Complete and total CRAP!

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I've blogged. It's been a slower pace this year.  However, I recently went back in studio to work on my new project... (really freakin' excited about this one!) We just debuted some of the tunes while opening for David Allen Coe and had an awesome response! Super fun stuff!... It's not for everyone...the lyrics are edgier than my last album... but I like it! I have some of my good friends as well as some of my favorite pickers involved. The songs should be available for download soon.

It's really is such a crazy time in Nashville. The old model seems to officially be broken....actually, it has been broken for several years but I think it is really evident lately. There are so many amazing artists in this town, that if it were the 90's or early 2000's, many would have been signed long ago and on their 3rd and 4th records. I watch some of these artists through Facebook and Twitter and we are all adjusting to the slow painful change in the industry. Even artists that have had major deals and a few hits are having a rough time.


I think it is a "do it yourself" market - a  time to build your own audience out of, as they call it, "the back of your trunk"....It is a powerful and scary place. You dedicate your entire life to a craft and realize the fruits of your labor may not be enough. The "big record deal" does not exist for most.  For those that do land a deal, they find themselves in a lengthy trap like a jail sentence, where none of their efforts will ever see the light of day.... or they are stuck being a puppet artist making crappy music.....With Spotify and free downloads, no one needs to "buy" a record anymore. The days of the album appear to be dead....
Most of the successful artists in Nashville are putting out complete and total CRAP. I try not to be negative,there's a market for everything and everyone.... but I personally can't listen to mainstream radio. I am lucky to live in Nashville and to be able to get 650 AM and Lightning 100....and I admit it.... I love Spotify!

I kind of like the fact that we are getting back to a "word of mouth" promotion -  based upon how great an artist is from his or her live shows and the artist's ability to entertain a crowd. The cream will be able to rise to the top. I feel there is a growing dissatisfaction emerging for mainstream...The past years have been about bringing your daddy's money to the table and buying your stardom.... and look at where that got us... dreadful, soul-less, superficial music!

I'm fine with grassroots marketing. I never got in to music to be rich. I just want to entertain people and be able to make a living at what I love.... It's just really, really hard to make a living right now... Taking a band on the road  for a tour is expensive.... hotels, gas, sound, food...Live performance/merchandise is your ONLY profit.... You better hope you're playing five nights a week at big venues and selling 1,000s of koozies......haha!

I've been talking with some young aspiring artists lately.... they come to me seeking advice...If you are an up and coming artist thinking about moving to Nashville in this economy/market, things have changed! Be prepared for a convoluted, twisted adventure with some hard life lessons.  Nashville is definitely not as glamorous as you think...... I suggest aspiring artists spend at least five years honing your craft in the bars and fairs before you relocated here. After all, this is the ENTERTAINMENT business. Learn how to entertain!!!!! Sorry to ramble, but that is what a blog is for.. right?



www.reverbnation.com/hogtiedhannah

With my new project, Hogtied Hannah, I've kind of "snapped"... Warning, my white trash side is showing...The new music lets me vent my frustrations in a way, haha! I've already pissed of bus loads of blue hairs at shows.  Better to make people pissed off, offended, laugh, get drunk, excited, crazy, intrigued, happy....  then....... feel...... nothing.

Think I'm on to something?

~EJ

Erin James News: Wilted Flower album now available for download

What's your favorite song?

Hey guys! The new album is finally available just about everywhere - on CD Baby, Amazon, Itunes and Reverbnation.

I'm very excited to get this project released. I think there is a little something on there for everyone! 

With the holiday season, live music gigs slow down a bit but I do have a few gigs coming up this month.......so, if you want to brave the cold, get your party on and have a beer with me, come on out!! Please check http://www.erinjamesmusic.com/   or www.reverbnation.com/erinjames for December show dates.

I've been writing a lot lately and there are a few pieces I'm very proud of! Seems like I'm in a phase right now of writing very off the wall, weird lyrics. I guess I've grown a bit tired of rhyming blue and true... and love and above....town and down......the list goes on and on... but every country song has a lot of familiar words..... just sayin'!

It's funny that people always ask me why I chose to stay "traditional". Hmmm, I don't really consider myself  "traditional", but the love I have for traditional music can be heard in what I do. I guess that is what brought me to Nashville! 

I've definitely been inspired by Red Dirt Music of Texas and Oklahoma....My music is a perfect fit with this genre. Speaking of Red Dirt country, check out this YouTube video of a recent OK performance  - the song is a tune I wrote, Liar Liar, Trailer on Fire - hey, burn down that doublewide baby!  Love the "Red Dirt" audiences! A special thanks to Tony Holden and Holden Productions for the clip!

