Quick Q and A with Erin McKeown (Oct. 2008)
 by Kathy S-B  ·  4 October 2008

Erin McKeown is one unique musician and we’re so excited to have her at the me&thee. She’s folk. She’s rock. She’s jazz. She’s punk. She’s everything rolled into one. To find out more information about all this music eclecticism rolled into one . . . check her out at her website. Here is a video of her singing her outstanding song, "James."

Erin, if you had to explain your music to someone from another planet or worse . . . someone who had only been exposed to the equivalent of Top 40 radio is, what would you say?

I often feel like I am from another planet, so that’d be no problem. however, top40 radio — now that’s alien. I’d say this: my music will sound familiar, yet unique, and the more times you listen, the more you’ll hear.

Looking back, can you reflect on both the highlight of your music career and perhaps the lowest point? I’m hoping you can give some musicians some insight into the crazy world that is the music business.

I’ve had many highlights, but the thing they have all had in common is that they have involved someone I admired. a musician who has moved me or influenced me- to be able to connect with them as peers, as a musician myself beyond being a fan. the lowest points have come similarly- feeling jealous and unsuccessful by someone else’s terms. *you have to keep an even keel, keep making your music, and believe in yourself.”

Tell us about “small deviant things.” It’s a collection of some of your earliest songs. How would you chart your musical journey thus far?

In 1997 I made a 6 song demo that I started to sell at my shows. I still think the songs are good, unique and original. and I especially like the way I played guitar then. I focused on it much more than I do now.

If you had to choose only three musicians to listen to for the rest of your life, who would they be and why?

Easy! Edith Piaf, because she is my favorite singer. U2, because they fill my heart with triumph. and the drummer Allison Miller, because she covers so many musical territories so well.

Do you have any musical aspirations or goals that you want to attain in the near or far future?

In this next year, I would like to finish my next original record and get it out on my terms and my timetable. I’d also like to make a book of poems and get involved in more writing for theater and dance.