Captured by Caden Forrester
Caden Forrester | March 5th 2025
At just 19 years old, Louisiana native and Nashville-based singer/songwriter Dom Ellis brought his signature blend of country and folk to The Atlantis in D.C. on February 20th. Ellis has quickly made a name for himself in the country music scene. Since the release of his debut EP in 2023, he has amassed over 6 million streams on Spotify, solidifying his place as an emerging artist to watch.
Opening with a laid-back country charm, Ellis immediately established a warm connection with his audience. His setlist included a mix of his original songs and covers, each showcasing his gravelly vocals and soulful delivery. Playing tracks like, Addictions and I Don’t Wanna Go Home resonated with the crowd. His breakout single, What a Dream, stood out as a highlight of his set, evoking strong vibes of hope and nostalgia for a future that lies ahead.
Between songs, Ellis used the time to tell some stories and jokes. The 19-year-old’s storytelling contributed significantly to forming a strong connection with the audience. Whether joking about Louisiana’s drinking laws or admitting he didn’t do too well in school. Even taking a fan’s request to play Freebird briefly, before stopping, Ellis said, “I gotta do my songs sorry sorry, tell you what I’ll do a fun one real quick.” Telling his story, Ellis said, “This song we played in bars all the time. I used to have this band back in high school– I say back in high school, but that was last year.” Ellis’s candid admissions and humorous asides were refreshing and authentic.
The evening continued with a cover of one of Ellis’s favorite bands, Lynard Skynard’s Simple Man, a crowd-pleaser that had the entire venue singing along. Ellis’s raw vocals gave the classic track a fresh, personal touch, further proving his utter vocal talent.
Ellis closed the night with Jersey Giant, a beloved Tyler Childers track. His take on the song was powerful, carrying the weight of the nostalgia and longing that defines the original. It was the perfect way to wrap up a show filled with authenticity, humor, and undeniable talent.
With over 6 million streams already under his belt, Dom Ellis is quickly establishing himself as one of country music’s rising stars. If this performance in D.C. was any indication, he’s only getting started with a promising career.
-----------------------------
Keep up with Dom Ellis!
