Visiting artist spotlight - Eryn
It’s not every month that our area gets a visit from a multi-award winning performer from the Jersey Shore, who also happens to be the youngest-ever inductee into the NJ Blues Hall of Fame. Eryn has even started her own “RetroPop” music genre, combining an old school sound with a modern pop mindset and powerhouse live performances. She will be playing several shows in the area including PK on July 22, Flagler Beachfront Winery July 13 and 27, and will be spotlighting at the Narrow Open Mic at Colonial Oak Music Park at 9pm on Thursday, July 26. Narrow spoke to her before she heads south for a few weeks.
N: Tell us a little about your music and influences?
ES: “If you scrolled through my playlists you’d probably laugh. But, there are always my staples--my major influences like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Eva Cassidy, and Susan Tedeschi to name a few. My heart and soul also lies with people like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Blue Bland, etc. Lately I’ve been trying to listen to some more current artists, and I’ve been really into Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Serena Ryder, Elle King, ZZ Ward, and Beth Hart.”
N: Does your new EP, “Lady E,” define “RetroPop?”
ES: “This EP represents a new chapter in my book of life, and for me as an artist. There have been many changes for me since I released my last record four years ago. Not only did I get married to the man of my dreams, I was able to cut out a lot of negativity and find a new self-worth… Music business folks often told me my music didn’t fit nicely into a genre. So, I coined my own genre, ‘RetroPop.’… The ones that landed on the EP reflect just a little on where I’ve been (“Stranger in My House” reflects that moment of realization that things had to change) but culminate in my victory and celebration shout-out song, “Hallelujah You’re Gone.” That song, as well as “Our Love Won’t Die” and “Just Jump” reflect a lighter, fun side of me my fans may not have heard from me before, and “The You Missing From Me” is just a damn great powerhouse song that I was so honored to have had written especially for me by David Bryan of Bon Jovi.”
N: What do you think of or know about the Saint Augustine music scene?
ES: “I LOVE Saint Augustine! I’ve only performed in the beautiful city a couple of times but I do visit every year. It reminds me of a mini New Orleans, with music, restaurants, and history everywhere. I hope to break into the local music scene a bit and start to get to know some of the musicians and patrons. My family is currently based in Palm Coast so it’s an easy trip for me.”
N: What’s next for your music?
ES: “I’m really hoping to do a lot more touring, I love being out on the road, as well as some more writing and recording. Maybe a “Lady E” part II?? Someday, I hope to make it overseas to perform as well. This is only the beginning.”