We recently connected with Nashville duo Hymn and Heart and have shared our conversation below.

Hymn and Heart, we appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Erinn: I loved reading all kinds of books when I was a kid. Shel Silverstein’s Where The Sidewalk Ends was one that taught me to appreciate rhyme and storytelling. When I started piano lessons, I would make up my own poems and try to put music to them. Lyrics were always so interesting to me and I would study them. It wasn’t until I began co-writing with professional writers in town that the craft of songwriting began to come together for me. I think if I started writing with others earlier on, I could’ve sped up the learning process. The most essential skills for me as a songwriter are finding great ideas, working with collaborators like Glenn, who bring their own skills to the table, and being a unique storyteller. Obstacles that stand in the way of growing as a writer are second guessing my own abilities and strengths as well as finding time. Making the time to keep learning can be a struggle but worth it.

Glenn: Music was always in my home growing up. Both my parents played in the band and my mom still plays her flute today. My first love was drums, but since my school did not accept beginning drummers, I played trombone for 2 years. Beginning in jr. high, I studied drums and percussion through college. I first picked up the guitar when I was a freshman in high school and never put it down. I never studied formally, and I believe I’d be a much better player if I had, but I feel I took a lesson from everyone I ever played with. I wrote my first song just before college, but never thought of myself as a songwriter until I began writing on a regular basis with Erinn. I sharpened my composition and production skills after college when I was composing background music for a couple soap operas.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Erinn: Glenn and I met at Belmont University and had very different starts in the music business. For me, I was born and raised in Nashville and knew early on I wanted to be an artist. I worked with a manager as a teenager and he introduced me to hit writers, producers, and publishers. While in college, one of my demos was picked up by a producer at Sony and I signed a demo deal and Glenn played guitar for me in my band. Later I was in a duo called The Darlins for a few years and he sometimes played drums. It might have taken a few twists and turns for us to start writing and singing as Hymn and Heart, but the timing is perfect. I think because we’re a couple and grew up together through the years, we have a deeper outlook when it comes to our music and it’s more from the heart. We’re both most proud of the fact that we’ve persevered, continued to chase our dreams and never gave up. The fact that we get to work side by side is incredible to me. I wouldn’t want to be in this with anyone else.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Erinn: It’s the most rewarding feeling to have written something from my soul and have someone else connect with it. I can be reserved sometimes with my feelings, but music helps get it out. When other people love it and feel it, that is such an honor.

Glenn: Music elicits emotion, and emotion can change us, taking our minds to another time and place, even if only for a few moments. I feel this when writing, performing, and listening to others, but the most rewarding experience is when I know someone else has connected with something I’ve created.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Erinn: This is a good time for artists as we have more control of our own careers than ever before. The downside is mostly finding the support that labels used to give. If you want to support artists, buy their merch, go to their shows, engage with them on social media and spread the word when you can about them. Getting the music out there for bigger audiences is the ultimate goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hymnandheart.com
• Instagram: @hymnandheart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/hymnandheart
• Twitter: @hymnandheart
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCo_NF3wPp07_cPOwZ6gLLCg