MUSIC MONDAY

So many of the happiest memories I have are filled with music. It’s like the sound is woven through them, holding them together. Most of my saddest memories have music attached too. I married a DJ so he has a story for every song he hears too!

Because music is so important to me, such a part of my life I’ve wanted to join in on Music Monday posts for the longest time.

My Music Monday posts will include interviews and music from new and veteran artists from all genres of music as well as the music that has meant the most to me throughout my life.

This week I want to introduce you to another newcomer, Erin McAndrew. She has a beautiful voice, grew up a few towns over and with her college band she played CBGB’s, a place that held special memories of my brother for me. I was sad to see it go. David and his Plug Ugly band- mates played there shortly before he was murdered.

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I hope you enjoy meeting Erin as much as I did. Her first album, Skeleton of Life debuted in 2016 and this alternative Pop-Rock Singer-Songwriter is crushing her goals heading into 2017!

About Erin

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Erin spent her early childhood in tiny Mountain Top, Pa. At 13-her family relocated to Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The move was difficult for the 13-year-old and it was there that Erin escaped into and discovered her passion for music and singing.

While attending Hofstra University, Erin was the lead singer of the Long Island-based rock band Tiny Giant, which played the legendary CBGBs (R.I.P.) and other local venues.

Though the band has been disbanded for a few years, Erin never put down the microphone and continued polishing her vocals by taking voice lessons at the Riverside School of Music in Seaford.

Erin has performed live in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This past summer she performed in several wineries.

With Skeleton of Life Erin was able to immerse herself in the writing, recording, and performing of original music. The music has received regular airplay on Hofstra’s WRHU Radio Station.

The album is a novel based on the past decade of her life. A few of the songs on the album she wrote in her early 20s, while some of the others she wrote earlier this year right before recording.

She is influenced by many different performers, including Kelly Clarkson, Stevie Nicks, P!nk, Lifehouse, Sara Bareilles, Guns N Roses and Joan Jett.

In her spare time, Erin likes to go to Soul Cycle, hold yoga poses, write, and have a drink with some friends at a local karaoke bar.

The Interview

Where did you grow up? I spent my childhood in a teeny-tiny town called Mountain Top, PA – it is right around the Pocono Mountains in Northeastern, PA. When I was 13, my family moved to a suburb outside Philadelphia, which is where I went to high school until moving to New York for college.

Did you grow up in a home that promoted reading, writing or music?

My parents themselves are not musicians but there was always music playing growing up.

When did you first know you wanted to make music?

When my family moved when I was 13, it was huge adjustment for me to make the move at that age. After that experience, I realized then that I wanted to take this singing thing further and make it into a career eventually.

Do you write music and or lyrics? If so do you have any pre-writing rituals?

I do! I released my debut album last June. As far as pre-writing rituals, I write whenever inspiration sparks. However, when I sit down and decide I’m going to write a song, I usually find a comfortable spot in my apartment and light a few candles to get in the inspirational mood.

Who is on your dream ‘old school’ tour? Who is on your dream present day tour?

For old school, my dream tour would have to be Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, and Heart. My dream present day tour would be Kelly Clarkson and Pink. I actually have it written down in my goals that one of my more audacious goals is to be on tour with Kelly Clarkson or Pink by January 2018.

Do you have a day job?

Yes! Right now I currently work for an athletic apparel company. It is a great company and I’m very passionate about fitness, so it helps meld my two passions together.

What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink?

I’ve really gotten into La Croix Seltzer Water recently. There are so many delicious flavors!

Do you have a favorite snack food?

Popcorn, hands down!

What is your favorite TV guilty pleasure?

Pretty Little Liars! Huge fan. I can’t get enough of that show.

What is your favorite thing about the winter?

This is a hard question for me to answer because I don’t like the winter, but I will have to say Christmas time.

Where do you hope to be in your career in January 2018?

Opening for Kelly Clarkson or P!nk! I want to be on my first National Tour by then.

What instruments do you play? At what age did you start?

I play guitar and ukulele. I started dabbling in guitar about 10 years ago. I seriously started playing about 3 years ago – when I was 27. I started playing ukulele 2 years ago.

Like Erin McAndrew on Facebook at ; follow Erin McAndrew on Twitter at ; Follow Erin McAndrew on Instagram at ; Erin’s official website: www.erinmcmusic.com

(Please share) The music:

http://www.erinmcandrew.bandcamp.com/.

https://itunes.apple.com/album/id1115415086?ls=1&app=itunes

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What would you do if your husband brought home an 80-Year-Old homeless woman? Sophie lived with us for 2 1/2 years. Yes, it is a true story…

 Bristol boyz Stomp is the true story of the random, road rage murder of my brother, musician David Albert. It is on SALE!