Speaking on music, I tell you what I'm not ..... I'm not the "is that a pop, christian, rock or country artist?" ..... You can barely tell the difference on the radio anymore! Occasionally, you will hear a banjo thrown in, or a fiddle lick and steel guitar riff every now an then. Unfortunately, what we hear on the air are the same melodies and chord structures with the same layering of 20 guitar parts and synth strings...People,  please leave the synth string tracks of the 80's where it belongs.... haha! I do LOVE me some 80's synth now, hehe....

In the works is a video interview with the wonderful Michael Clair and another demo session for all these new tunes I've been writing. AND if anyone wants to sponsor a music video with Me and Unknown Hinson feel free to hit me up ( Gotta raise a few more bucks...donations always appreciated!) Yeah, I've already got it worked out in my head...yes, yes, yes!!! I LOVE Unknown Hinson and want to shoot either Wilted Flower, or Hell or Paradise...Or maybe even Liar Liar with Hank 3? Either way, I would be a happy girl!

I hope everyone has a great holiday. Again, I thank anyone reading this for stopping by. THANK YOU for the ongoing support. 

Please continue to check back!.... And maybe even buy a track or two of the new record:)!

~EJ

 

http://youtu.be/Ls9KQtBK7-0

Erin James News - Radio Interview and the UK



Erin James filming video clips at the childhood
home of Mickey Mantle.



Hey guys!

It's been a while since I've blogged...I'm terrible at this stuff...haha!  Anyway just thought I would update you all on what's been going on with me. Still gigging both on the road and on Broadway in Nashville, TN.  I just did a show with Uncle Kracker in Oklahoma and had a great time. Buffalo Run Casino is always a fun play to perform.  I'm also working on a little video of some of my recent performances. I was fortunate to do a short interview piece and that should be up on YouTube soon! 

In case you missed it, I did a cool interview I did on the Sideman Show with the fabulous Michael "Bear" Clair. We discussed my upcoming UK tour and I played some of my new tunes! This is your sneak peak into my new album - Click here to listen to the entire interview! 

Well, I'm only three weeks away from going to the UK and couldn't be more excited.  Now what to do with my dog??? Anybody need an obese hound dog that sleeps all day? Haha!

I really want to thank everyone who has continued to support me. The music biz is in a weird place right now and it's harder than ever to keep the momentum going. Even the major labels are trying to figure it out!  With friends, family and fan support, I can muster up to courage to keep going! 

Will be putting new tunes up soon. Please keep checking my sites.

www.reverbnation.com/erinjames

http://www.erinjamesmusic.com/

Thanks again!!!

~EJ

Erin James News - Recent interviews and press

Erin James- a whole lotta interviewing going on!

Wow, the press has been kind with great feature articles on Erin James as she comes back home to Maryland for a few gigs. 

Check out these recent articles on Erin James:

Carroll County Times:

Back to her roots: Nashville Musician returns home for Memorial Day Concert

Frederick County Times:
Linganore Grad Erin James records new CD with Grammy Award winning Producer; To perform locally Memorial Day Weekend.

Frederick News Post:

Erin James - Former Class Clown now getting attention for another reason: her music

Westminster Patch:

Country Singer, Songwriter returns to Carroll for Memorial Day Concert

 

Songwriters Association of Washington:

Erin James new album with Brent Mason

 

Don't forget to sign up for her fan list on Reverbnation.  Click here.

See you at the next Erin James show!

-Erin James Street Team

Erin James News - Recording session... in process!



Erin James recording session - Spring 2011

 Session time...

Hey guys! Well, the album is well underway and turning out amazing! I got to use some of my favorite players on this record... Brent Mason, Glenn Worf, Stuart Duncan, Shannon Forest, Randy Kohrs and Paul Franklin. The tracks are phenomenal! I cut my vocals this month and then off to mixing with Julian King in May.  Can't wait for you to hear the new songs! The  guys were phenomenal to work with and we had a lot of fun too.



Erin James with producer and
Grammy Award winner Brent Mason


I'm feeling very blessed and grateful at this time for the opportunity to get in the studio with these industry legends. It has been one of my life long dreams to cut this record... now I just need your prayers that great things will come from it!

I'm forewarning all of you that this record is a bit...shall we say...edgy.  I managed to mix marketable country, cry-in-your-beer country, bluegrass, and my depressive 90's rocker side all together.  No small task! But it's real... something you don't hear often on the radio. AND I wrote every song by myself (which is very rare in Nashville!!!)  

