My name is Sebastian Garland. I’m a 17 year old Elvis tribute artist. I go to an arts school and I’m from Orlando Florida.
When was the moment you realized you wanted to become an Elvis Tribute artist?
"I have pretty much always been an Elvis fan, but it wasn’t until I was sitting in a hotel in West Palm Beach after watching the Elvis movie and watching other people perform as Elvis when I started to think, “Well if they can do it then so can I”. So I told my parents that I wanted to do it and I started messaging around looking for places to perform and the rest is history!"
What is your favorite Elvis song to perform?
"I get this question a lot and it’s so hard to choose because I love all of his music. If I were to choose an upbeat song I can dance to I’d probably say Blue Suede Shoes, but if I were to choose a slow song it’d have to be If I Can Dream."
Do you think you & Elvis have anything in common, if so can you name the similarities?
"We do have a couple of similarities actually. One major similarity is that we both grew up in a kind of small town. Another is that he was very close to his parents and family and even his friends were considered part of his family, which I definitely see in myself. We also have a love for opera in common. He studied it a lot for songs like It’s Now Or Never which is derived from the opera song O’ Sole Mio."
Have you ever been to Graceland?
"This one tends to surprise people. I actually have never been to Graceland. I’ve always wanted to go, but I haven’t gone yet. I’m hoping to go this summer as a graduation/senior trip. Although I will hopefully be there soon to compete in their Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest!"
How do you train to be an Elvis tribute artist?
"A big part of training is watching countless clips of him performing. I couldn’t tell you how many videos I’ve watched on YouTube of him just to find the little details of the slightest hand gesture he’ll make. The hardest part especially for those who want to perform in the 50’s era is finding clips from then because video cameras weren’t as common. I do practice almost every day and I take vocal lessons to help develop my voice and apply those skills to my performances!"
Where do you typically perform?
"I typically perform most here in Florida. My “home base” is this farm in Clermont, Florida called Showcase of Citrus. They really discovered me and it’s taken off from there. I’m starting to branch out now to other states for competitions and that’s taken me places especially when it comes to meeting new people and even people who knew Elvis personally!"
Have you seen the Elvis or Priscilla movie, if so how did you feel about them?
"I have indeed seen both movies. I actually just recently watched Priscilla and thoroughly enjoyed it. They really are complete opposites of each other, but in the end, I have to give Elvis the win. I mean if it weren’t for that movie I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing! But yes, I have seen both and have really enjoyed both movies. I couldn’t even tell you how many times I’ve watched the Elvis movie…"
What are some tips for upcoming Elvis Tribute artists?"
:My biggest tip is to take your time and learn from watching others. In this business, the other performers are going to be like your brothers. If you need help with something we’ll help out. There have been so many times where I’ve had to reach out to guys I haven’t even met and I thought they would never answer me because I was too small. You’re never too small. They’ll always be there to help you. They may not answer immediately if you text them, but they will almost always help a brother out."
Follpow Sebastion for updates on his career:
Instagram: thefloridaelvis
Facebook: Sebastian Garland
YouTube: thegarlandlogs8738
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