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Exclusive Interview with Erin McLendon

Erin McLendon

About Erin McLendon

  • Interview date: July 11, 2017

  • Country: USA (Nashville, Tennessee)

Why country music ?
~ Country has always been one of my favorite genres. I love how honest the lyrics are and how the music can be as simple or intricate as desired!

If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Patsy Cline and Ella Fitzgerald.

What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ Probably Making It Up As We Go right now. I wrote it because I realized everyone, no matter what their age, is still trying to figure “it” out. Whether it’s their day to day or long term goals. We can never know what to expect so we are literally making everything up as we go!

Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ Paul McCartney!!!

What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ I’m a big kid, and a big nerd. I love learning about the different “fandoms” I’m interested in and then I subtly decorate my house with the various paraphernalia from said fandoms! For example, the Hamilton libretto where Lin Manuel explains in footnotes how he came up with the different lines is proudly displayed on my coffee table, while Darth Vader is on the mantle under my TV, and Mjolner is on a bookshelf with my Disney DVD collection.

Give us one country song you never want to hear on radio anymore and tell us why.
~ Red Solo Cup. It gets stuck in my head EVERY. TIME.

What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would? (Please provide your answer as well.)
~ I wish more people would ask me about my musical background. I received a degree in Commercial Voice from Belmont University in 2012 and that’s where I honed pretty much all of my musical ability. I learned how to write better, how to analyze music from a theoretical standpoint, and how to be a better artist. I grew up singing, but I didn’t grow up writing songs every day or singing in church like most people. I really didn’t start pursuing music as a career until my sophomore year in high school because up until that point, I didn’t know it was an option!

Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ I love where I record now with Stephen Leiweke at Yakland Studios in Nashville. It all feels very homey and professional at the same time.

Johnny or June ?
~ June. What an incredibly strong and loving woman!

Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ Yes, of course! The day I don’t get butterflies before walking on stage is the day I need to stop. My “rituals” usually consist of warming up, making sure I look OK (makeup, hair, outfit, etc.), making sure I have water on stage, and then taking a shot of whiskey. It loosens me up 🙂

What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ This has nothing to do with my career and more of just a really happy coincidence. Idina Menzel, the broadway star who I have looked up to ever since Wicked, came to Nashville and had a concert. My friend and I went with lawn tickets and, at the time, I actually worked at the venue so my boss who was working that night, gave us upgraded tickets to the 11th row aisle! We were sitting there enjoying the concert when she started to come in to the audience and said “I need someone to sing with me on this song, and I need someone who knows it. This is Take Me or Leave Me from Rent.” My friend, before I could even think, jumped up and started screaming and pointing at me! She was making her way through the crowd and I, being the fangirl that I am, was trying to take a picture and then I thought “wait, I know the song!” I jumped up and shouted “IDINA!” She turned around and looked at me, asked me if I knew the song (it took me a moment to realize she was actually talking to me!), and then grabbed my hand and brought me up front. I sang the song with her and it was absolutely amazing. One of the most surreal moments of my life! There’s a video of it on my Facebook page for anyone who wants to relive that moment with me 🙂

Erin McLendon Country Singer

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