Erin is a founding member of The Manhattan Transfer and is currently from Maryland.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they
wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan
show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a
decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
I knew from a very early age that I was crazy about music. I started singing and
playing music with my father at a very early age...maybe six years old. He was a
fabulous musician - he played piano, guitar and banjo by ear and was wonderful at jazz
improvisation. Passion just oozed from the core of his being. Thankfully, I inherited his
love for music, and on a good day, some of his talent!
The day that I knew that music would be my profession was the day that I packed my car
to leave college in Virginia and move to New York. This was no casual decision, and my
parents were horrified. I was in the middle of starting a new singing group with some
friends, and I was determined to make it work. A few weeks after my bold move, and
after much heated debate, we finally decided on a name: The Manhattan Transfer.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your
favorites?
There are so many artists that I love! Sting, Andreas Bocelli, Pink Martini, Chandler
Travis, Benyaro, Chris Gotti, Melody Gardot, Lambert Hendricks and Ross, Amos Lee,
Julie London, Tony Bennett, Gregg Allman, Leonard Cohen. Just a few. I love it all.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
I have had the good fortune to have been involved in creating amateur variety shows to
benefit a wonderful organization: Habitat for Humanity. I live in a small town, and I was
asked to co-write original comedic material, produce a show and act as musical director
for a live stage production we called “The Follies”. We mounted these productions over a
five-year period, and it was truly a high point in my life. Our last show gathered together
205 amateurs both on and off-stage. We put up an hilarious and well-produced variety
show, and the proceeds from our performances were great enough to build three homes
for needy families in my town. And I got to sing, too. How cool is that? I was juiced
beyond measure for months. I still am, actually.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much
can music influence current events?
Oh, don’t get me started here! J Music is transformational. Music is a divinely powerful
force in our lives and I believe that it is the responsibility of every artist to do his/her
share of healing, problem-solving, enlightening…whatever you want to call it. We have
the power to teach and bring to light things/situations/people that desperately need help.
We can discuss the obvious in regard to influencing current events – artists like Bono and
Sting’s Conspiracy of Hope – saving rainforests and working to end human suffering and
the like. Using our voices to raise money and create awareness on a giant scale is a given.
We must do that. But even more, artists like me can reach out to smaller crowds at every
concert. We can change minds; we can spread joy. We can lift spirits and heal our world
– one fan at a time.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your
career as a musician?
I used to tell my sound engineer, “I don’t care what you do, just make me sound good.”
Boy, have times changed. Now my engineer says stuff like, “What ratio do you want that
compression at? Soft or hard knee? What frequencies do you want rolled-off on your
upper mids?”
But that is just the beginning….technology has made it possible for masses of music
lovers (only some are actually musicians) to create and record music at home. That is so
great. What a gift to have access to professional tools to learn and grow as an artist. To
be able to knock out a quick demo of a new composition at home (in the old days that
would cost thousands of dollars in a studio) is just awesome. This is better than kittens.
On the other hand, one no longer needs to be able to sing and play in time or, more
importantly, in tune. For the record, I do not need to correct my pitch. I sing in tune. And
I phrase in time. These days, that is really saying something.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes
would you be?
I am a Gemini. Seriously, do I have to pick?
Sunday: Fuzzy slippers
Monday: Running shoes
Tuesday: Ralph Lauren kidskin penny loafers
Wednesday: My red Justin cowboy boots
Thursday: maybe the loafers again or Uggs.
Friday: MJ Knoud Paddock boots. (Nothing kinky here – I actually ride horses)
Saturday: Something sexy…maybe a Jimmy Choo strappy sandal.
OK…OK…..If I had to pick, I’d be the loafer. J
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