Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Erina McLaren

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

My parents always had music playing in our kitchen as I was growing up. They would listen to The Supremes, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Joe South, Bonnie Raitt and other great artists. It was the soundtrack of my youth.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I starting writing songs in college. We had a weekly talent show in our dorm and I was inspired by the other creatives who would come and share their music.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The next song I am recording in the studio is called “Where is Your Heart”. This one is super special to me because I wrote this song with my 13yo son. His band actually put together the instrumental pieces for it. So excited to get into the studio to officially record it.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I would say my sound blends many different genres, ranging from soul, Americana, country & pop.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

I have learned that for me songwriting can’t be forced. I write the best songs when I am feeling inspired and sometime that can be at very random moments. It’s not something I can schedule time for.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

When I am writing songs I always have my acoustic guitar, the notes app on my phone and an audio recording app to record all of the melody ideas I have.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Wild Rivers is one of my favorites right now. Super great song writers and I love the male and female lead vocals on their tracks.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I have learned that my best songs stem from personal experiences and I get a lot of inspiration from the people I have been surrounded by throughout my life.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I want my songs to bring comfort to people, esoecially in times that they might be struggling with their emotions or having a rough day. I wrote a lot of my songs as a way to cope with the many emotions that I was feeling at the time and I hope that they can help other people cope as well.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

It’s never too late to try something new. I never in a million years would have thought I would be making my own music and performing at some amazing venues at this point in my life. Playing music has really changed my life and introduced me to so many incredible people.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

I would love to play at The Gorge! It is a dream venue for me. It’s a beautiful venue and some of my favorite artists have played there.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with Chris Stapleton. Everytime I hear his voice, I think to myself, I wish I could sing with him! He’s also an incredible songwriter and I would love to do a co-write with him.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

I have a music website at www.erinamclarenmusic.com, my music can also be found on all the music streaming platforms (Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc). My Instagram handle is @reenbean253 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/erinamclarenmusic.

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I would absolutely love to go on a tour with my band. The idea of traveling and playing music each night has been a lifelong dream.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope they discover the different musical influences that have inspired the way I write and sing. I also hope they discover the immense talent of my bandmates. I am so lucky to play with a group of super talented musicians from the Pacific Northwest.