We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin McLendon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.
Erin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most recent album I released is probably the most meaningful to me. I write a lot of songs and not all of them get to see the light of day. With this album, I feel that I was able to take the best 6 songs from the last decade of me being an artist and give them the proper attention they deserve. Sure, I’ve played them live, and a few of them people have heard and just never realized they hadn’t been released yet but a few of them, I had actually put on the back burner until it was the right time.
It’s been really fun watching everyone’s reactions to these songs as we come up on the one year anniversary of the album release.
Erin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
To put it plainly, I’m a country singer/songwriter. I’ve always loved country music and songwriting as an outlet to not only process my own feelings but express them to other people when talking just won’t do it!
I grew up listening to everything and ever since I started singing, I knew it was what I wanted to do! My brothers and I would play the board game “Life,” and I would not-so sneakily grab the “singer” card from the deck as my career. Absolutely no one else was allowed to have it but me and no other job would do!
I like to think I have my own unique brand of country music where I blend the modern with the traditional, and then add my own twist from other genres where I see fit. For example, I was inspired by the musical “Chicago” when I wrote my song “Millie.” While the lyrics of Sunday Crowd were inspired by a true story, the music was inspired by the location & eco-system of where the song takes place. If I hear an element of another song that I like, for whatever reason, I want to take it, make it my own, and put it in my music! Whether it’s show tunes, punk rock, Americana, country, bluegrass, what have you, I don’t think you can put a limit on where you get inspired as long as you make it your own!
When people come to my live shows, whether it’s one of the all-female showcases I put on, or an acoustic cover gig downtown, I want them to get the feeling that they left knowing exactly who I am whether they’re listening to me sing or speak between songs.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I love this question because there’s so many different ways to support independent artists like myself.
First and foremost, spreading the word about your favorite artist is the best way to help out someone. Just like we do when we’re considering buying something new, or visiting a new place, we either read reviews or, ask a friend who already knows about that particular thing. Your friends and family members trust your opinion so when it comes to helping your favorite independent artist, share their music with your friends and family! Whether it’s on social media, or playing them one of our songs, it all helps!
Secondly, you can show up and support them at their shows, and bring friends (see: the first point!)
Lastly, you can buy their merch or album!
When you support an independent artist, you are playing an active role in keeping them going so they can continue to create and bring you new music!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Personally, I love when people show appreciation for what I’m doing. We as artists and creatives have worked really hard to get to the points we are at and have spent years honing our craft. For me personally, I’ve spent years working on my voice and my musicianship. Singing is a skill that you’re never done working on! For me, I find it very rewarding when someone compliments my voice or my talent because it validates all of the work I’ve put in to it!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.ErinMcLendon.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/erinmclendon
- Facebook: Facebook.com/erinmclendonmusic
- Twitter: @ErinMcMusic
- Youtube: Youtube.com/erinmclendonmusic
- TikTok: TikTok.com/ErinMcLendonmusic
Image Credits
Craig Young Photography Chris Palmer