BLUE SUEDE SHOES AND A BLACK FEDORA: An Interview With Sebastian Garland

The first time Sebastian Garland stepped into the shoes of the King, he was in the first grade. Most of us were struggling with basic addition or trying not to lose our lunchboxes in the cafeteria, but Sebastian was busy perfecting a rendition of "Hound Dog" that would set the stage for a lifetime of performance. With a tiny jumpsuit and a liberal application of black hairspray that probably took a week to wash out, a mini-Elvis was born. When I asked him about that debut, his face lit up with the kind of nostalgic mischief that only a former child performer can muster.

Me: I’m gonna need to see a picture of that.

Sebastian: I’ve got a YouTube link!

(He shared two- a performance in first grade and fifth grade)

That early taste of the spotlight was more than just a cute talent show moment; it was a precursor to a genuine calling. Sebastian dabbled in the Elvis world again at sixteen after witnessing a powerhouse tour featuring the "holy trinity" of the modern ETA world: Cody Ray Slaughter, Shawn Klush, and Dean Z. Seeing that level of craftsmanship- the precision of the movement, the vocal range, and the sheer, unadulterated charisma- was a total lightbulb moment. He remembered watching them in awe and thinking, “I could put on a show like that!” But for Sebastian, it wasn't just about the spectacle; it was about the deep-rooted musicality of the King.

Me: What was it about Elvis specifically that grabbed you back then?

Sebastian: I think it was just the kind of music it was. Because even now for me, what draws me to him isn't just, like, the clothes and his voice and everything. It's the sound of his music that drew me in, like, that old rockabilly sound, but then turning into the orchestrated version of everything.

That appreciation for the musical journey- from the raw, stripped-down Sun Records era to the lush, wall-of-sound arrangements of the 70s- is likely what gives Sebastian such an edge. The timing of his renewed interest was fortunate; the Baz Luhrmann Elvis biopic was on the horizon, and a contest was being held to win an Elvis-themed guitar to celebrate the film’s release.

Sebastian: You just had to send in a video of you doing “That’s Alright.” I already had a gold sparkly jacket, so I just threw it on and did it.

Me:  You just happened to have a gold sparkly jacket in your closet?

Sebastian: Yes, I grew up in a musical theater household.

That one sentence explains so much. There is a specific kind of magic (and a specific kind of wardrobe) that comes with a musical theater upbringing. In fact, there is a list of topics you should never bring up with me unless you have several hours to spare and a very high tolerance for unbridled enthusiasm. Those topics include, but are certainly not limited to: Harry Potter, musical theater, Star Wars, DC or Marvel comics, cosplay, and the paranormal. Consider yourself officially warned.

Sebastian actually attended a performing arts school, a fact that makes my inner drama club president green with envy, where musical theater wasn’t just an extracurricular activity; it was his actual curriculum. He performed in eight full-scale musicals during his enrollment and received the kind of formal vocal training that gave him a technical foundation most tribute artists have to spend years chasing on their own. We spent a significant amount of time "talking shop" about the stage—the thrill of opening night, the terror of a missed cue, and the unique camaraderie of a cast. After a lengthy detour where we geeked out over the various productions we’ve both been in, he brought the conversation back around to the King.

He took the discipline of the stage, the breath control of a Broadway lead, and the stage presence of a seasoned actor and applied it all to his Elvis act. Armed with a karaoke microphone and the unwavering support of his friends and family, Sebastian began the grind of reaching out to shows and festivals, hungry for the exposure that only a live audience can provide.

Standing at a staggering 6'4", Sebastian is a commanding presence before he even picks up a microphone. Currently, he focuses primarily on the 1950s-era Elvis. It’s a brilliant move; he’s young, he’s "spry" (his words), and he has the raw energy required to handle the frantic, rubber-legged movements of the early years. But the siren call of the 1970s Vegas years is hard to resist, and he’s already building a formidable collection of jumpsuits.

Me: 6’4?!?! Good LORD! I imagine it’s not easy to find a jumpsuit in your size.

Sebastian: I just got a suit last month from a guy; he reached out to me since I was the only one he knew that was around his height. He’s a bit shorter than me, but it’s a perfect fit. I was excited; I didn’t have a single ‘77 suit. It’s the “Rainfall” suit and I love it.

For those looking to break into the world of Elvis Tribute Artists (ETAs), Sebastian’s acquisition is a masterclass in the importance of networking. There are dedicated Facebook groups where the ETA community buys, sells, and trades gear. It’s a goldmine for jewelry, belts, and, if you’re lucky, a jumpsuit in your size. However, if you are looking for something bespoke or need professional adjustments, the name on everyone's lips is Dorian Alberti. (You can read my interview with Dorian and see his incredible work right here) Just a fair warning: the man is an absolute magician with a needle, and always in high demand, so expect a wait. The quality, however, is worth every second of the anticipation.

