Erin Alden
Musician
Musician
An Interview with Musician Erin Aldenby Cheryl Phillips
Erin Alden is an extremely talented musician with so much spunk and passion for her musical career that she lit up the phone lines during our spirited conversation. Not only is Erin a successful recording artist, she is also producing and writing for other artists and scoring music for films. Erin will also be doing another solo album in the next few months.
Despite the fact that Erin has a lot on her plate these days, she loves every minute of it. She has had an appreciation for music all of her life, so she is having the time of her life. Erin considers her music career a blessing and something she is incredibly passionate about.
TFW: How would you describe your musical style?
ERIN: Easy on the ears. That's what someone told me once and I loved that comment. My musical style is "me". I'm categorized as Pop, Folk, Rock, Indie. But certainly it is a smorgasbord of so many different styles of music.
TFW: When did you realize you had a passion for music?
ERIN: I think the passion found me. I can remember at three years old singing and playing the piano. Somewhere in the family 'vault' there are recordings of me making up songs and singing. It's a strange thing. No matter how you shake 'it', whatever 'it' is, it's hard to throw away. Music has always been such a strong part of my personality. If that puzzle piece were missing from my body, I think my body would crumble.
TFW: What made you choose to pursue music professionally?
ERIN: It's funny because I did give up music for a long time when I was out of high school. I was working in film and TV production. I also did a bit of acting. To make a very long story short, I was introduced to a few new friends and they took me to this cabaret-style show here in Los Angeles. The place was called Luna Park. The music was good. The excitement of all the people and friends involved, that was GREAT. One night the host (who is now one of my best friends) made an announcement that he would love to have some more female singers to perform.
I had a friend that I didn't know that well, but knew he played the guitar. We got together and put some Jazz Standards together and showed up at the next show. That was it. As they say, the rest was history. It was an overwhelming response. We played many of those shows and many more in the area for the next few years.
I had grown up playing the piano, got inspired to play the guitar, took a six-week course at the local college and was soon writing. It was a natural process and came very quickly.
My career really happened for me organically. The internet was huge as well. MySpace really gave me more of a career. Being able to reach people all over the world and have them hear my music was a giant step. That moment in the club, that first night, changed my life forever.
TFW: Who are your greatest musical influences?
ERIN: That's always a hard one to answer. There was so much music being played in my house as a kid.
My Grandmother was a pretty eccentric lady, and my biggest musical influence. She loved the classics like The Beatles, Queen, ELO. Between my parents and grandparents, music was a huge part of my growing up. Music was always being played in my home, all styles and genres; Classical to Rock & Roll.
So for me now to say one, if you saw my music collection you'd say I was schizophrenic. It's EVERYTHING from Chamber Music to Punk. I like it all. I listen currently to more indie-style radio stations locally and on the internet. I also love French Pop.
TFW: What are the biggest highlights, so far, of your career?
ERIN: Working with half of the people I used to read about in my cassette tape covers that played on the albums I've loved. Dreaming one day I'd get to be a part of that world and now doing it in real life. My family and friends being proud of me and supporting me. I am a fairly simple girl.
TFW: What inspires you?
ERIN: Breathing. As long as I'm breathing, every day there's something new that inspires me.
TFW: What makes you laugh?
ERIN: I get the giggles all the time; sometimes at the most inappropriate times, really. That's when the tears start streaming down my face. Silliness in general makes me laugh.
TFW: What has been the biggest challenge for you musically?
ERIN: I'd have to say that really it's my own limitations. I've realized as of late that everything is for the taking if you truly want it. You just have to be ready for it. Being ready for it is the biggest challenge.
TFW: Tell me about your favorite recording that you've made to date. What inspired it?
ERIN: It was probably 'No More Tears.' It was the final bow after a long relationship.
TFW: What message do you want your music to send to others?
ERIN: I don't really have or want a message. To me, my music channels things through me. I never strive to write a message. My music just comes out of me and it is what it is. People have told me so many different things about what my songs have meant to them. The fact that it strikes a chord with anyone in a personal way is the message.
TFW: What words of advice do you have for women who aspire to have a musical career?
ERIN: Do it because you HAVE TO DO IT, not because you want a career. The rest always comes the way it's supposed to. Enjoy it. The little moments are the things that go away the quickest. Slow down and enjoy every moment of the experience.
TFW: What makes you a fabulous woman?
ERIN: Through life, we have one chance to get things right. We are put back until our mistakes are made proper. If it were to end today, I would know that I achieved the most. This makes a fabulous woman.
You are now listening to "Find A Way To Breathe" by Erin Aldin
Links to Erin Alden: http://www.myspace.com/erinalden
About The Author: Cheryl Phillips is a single mom to five awesome children. She grew up in Massachusetts and has resided in Rhode Island since 1992. A freelance writer, she has a passion for writing, social media, laughter and all things chocolate. She shows her non sugar-coated side on her blog, The Daily Blonde and saves her sugary side for her children and Prince Charming, when he arrives. Read Cheryl's Blog at: http://thedailyblonde.com.