 

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and checking my blog and other sites. I appreciate you all! 

 

Please share "Erin James" widgets with on your webpages and encourage friends to sign up on my fan list for the latest news on my album release.

 

This has been a long journey for me..(in music that is) and I'm really starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!!! Thank God! :)

 

~EJ

Erin James Recording Session Spring 2011

 

Erin James News - New Album Is a Dream Come True



Erin James  Nashville TN




After the past 4-5 months of writing, writing, and more writing, I finally have the songs ready for upcoming album w/ Brent Mason! This is truly a dream come true for me. I haven't had full production music available since 2007, and frankly, I'm drowning in unfinished acoustic demos...haha!!!

We should be in the studio in a matter of weeks. Brent just has to fit me somewhere in the middle of the Kristen Chenoweth record, and the George Strait record...whoo hoo! I also will be working w/ the amazing Chuck Ainlay. What an honor! Now if I can talk  my all time favorite steel player Paul Franklin into playing on the project, I will be in musical heaven!

Well, other than that, I just booked a fair this week back home in Maryland in May so it will be good to see my family and friends. More details to come!
Well that's it for now.....Please keep up w/ me on FB and Twitter.
Love hearing from everyone!

Don't forget to check out videos on YouTube and download songs on Revebnation. 

~Erin

Erin James News- Finalist Times Two in the 27th Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest



Erin James - rehearsal at SIR Nashville

Starting off the New Year right!

Songwriting contests are tough.  You try to pick one or two songs that represent who you are - your style - your individuality.  I often have trouble deciding which ones make the cut especially as I work on my next album. 

In December I heard that not one but TWO of my songs were finalists in the 27th Annual Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest sponsored by the Songwriters Association of Washington.  "100 Shades of Gray" was a finalist in the adult contemporary category and "Greatest Love That Never Was" was a finalist in the country category.  This is indeed an honor.  The contest draws entries from all over the country and it is great to have two songs recognized. You can check out "100 Shades of Gray" on youtube. The awards banquet will be held on January 23rd at Jammin' Java in Vienna Virginia.  I can't attend because of commitments in Nashville but I am sure it will be a great event!

I love those songs but I think my new material is even better - actually some of my best work to date.  I just had a chance to go into the studio and lay down some new tracks.   It won't be long until I'll be able to share them with you.  (All good things in time!)

So for now, check out my tunes on www.reverbnation.com/erinjames.  You can download and purchase songs there. And get your friends on board by having them "like" my reverbnation page and my website.

Thanks for all your support.  Stay tuned - I can feel the energy aligning in 2011!
~Erin





News from Erin James - What's going on in my world...

 

Erin James and her Taylor Guitar - Awesome!



Hey guys!

  

Just wanted to drop a few lines on what's been going on in my world these past few weeks.

I just finished a run of shows with Cowboy Troy and have some more dates planned overseas. We will be on National TV performing on the Mo'Nique Show at the end of the month! He is a total sweetheart and very talented. I've had a lot of fun with him and the Nashvillians!

   

I am now officially working with Taylor Guitars and DV Mark Guitar amplification! I couldn't be happier with my new guitars and amp! I'll be performing at NAMM show in Anaheim, California this year at the the Taylor booth! Stop in and say hi if your out and about. 

Now the big news.... I've always been a HUGE Brent Mason fan. I worked with him on my last album and always wanted to take it a step further and have him produce. Well, with a few meetings and crappy demos, I have convinced him to work with me! Whooo hooo! I finally feel like I have a producer I can respect that will take me to another level. Brent Mason is amazing and I'm super excited!

I've also been working with the Kevin Roberts Agency and Bear (Micheal Clair) Nashville Ninja Management my manager for 2011 dates.

So I'm staying pretty busy, even though this is the slow time for the music industry. I'm still making time for practicing instruments, being faithful to my Bikram Yoga regimen, writing songs and hanging wtih my drummer fiancee and best friends!

Looking forward to ya'll hearing some of my latest songs! It's the best I've done yet! 

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog~

EJ

Erin James and her DV Mark Amp - Love it!



Infopathways launches Country Artist Erin James' new website

Infopathways, a Maryland based IT company known for its innovative, eye-catchy website designs officially launched its latest website creation for Nashville based singer, songwriter and musician Erin James.  Originally from Maryland, Erin James is a country music artist poised to leap onto the international stage in the near future. The site features links to Erin James' original music and her various social media sites including Blogspot, Facebook and Twitter. 

