Editor’s Note: It has already been an exhilarating ride for one Erin Coburn. The blues-rock guitarist recently released her album entitled “Out From Under” and as a 17 year old, she’s already performed at Summerfest, Blissfest in Michigan, and has shared the stage with Grammy award winning artists in Nashville. Erin Coburn sat down with Madness To Creation to discuss mental health awareness, her guitar skills, Summerfest, and “Out From Under”. Fans can find Erin Coburn at the following locations:
www.instagram.com/erincoburnmusic
www.facebook.com/erincoburnmusic
Madness To Creation: Hi Erin, thank you for taking the time to interview with me for Madness To Creation, you have released “Out From Under”, take us into the creation of the album, and the most challenging and rewarding aspect of creating “Out From Under”?
Erin: Thank you for having me! “Out from Under” has definitely been my favorite album that I’ve made. I recorded this album at Lava Room in Cleveland in the WINTER, so driving to the studio from my Airbnb may have been one of the biggest challenges. That lake effect snow is a whole different creature. As far as challenges with the album itself, picking the songs was a little bit of a process… I had a lot of songs to choose from and I didn’t want this album to have more than 10 or 11 songs on it. My producer and I went through the list several times and I am super happy with the songs we chose to be on this project. I think taking the time to pick songs that really went with my message of the album was the most rewarding thing. The message of overcoming the standards of society is definitely present throughout.
Madness To Creation: Your Mount Rushmore of guitar gods and why?
Erin: I have SO many guitar influences. I am constantly listening to these incredible Instagram guitarists, and the guitar friends I’ve met while I’ve been on the road. If I HAD to choose one guitarist that really influences me, It’d be Gary Clark Jr. because he is so expressive with the notes he plays and he likes to mix his solos up. He doesn’t just shred for an entire song, which is what makes me relate to him. He’s certainly a guitarist with a lot of depth and unique creativity.
Madness To Creation: Take us into the Kentucky music scene!
Erin: Alright, so I live in Northern Kentucky. I am about 20 minutes South of Cincinnati, Ohio and 15 minutes from Covington, KY. Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport (KY) are the three main hoppin’ areas for music in my opinion. There are a lot of great venues from very small to very large with a wide range of genres. From Bluegrass, Folk, and Country to Blues, Rock, and Metal. You can even find some of the more obscure and unique blends of genres, if you look real hard. To be honest, though, I do not play here at home too much, as I have been asked to play in other cities the more I get out there and play. There are so many amazing musicians here and there are a wide range of genres, but I don’t feel like they get enough recognition.
Madness To Creation: Tell us one reason why we need to see Erin Coburn in concert!
Erin: Three words: It’s a party. I include songs in my setlist for everyone. No song sounds the same in my setlist AND there’s always a few surprises in my pocket… like a ukulele with a whammy bar. The band around me is incredible and full of energy, so after our shows be prepared to feel like you just drank a bombass rockin’ cup of coffee with a splash of blues.
Madness To Creation: Biggest memory playing Summerfest!
Erin: SUMMERFEST was SO COOL!!! My biggest/favorite memory there besides playing on stage and then going to see some of my favorite artists at the same festival, was hanging out backstage! We goofed around in our green room while doing vocal warmups and also met some really cool artists behind that stage. I love meeting other musicians and talking to them because I find we’ve been through a lot of similar things and just making connections… you never know what the future might hold.
Madness To Creation: What can fans expect from Erin Coburn for the rest of the year?
Erin: SINGLES. I’ve been working on songs and adding more modern sounds ever since I got out of the studio with my third album. Also, fans can expect to hear an even fuller sound at the live shows since I have added a fourth member.
Madness To Creation: We cover mental health awareness. What does Erin Coburn do to take care of her mental health and advice you have for our readers/fans?
Erin: Mental health is so important to me… Health in general is one of the biggest things I am so passionate about in life besides music. I left high school halfway through sophomore year to go to online school, so I could tour more, but after I left I lost a lot of friends and felt lonely. I started to feel so cut off and I realized it’s because I wasn’t the best of friends with myself. I turned my attention to a positive outlook of being by myself a lot. I got to know myself more and understand what made me happy. I started trying new activities like yoga and getting out of my comfort zone, which only made me get closer to who I was. So, my advice for my fans or anyone reading this, is to try and become best friends with yourself. You have so many cool things about you that you might not even know because you haven’t taken that alone time to just listen.
Madness to Creation: What else would you like to add?
Erin: I am proud to announce that I am an artist for Bad Cat Amplifiers. These are my favorite amps and I couldn’t be more excited to work with them. Also, I have shows in many states coming up, so check erincoburnmusic.com to see if I’ll be in a city near you! You are invited to the party.
Madness To Creation: Thank you for taking the time to interview with me for Madness To Creation!
Erin: Thank you for the amazing interview. I really enjoyed these questions!
Check out the live studio version of “Diggin’ You Heavy” below:
Erin has several gigs coming up. Check out the gig dates below:
Tue. 12/3- Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza and Live Music in Columbus, Ohio
Fri. 1/24- Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City, Missouri
Sat. 1/25- The Red Shed Music Venue in Hutchinson, Kansas
For tickets and further information on any of the shows listed above, click here.
- Photo Credit: Brenda Staples
