selling merch before I knew I wanted to do the whole music thing. I just wanted to hang out with them, but I started writing songs. Before I knew it, I put one out and then I got to open for the people I was selling merch for. I got really lucky and made a bunch of friends during COVID.

Can you talk to us about the collaboration you did with Treaty Oak Revival?

I put out an acoustic version of “Throw Away” first. I won’t ever take it down, but I also won’t listen to the one without Treaty Oak anymore. I met them at a show in New Braunfels and they were super cool. I got to hangout with them and we stayed in touch. I asked if they would want to redo the song with me and they said yes! We got to the studio to record and at the last minute they changed it, but it came out the way everyone knows and loves.

Do you have a favorite song to play?

“Midnight Friends” or “Happy Never After”

Tell us about your latest EP, “Bags of Bones.”

I am so excited and pumped about this one, I have been waiting for these songs to come out for forever. I wrote them all five days in a row. I was going through a break up at the time so I just wrote my feelings. It came out pretty natural to me. I try to stay writing about what I know. I am only 22 so I do not have a ton of life experiences, but I do tend to blow tiny situations out of proportion and use that.

What is a dream Texas venue to play at?

I got to play Billy Bobs with Giovanni and the Hired Guns, but I would love to headline there. Same with Gruene Hall, we opened for Kody West but a headline show would be awesome.

Who is a dream collaborator?

It is hard to pick. I grew up loving all kinds of Texas music, so I really would do it with anyone. I am never opposed to trying something new. As an artist, you owe it to your fans to try new things. Everyone listens to everyone, and it would be so cool to have a song like Koe and Parker did with Love. I am going out on the road with Cole Barnhill, so maybe we can try something.

What can fans expect from a show?

I am still young. The shows are fun and loud.

If you want to catch Sterling Elza at a show this year, you can purchase tickets on his website. Be sure to stream his new EP, “Bag of Bones,” on any platform!

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Cover photo courtesy Sterling Elza

Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University, and in her free time she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.