GRRL006: songwriting discipline despite insecurities and a live performance featuring singer-songwriter Erin Bower

For the latest episode, San Diego singer-songwriter Erin Bower sat with me in my bedroom where we indulged in sake and chatted about our insecurities and tips on playing live. This episode is especially unique because we tried a different format. Instead of featuring songs from other artists, I got a chance to record Erin's live set at local bar and venue Sycamore Den, so you'll be getting to hear a few of her songs interspersed throughout the interview.

For the latest episode, San Diego singer-songwriter Erin Bower sat with me in my bedroom where we indulged in sake and chatted about our insecurities and tips on playing live. This episode is especially unique because we tried a different format. Instead of featuring songs from other artists, I got a chance to record Erin’s live set at local bar and venue Sycamore Den, so you’ll be getting to hear a few of her songs interspersed throughout the interview.

If you can’t get enough of Erin, you can travel to her Bandcamp to listen to some older songs.

And please, if you liked this episode, rate us on iTunes. And as always, feel free to leave a comment, email me, follow me on Twitter, or like us on Facebook.

(Episode temporarily unavailable due to edits. Thanks!)

[3:00] The process of writing lyrics and the insecurities that come with it
[5:45] Erin’s live set: “I Have a Lover”
[9:00] Erin’s live set: an old standard, “Make me Down a Pallet on Your Floor”
[12:30] Bad Behaviors – Erin’s demo EP, 4 songs

Focusing on psychology, self-reflection, and mental health

[15:00] Challenging ourselves and practicing self-discipline – “the shitty songs are inside me”

Erin wrote 26 songs in 26 weeks, inspired by Geoff Gouveia
June wrote 29 minutes of material for NaSoAlMo
Ira Glass quote: “For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you.”

[20:30] Going back to old songs and deciding if she likes them

Recording one of her 26/26 songs at Rarefied Recording

[22:30] Her old band Soda Pants
[27:30] Erin’s live set: Electric Blood
[30:45] Playing in a band vs. playing solo
[34:30] Tips for playing live
[37:15] Erin’s live set: “Enough”
[42:00] Three favorite San Diego musicians

Creature and the Woods

Shelby as Erin’s vocal teacher
“If I go to a show, I can’t hold back.”

Al Howard 
Mike Pope/Danica Molenaar (also playing with Erin in a newly minted band called Holy!)

[44:30] Do vocal lessons help?
[48:00] Erin’s live set: “Grateful”

Other Notes & Thanks!

Thank you to all the artists who gave me permission to play their songs and to Lori.

Special thanks to: Sullen Ray who graciously allows me to use their song “Get Up Got It” as the Grrl on Grrl podcast intro and outro–listen to and buy their album Blue Minor on Bandcamp; Greg Guiliano for his financial support; and Gary Hankins for making the episode sound good.

And to all my friends who have been so supportive of this project, I love you!