Halloween may have been and gone for another year, but there’s still time to enjoy a little Gothic mischief. So, with the pumpkins barely cold, we’re turning our attention to Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sheva Elliot and her new single, ‘River Run Dry’.” And what better way to celebrate than with a little dark atmosphere, some rocking rhythms and a touch of vampiric fun?
It’s an uncharacteristically sunny morning here in the UK, about as un-Gothic as you can get, but I’m settling down to explore the new single from Sheva Elliot, “River Run Dry”. There’s plenty to enjoy here, including a rather entertaining video, some interesting musical influences and a few surprises from Sheva herself. We caught up with her to discuss the new single, explore some of her earlier releases and, naturally, indulge in a little Halloween mischief.
Meet Sheva Elliot
Splitting her time between Nashville and Los Angeles, Sheva Elliot brings story-driven lyrics, powerhouse vocals and fearless live performances to her music. With her heart rooted in blues-rock and soul, Sheva moves comfortably across genres and decades, weaving together elements of folk, gospel and psychedelia.
Her debut album, “Pay the Priestess”, was recorded live to tape at the renowned Sonic Ranch Studios, engineered using the legendary Motown Neve console.
She subsequently embarked on a press tour across the southern United States, appearing on Everyday Kentucky, Bluff City Life on Action 5 News and performing live on WSMV 4’s Today in Nashville. The album’s title track has also received radio play nationally and internationally, including in the UK, France, Australia and New Zealand.
“River Run Dry” – A Little Witchcraft, some dance and a Lot of Rock!
“River Run Dry” is Sheva’s new single, released on October 31st, 2026. It’s a pop-rocker, and a very good one at that, with a real bluesy feel running through it. I’ve played it several times now and it has really grown on me.
Musically, there’s something here that reminds me of the material When Rivers Meet have been producing in the UK: that infectious, heavy groove, with a dance-like quality running through the rhythm. It’s a song that gets under your skin, and Sheva tells us it has been brewing for quite some time.
“Oh it sure has been brewing for a while (cauldron pun not intended). I actually recorded a bit of a different version quite a few years ago,” she explains, “and decided to re-vamp it. It now better fits the overall roots-rock direction of the new album.”
And what a reworking! The track slips into a real blast of a chorus, with plenty to sing along to, some neat guitar breaks and hooks that stay with you. There’s a confidence to the arrangement, and it has a wonderfully infectious quality.
The accompanying video is great fun, too, bringing us all those witchy, Gothic textures that make it particularly appropriate for Halloween. Sheva was responsible for the direction, including the concept, costumes and art direction, and it’s clear she’s had a great deal of fun bringing the visual side of the song to life.
Skirts, dancing, snakes and a distinctly Western flavour all feature, creating an entertaining visual companion to the music. Having lived in Spain for a time, I also noticed some distinctly Spanish influences in the imagery. I asked Sheva about this, and her response was:
“So funny you mention Spain – I was just travelling in Italy and everyday I got asked by at least one or two people if I’m Spanish! My Grandma has some Iberian ancestry so that makes sense.”
Perhaps there’s a little more Iberian influence in the mix than first meets the eye!
“River Run Dry” is an early release from Sheva’s forthcoming album, The Valley, which is expected in spring 2027. She confirmed that it will be available across the usual streaming platforms, with plans for a vinyl release too. Something to look forward to.
Exploring the Back Catalogue
Moving away from the new single for a moment, I took the opportunity to explore a couple of tracks from Sheva’s earlier catalogue. It’s always interesting to see how an artist develops, and whether there are musical threads connecting earlier work with what they’re producing today.
“Birds of a Feather” takes us into more traditional country territory. There’s a personal element to the storytelling, with that familiar country tradition of drawing on life’s experiences and turning them into song. I asked Sheva whether her songwriting tends to come from personal reflection or whether she’s more of an observer, collecting ideas and stories along the way.
She explained that it’s a combination of both.
“I often lean toward pulling from the personal, but I’m also sometimes inspired to just completely make up a scenario and write about that.”
“Birds of a Feather” is a relaxed, country-radio-style track, one of those songs that would make an excellent companion for a drive on a sunny morning. I particularly liked the vocal performance and the touches of sensuality in the lyrics. It’s a different side of Sheva’s musical personality from the more rocking “River Run Dry”, but the storytelling remains central.
Next, I came across a rather cheeky little number called “Clothes in the Kitchen”. There’s a neat throwback quality to this one, and I was curious to know whether Sheva considered it a distant relative of her current music or perhaps a closer cousin.
