Photo Credit Shervin Lainez
Erin McKeown is a musician, writer, and producer known internationally for her prolific disregard of stylistic boundaries. Her brash and clever electric guitar playing is something to see. Her singing voice is truly unique —clear, cool, and collected. Over the last 20 years, she has performed around the world, released 10 full length albums, and written for film, television, and theater, all the while refining her distinctive and challenging mix of American musical forms.
Her eleventh studio album, KISS OFF KISS is both a breakup album and an affirmation of independence— a blend of late 70’s/early 80’s snarly guitar rock, percussive and literate, owing something to punk, something to pop, something to Elvis Costello and Blondie and Jonathan Richmond and Lou Reed. It was also paid for by an unexpected gift from a friend, therefore digital sales through Erin’s website are being offered as “pay what you can”.
At the end of 2021, Erin will solicit nominations via her social media and then micro-grant 100% of the proceeds so the LP can be a vehicle for passing on the generosity and support she has benefited from. Additionally, if folks wish to “barter” and send Erin a physical object in exchange for the digital album, she will share these gifts on social media. See http://www.erinmckeown.com/kiss-off-kiss for details of all the community aspects of this album release.
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
my new album, KISS OFF KISS, is a lot of songs about a very short intimate relationship. it is my 11th solo album, which i am very proud of.
What does music and being an artist mean to you?
no matter what i am doing (teaching, performing, writing) i am an artist, which to me means observing the world then attempting to process these observations. i make my art for myself but like a cook who makes extra food, i like to share what’s left over.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
my main sources of inspiration are conversations with friends and personal experiences, though not necessarily my own. i love words and word play. i do alot of crosswords.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
i am inspired by artists who are working in multiple genres: kae tempest, john darnielle, quiara alegria hudes. all of those artists work in literature, music, and/or theater. but more than any of these, i look up to claire fraser and catherine cawood.
Favorite activity to blow off some steam?
i love to play tennis.
You seem to be fusing different musical genres. What inspires your sound?
i like all kinds of music (and also watch a ton of prestige cable), and i think most people listen to many kinds of music, so it seems natural to me that my sound would fuse all the different things i listen to and watch.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
i feel very strongly that songs are not precious. i have written alot of them, i will write alot of them in the future. a single moment or a single song just doesnt matter that much. creativity is a muscle. if you value quantity then your quality will increase over time.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
it’s hard to say. i live for new ideas and have them all the time. the only thing i can garuntee is that i will be excited about something i am making.
Your style is very original and elaborate. How do you take care of your aesthetics?
the words most often used to describe my style are clear and simple. i carry this into all aspects of my life. discipline and austerity lead to freedom, at least for me.
What was the most daunting moment in your career so far?
there are always tough moments in a freelance career. but i have learned to just keep going, something good is always one email away.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
“you cant fix a car with a car.” you’re gonna need help and the right tools, so seek them out.
Where do you think the music and entertainment industry is headed after this past year?
i think we are still in the midst of the pandemic and it’s impossible to say yet where we are headed. my hope is we are headed toward industries that are more diverse and accesible to all creators.
