Erin K Is Swimming Towards Stardom

Your latest single is called ‘Goodbye Song’, what is the inspiration/story behind that track?

This song traces the events of a single evening spent between myself and a former lover. It takes the listener through series of events and places which eventually culminate in an exchanged kiss. It’s after this shared moment that I decide that the romance between the two of us is no longer and it’s time to move on. I love the vocal layers here and the general 60s vibe of the track. We had a lot of fun making this and it’s my favourite track from the album to dance to!

Where is your hometown and can you please describe it in five words?

Home for me is London now, as I’ve spent the majority of my life here. Although my childhood was spent in Houston, Texas, riding bikes, catching lizards, and dancing around the house to mixtapes. I’d describe Houston with the following words: “humid”, “vibrant”, “wild”, “grunge”, “my mother”.

Your new album ‘Sink And Swim’ is out now and you co-produced with co-producer Kristofer Harris (Belle & Sebastian, Ghostpoet). How did you to meet and how did you both want to approach the record?

Kris and I met while I was living in Brooklyn and tried a few experimental recordings together. My approach to making this album was to let it unfold organically, with equal input from all of my bandmates. It was a joint project between the 4 of us and Kris. With some of the songs, like “Goodbye Song”, I had a very clear idea of the production and arrangement going in, whereas others, such as “Keep Her”, transformed entirely during tthe recording process. I’m happy with the outcome of this grouping of recordings, as it demonstrates both my serious and playful side. Like my albums before, I feel it truly represents my style.

How do you look after your voice?

Lots of water and spicy food. I know that’s generally a no no before singing but I find the opposite to be true!

 Do you play any instruments?

I play guitar.

Do you have any live shows planned to support the release?

We had a wonderful show in London at the Slaughtered Lamb. The room was full filled with love and positive energy! I was supported by 2 other performers called Natasha Miren and Rob Corcoran, who were both so incredible. I wish I could play in London all the time, it’s the best! The album was released in Italy late August so perhaps we will plan for another show in Italy to coincide. A tour is planned there for November/December this year.

You previously released the single ‘Keep Her’ which has been very well-received both critically and publicly. Was that a difficult song to write?

As personal as the subject matter is to me, I did not find “Keep Her” difficult to write. The upbeat, sweeter delivery of the song contrasts nicely from the darker subject matter and perhaps, for this reason, I’ve stayed a little emotionally removed from the lyrics. I hear from other people that it’s very moving for them and I’m happy for this. It’s the most I could want for from a track like this.

In doing my research, I read that you embarked on a twenty-date tour of Italy with your band. What was that experience like and do you have any interesting/memorable or funny stories from the tour?

I tour often in Italy, though hadn’t for a few years because of Covid and other challenges. I think for this reason, I really appreciated every moment of this tour and savoured it. My highlight was when we were joined by my previous touring bandmate Danielle and we were able to play a number of shows together. It meant a lot to me, as I started my touring career with her. No crazy stories here! What happens on tour stays on tour, as they say!

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Honestly, I feel I’ve already achieved this. Getting up on stage and performing has always been very far from my comfort zone. I have a lot of anxiety around this. Several years ago, I was given the opportunity to play for an audience of thousands in Milan. No matter what happens, that will always be a personal achievement that I never dreamed would be possible for me. Another achievement is writing and delivering music about someone I the room at a show. I love this experience and love connecting with people directly during shows. This is something I’d like to continue with more in future.

What makes Erin K happy and what makes you unhappy?

You know I’m happy if you find me sacking off all my plans for the day and walking around a park or garden centre. This might sound silly, but I spent a great deal of my childhood playing in nature or simply lifting stones in the back yard to see what creatures might lie beneath. It’s my happy place.

Unhappiness usually stems from some form of conflict or experience of limbo. I try to avoid this whenever possible!

Photo Credit: Edson Smitter

Erin K’s latest single ‘Goodbye Song’ is out now Her latest album ‘Sink To Swim’ is also out now. For more information visit: https://www.instagram.com/erin_k_music