Erin James "loves the design - it's really cool!"  She remarked that "Infopathways did a fabulous job on my new website. It's great seeing a technology company that understands the needs of artists and musicians.  They turned my project from design to reality in a very short time!  I really enjoyed working with Infopathways - they are true pros !"

Erin James recently signed a management deal with Nashville Ninja Management and is slated to release her original song "Southern Belle" in the UK.

Click here to see the official Erin James website: Erin James Music

Erin James Industry Showcase - Rockin' the Rutledge

Erin James is the "real deal"!


Erin James Live @ The Rutledge, Nashville, TN
October 11, 2010



The recent industry showcase for artist Erin James at the Rutledge gave an enthusiastic audience the chance to see first hand what all of the buzz around Nashville is about. Thirty year music industry veteran and manager Micheal "Bear" Clair introduced Erin James saying "every now and then an artist comes along with that special something that makes you realize why you got in this business in the first place." He mentioned that Erin James writes and produces all of her own songs and she's a fantastic singer and musician too!

Erin James took the stage and rocked the showcase with several of her original tunes including "Dirt Road Diva", "Sweet Tea Kisses", "Just Came Here To Dance" and "All Because of You."  Midway through her show, Erin James performed a solo acoustic version of her "most requested" song  - a hysterically funny, tongue-in-cheek song titled "That's How You Do It When You're Poor White Trash".  And she had the audience rolling!  The band rejoined her for performance of a "turn your radio up" tune entitled "Love Drunk" and a moving ballad titled "Dreams Really Do Come True." Erin James closed the showcase with her latest song "Southern Belle" which has just been released in the UK.  The crowd was blown away by Erin James!

Erin's "killer" band included Cody Leppo (Drums), Kelly Sams (Lead Guitar), Josh Carre (Bass Guitar), Clint Parris (Keys) and Jaya Yeates (Background Vocals).  All in all, it was an engaging showcase featuring an impressive singer, songwriter and musician.  Erin James is the "real deal" and she really rocked the Rutledge!





Erin James with her band (R to L): Clint Parris (keys), Josh Carre

(bass guitar), Cody Lepp (drums), Kelly Sams (lead guitar), and

Jaya Yeates (background vocals)



Erin James Music on BMI



It's official.  My publishing company Erin James Music has been launched on BMI.  I'm in the process of uploading my songs ( and there are a lot of 'em to enter).  My catalogue includes everything from my fun, quirky tunes to my tear jerker, cry in your beer songs.

Songwriting is my passion.  I recently became a member of the Songwriters Association of Washington and had a chance to perform at a SAW showcase in Frederick Maryland. I had a blast and met some great writers from the MD/DC/VA area.   Of course, I love writing the music and the lyrics as well as producing the songs.  But I've also met lots of fab writers over the years and even had a chance to co-write with some industry greats like Stephanie Bentley.

I'm always "inspired" and I'll be recording some of my latest tunes in the coming month. It's all about the song!

Ready - Set - Go! Industry Showcase on the 11th!

Getting ready for my industry showcase at the Rutledge on October 11th.  There is a lot going on behind the scenes--- selecting the right songs, rehearsals, marketing, meetings and more. The Rutledge is a fantastic venue for the showcase located in the heart of Downtown Nashville. I've got some smokin' hot musicians on board for the official Erin James showcase including Cody Leppo(drums), Kelly Sams(lead guitar), Clint Parris (keys), Josh Carre (bass guitar) and Jaya Yeates (background vocals).  I'm pumped. 

Hope to see you on the 11th!

Welcome to the Blog of Erin James!

Maryland born and bred, Erin James is an exciting new face in Nashville. A vibrant singer and songwriter, Erin James really knows how to connect with her audience. Complimenting her sassy vocals, Erin James is a multi-talented instrumentalist - she plays eight intstuments including guitar, mandolin, fiddle and keys.

Erin James is a sizzling solo artist scheduling show dates throughout the country. Erin recently toured the USA as part of the girl trio Chasing Dixie (later Della Rose Band) that included an American Idol finalist. No stranger to large venues, Erin James has opened shows for Brooks and Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Keith Anderson, Jason Aldean, Cowboy Troy to name a few. Erin James has even appeared on Storme Warren's Headline Country on GAC- TV.

When you love music - singing, playing and songwriting - it shows! Every performance from Erin James is high-energy and will knock your socks off! Exciting things are on the horizon - including a national tour and new CD release. We are also about to launch a new website on or around October 11th! Stay tuned for more details!