Sebastian is more than ready to transition into the heavy stones and high collars of the 70s. His closet is already home to the iconic Concho suit, a staple for any serious artist, the lesser-known but striking Penguin suit, and the Owl suit, which happens to be a personal favorite of mine. And now, the Rainfall joins the ranks, giving him a complete timeline of the King’s evolution. But the King isn’t the only legend he portrays. In a twist that makes him arguably the coolest guy in any room, Sebastian also performs as one of the Blues Brothers at Universal Studios. Transitioning from the high-glitz of Elvis to the deadpan, high-energy soul of Jake and Elwood Blues is a testament to his versatility as a performer. It’s a different kind of "suit," but the goal remains the same: keeping a legendary legacy alive for a modern audience.

One of the highlights of my job is sharing the "weird" side of the industry with my subjects. It’s always fun to see how they react. When we got to the topic of fan interactions and the legendary silk scarves, I decided to drop a piece of info I picked up from Charlie Harper during a previous conversation.

Me: Charlie said some people keep the scarves in a ziplock bag and put it in their freezer to preserve the smell.

Sebastian: Excuse me?! I’ve never… I don’t think… Oh wow.

Watching an artist go through the five stages of grief in real-time as they realize a total stranger might have their frozen sweat tucked between a bag of frozen peas and some Eggo waffles is a joy I cannot fully describe. Luckily for Sebastian, his current go-to fan gift is Elvis guitar picks. It’s a much "safer" souvenir from a hygiene perspective, though I’m sure somewhere out there, a dedicated collector is trying to figure out how to preserve the DNA.

We also touched on the unpredictable world of nursing home performances. These shows are the ultimate training ground because, as any ETA will tell you, senior citizens have absolutely no filter. They will tell you if your hair is too flat, your voice is too loud, or your moves are not up to par.

Sebastian: I was doing a small show and I had two buttons undone on my shirt, and I’m sweating like crazy. This woman comes up to me and I think she wants a kiss on the cheek or something. She came up to me and said, “Can I button your shirt?” I was like, “Well that’s a request I haven’t had before. It’s usually the other way around.” She buttoned it up all the way, so I said thank you, but I was going to undo at least one because I was so hot. She said, “No, no. Put that away.”

Me: -wheezing laughter-

When the laughter finally died down, we got serious about the future of his career. While winning the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest is a dream for many, for Sebastian, it isn’t the "be-all, end-all." He’d love to snatch a title just to say he did it- and given his talent, I have no doubt he will- but his heart is set on the long game: headlining his own shows and seeing where the music takes him. He offered one of the best analogies I’ve ever heard regarding the competitive circuit.

Sebastian: Everybody says your time will come, but these contests are really more of a lottery. It’s all dependent on the judge’s opinions. Each one is like a slot on a slot machine. If you pull it and two of them line up, but one doesn’t, you’re not gonna win. Someone could be better than you and win or worse than you and win; it’s a gamble. You just have to keep playing until you win. All the entry fees and expenses are like putting money in the slot machine and hoping you’ll hit the jackpot.

That perspective is incredibly refreshing. It’s so easy for performers to spiral into self-doubt after a loss, questioning their talent or their look. But at the end of the day, art is subjective. However, I do agree with the sentiment echoed by many in the community: the industry would benefit from more transparency. Many artists never see their score sheets, leaving them in the dark about what to improve on.

Sebastian’s advice for the newcomers? Hit the festivals. Travel. Meet people. The most valuable thing you take home from a contest isn't usually a trophy; it's the connection. In a funny twist of fate, Sebastian and Taylor Salamon are great friends, and both independently suggested I interview the other. It’s a testament to the "Elvis family"- a world that feels massive but is small enough to connect two talented guys who just want to keep the music alive. Sebastian Garland is just getting started, and whether he’s in a gold theater jacket or a Rainfall suit, he’s definitely one to watch.

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At just 19 years old, Sebastian Garland has already made a name for himself as a dynamic tribute to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. A lifelong Elvis fan, he began performing professionally in 2022 and has since entertained audiences across Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, and even Hawaii aboard a cruise ship. In 2024, he earned Runner-Up at the Kissimmee Elvis Festival and recently placed Top 10 at the First Chance Contest during Elvis Week at Graceland. With a background in musical theatre and formal arts training, Sebastian is committed to honoring Elvis with authenticity, passion, and high-energy performances. When he’s not channeling the King, Sebastian performs with the Entertainment Team at Universal Studios and shares his love of music throughout Orlando, The Villages, and Central Florida.