This year, we wanted to branch out to different types of music. January was filled with new genres. Singer-songwriter led to more classic rock, leading to blues, and eventually, to folk. Previously, we’d not been a huge fan, but upon diving into it, Luke Tyler Shelton’s debut EP, Blue Sky, has thoroughly changed our minds.
Originally from LA, Shelton comes from a musical family. His father was a reggae artist and his mother bought him his first guitar. He played a multitude of instruments growing up and started to write his own music in 2019 after graduating high school.
He would then find his big break after playing a warehouse show, leading him to sign a record label. He’d meet Shooter Jennings and Jonathan Wilson, both of whom helped create his music at Wilson’s studio. After wrapping up initial recordings, the EP was mixed by Trina Shoemaker, who has four Grammys to her name.
Shelton then spent time playing in Malcom Todd’s Band for the 2025 Wholesome Rockstar tour, releasing the Blue Sky EP in between legs. He’s been seen on social media platforms ripping lead electric guitar, tapping into an alt-rock state of mind, very different to his solo work we’ve seen so far.
And although folk is considered wildly different to alternative, Shelton still nails the switch. In fact, it’s clear that his versatility shines. He sounds comfortable regardless of genre, whether supporting another artist or making his own music. The things that make this EP great is the ability to blur that line, and combine the good in other styles and genres of music.
Take “Anna”, the first track, for example. The vocal ‘twang’ and subtle electric guitar are reminiscent of popular Elton John tracks. And while some lyrics share the same cadence and rhythm, it’s clearly taken a more western folk approach. It’s a giddy song that sings about love, a common topic for not only the EP, but the genre. The rock element of chaos grounded by the western elements complement each other nicely.
This EP shows Shelton’s range, too. “Feeling Always Down”, the next track, proves it. Shelton claims to ‘rarely be intentional’ with his writing, but after listening to George Harrison in the midst of a rough patch, he pulled over and wrote this track. Minor chords paired with bitter lyrics give a truly heart wrenching song, filled with longing. The verses plead until the chorus eventually gives out to frustration. This creates a relatable track, and although a somber one, it’s one of our favorites.
Soft, sweet, and slow acoustics and percussion accompany a classic love song in “Love On My Mind”. The layered vocals on the chorus drive the love he has for the one he sings about. He yearns for this woman, and his energy comes through the music.
“A Bus Ain’t A Home” comes next, and it immediately feels familiar. It’s got the most recognizable snare-bass drum pattern, synonymous with western folk. This track showcases Shelton’s ability to tell a story, reinforced by harmonizing vocals from Lily Cornell. The two, together, add intense depth and imagery. The electric guitar tones in this style of music are extremely easy to listen to; the relaxed solo, supported brilliantly by subtle acoustic licks, fit the song perfectly.
Bringing back the folk rock, “Where The West Begins” introduces a muddier guitar tone, a punchier snare, and a damn harmonica. Hell yeah! A picked up tempo and classic snare and bass drum pattern introduce a party-like mood, and strikes us as something they’d play at a line-dancing bar. The harmonica solo fucking crushes, a stereotypical feat of folk rock.
“Hell Of A Ride” is perhaps a culmination of all the good things about each track that precedes it. It has swing, a real road-trip vibe, as the title suggests. It’s a track you’d associate with good memories, particularly with a partner.
Rounding out the EP is “Blue Sky”, the only song in the EP not released as a single beforehand. A fantastic attribute that this song shares with great singer-songwriter tracks is the fact that a simple guitar and a nice voice can go an extremely long way. And while they are the bones of the track, don’t write off the subtle, yet powerful banjo and fiddle, which give distinction from the acoustic. The drums are simple and quiet, but bring the track together from the background.
Luke Tyler Shelton, seemingly, has set the golden standard for folk. Everything about this album feels familiar and inviting. It blends the best elements of everything it’s inspired by, and creates a wonderfully unique listening experience.
On all fronts, Shelton is able to create a masterpiece. His proven ability in different styles of music is portrayed in his work, and is hopefully only the beginning of an illustrious career. He’s created a positive image of folk music in our minds, as well as our playlists.
Our final thoughts? Get out there and listen to music you may not have before, you may find a gem like Blue Sky.