Eryn will perform at Crossroads in Garwood, Dec. 9, in a benefit for NJArts.net.
If 2018 feels like a bit of a blur to singer-songwriter Eryn, it’s understandable why: She’s got new music out there, a video to support it, shows in New Jersey and beyond and — as if that’s not enough — performances with the Matt O’Ree Band.
“I’ve had an incredibly busy year, and it’s all been great stuff!” she says. “I released a new EP back in April, and I’ve been on and off the road to get behind it. This time of year seems like the craziest time for me, and it doesn’t slow down till after New Year’s.”
Next up for the Monmouth County-based performer is the “Women Rock New Jersey” show, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at Crossroads in Garwood. The show is part of the Jay’s Jersey Jams series to benefit NJArts.net, and will also feature Nalani & Sarina (who are co-headlining with Eryn), Lisa Bouchelle and Katie Henry. Tickets are available through Ticketfly.
“I always love getting to do an all-women show and meeting new female musicians,” says Eryn. “I’ve shared the stage with both Lisa and Katie, but not yet with Nalani & Sarina. Though, I’ve heard nothing but great things about them and I already know how amazing Lisa and Katie are.”
While this is the fifth Jay’s Jersey Jam — the series title was coined by this writer and named after NJArts.net founder/editor Jay Lustig — it will be the first to have the performers talking about their experiences in the business. That panel discussion, which starts at 5:15 p.m. and is free, will feature the artists talking about navigating the modern music industry as women. It will be taped and appear later as a feature on NJArts.net.
“I think it’s extremely important for us to help inspire young, aspiring musicians, but equally important that they learn about the struggles we went through as women in the music industry,” says Eryn, a Maryland native. “Sometimes there are unexpected bumps in the road that women go through.
“One of the most important conversations in my life was when (singer-songwriter) Marcia Ball sat me down and told me not to let the fact that I was a single mother stop me from pursuing my dreams. I am still so grateful for that conversation — it helped steer me in the right direction.”
Part of Eryn’s career lands her not too far from home in Holmdel — in fact, it starts there. She is married to O’Ree and performs in the guitarist’s band.
“It’s definitely beneficial being in the same business, mostly because we understand everything involved in this line of work,” says the New Jersey Blues Hall of Fame inductee. “The only time it presents a challenge is if we both want to do a show on the same night. Since we both play in each other’s bands, it can cause an issue.”
Eryn and Matt will be “on the job” together Dec. 5, when they appear on Bert Baron’s morning show on the Central Jersey talk radio station WCTC (1450 AM). They are slotted for 8:30 to 9 o’clock, and are expected to do a song or two.
Singing or performing is what always seemed natural to Eryn, who moved to New Jersey at 13 when her mother, a Freehold native, returned to the state. Unlike some musicians, there was no single moment that made it clear that music would be her career path.
“I’m not really sure I had an ‘aha’ moment. I grew up singing in a very musical family and I just always knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Eryn says. “I have always had a deep love for music and for singing, and I just couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”
That direction and devotion led her to recording and/or sharing the stage with Gregg Allman, the Gin Blossoms, Ball and many other notables.
Her latest recording project is the EP, Lady E. Produced and mixed by Jack Daley and recorded by Joe DeMaio at Shorefire Recording Studios in Long Branch, it features “Hallelujah You’re Gone” among its six songs (see video below). Cheryl DaVeiga and New Jersey mainstay Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors) co-wrote three songs, and Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan wrote “The You Missing From Me.” O’Ree contributes on guitar, and there are a host of others who do their bit on this set, which features everything from horns to cello.
In an album review for NJArts.net, Bob Makin wrote: “No doubt that Eryn … is a massive, well-rooted talent who combines blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and soul exceptionally well. … Lady E not only features one of Eryn’s best performances, but several by a who’s who of session and touring musicians.”
She will be accompanied at “Women Rock New Jersey” by her husband and Matt Wade (keyboards). “I’m really looking forward to the show and getting to meet everyone,” says the multiple winner in the Asbury Music Awards. “I think it’s going to be a great night!”
Following the NJArts.net show, Eryn appears next on Dec. 15 at The Stanhope House on a bill with Jersey Shore fixture Billy Hector.
For information, visit erynofficial.com.
Tom Skevin is an award-winning journalist and music publicist who resides in Sussex County. He can be emailed at tskevin@live.com.
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