Sheva: That’s a great question, and thanks for digging into the catalogue! It sure is cheeky, such a fun track. I would say it’s maybe a second cousin. It all comes from different parts of me, different moments in my well of inspiration, but it’s all me. ‘Clothes in the Kitchen’ was definitely more fun, while my upcoming album deals in more serious material.
And the track itself? A bluesy riff, a bouncy rhythm and a pop-rock confidence that carries a smile from beginning to end. Perhaps that second-cousin description isn’t too far off the mark!
It will be interesting to hear how the more serious material on The Valley develops this side of Sheva’s songwriting.
Halloween with Sheva Elliot
Of course, October is Halloween month, and “River Run Dry” seems particularly suited to the occasion. So I couldn’t resist asking Sheva what music she’d choose for a Halloween party, and what costume she’d be wearing.
Her answer was suitably Gothic!
“If you’ve seen the Hotel season of American Horror Story, I’d be playing tracks from that soundtrack. I absolutely loved Lady Gaga’s character, and frankly, that’s how I feel most comfortable at a Halloween party: as a glam vampire or vampire wench!”
That’s quite an image! And Sheva even supplied us with her own spooky playlist.
Sheva’s Halloween soundtrack:
- “Tear You Apart” – She Wants Revenge
- “The Eternal” – Joy Division
- “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” – Bauhaus
- “Hotel California” – Eagles
- “Spellbound” – Siouxsie and the Banshees
- “Black Night” – Cheryl Thompson
A rather eclectic collection, but there’s certainly enough Gothic atmosphere there to keep the party going!
Keeping with the Halloween theme, I presented Sheva with one of our traditional Rock the Joint imaginary scenarios.
It’s a hard winter’s night. The tour van has broken down and a harsh wind blows through the darkness. Nearby, you discover what appears to be an abandoned house. There’s a roaring fire, a table laid with hot food, the electricity still works… and somehow nobody is there. What gets you through the night?
Sheva’s response suggests she’s not particularly reassured by the hospitality on offer!
“Well, if this was the situation, I wouldn’t be able to sleep. The house is obviously haunted and I would have to look for the Queen Witch who is probably living in a hidden room upstairs.”
I suspect we might have found the inspiration for another music video!
And finally, I asked whether she had a secret talent that might surprise us. It could be anything from baking the best cake to charming snakes.
“What gave you the idea that I can charm snakes?! Could it be the ‘River Run Dry’ music video? (wink wink)”
Well, quite possibly, Sheva!
Final Thoughts
There’s a pleasing variety to Sheva Elliot’s music, and exploring a little of her back catalogue alongside “River Run Dry” reveals an artist who isn’t particularly interested in being confined to one musical direction. Country storytelling, bluesy rock, pop sensibilities and a little Gothic theatricality all find their way into the mix.
“River Run Dry” is a strong, infectious release, with a chorus that stays with you and a video that adds considerably to its personality. The visual presentation is more than simply an accompaniment; it helps establish an atmosphere and gives the song an identity of its own. It’s certainly a fitting release for Halloween!
What interests me most is the suggestion that “The Valley” will take a more serious direction, building on the roots-rock foundations that Sheva has been developing. Having heard the contrast between “Birds of a Feather”, the playful “Clothes in the Kitchen” and the newer single, I’m curious to hear how that collection of songs comes together.
For now, “River Run Dry” gives us a lively introduction to this next chapter. There’s a little witchcraft, plenty of rocking attitude and an artist who clearly enjoys the theatrical side of music-making.
And if you happen to find yourself in an abandoned house this Halloween, just remember Sheva’s advice: don’t settle down by the fire. Go and find the Queen Witch! (or even check out our Land of the Red Queen tales – under extras on our home page!).
*
If this feature struck a chord, why not explore more of what we do? From exclusive interviews to reviews, editorials, poetry, and our own merch—there’s plenty to discover. We put a lot of heart into every piece, and if you’d like to show a little love in return, you can support us with a small donation via the Ko-Fi link below. Every coffee keeps us going—and helps keep the magazine free for all. Thank you!
Artist Website here
Stream music from Sheva Elliot here
By Anna-Louise Burgess
&
Mark C. Chambers
JOIN ROCK THE JOINT MAGAZINE ON A JOURNEY FOR THE BEST IN INDEPENDENT MUSIC JOURNALISM – WE COVER ROCK, COUNTRY, JAZZ AND CHRISTIAN MUSIC. LEADING FEATURES, INTERVIEWS, REVIEWS AND EDITORIALS. SUPPORT US ON KO-FI.
