Meet Erin Bonnie | Songwriter & Music Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Bonnie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, what’s your definition for success?
Success for me is about feeling connected to my craft. When I wake up and I want to write or I want to produce or I want to perform, that’s a win. There have been times in my life when I’ve lost that. It doesn’t feel good. There’s some quote that goes something like “it’s not about the destination, but the journey.” I love making music, particularly writing songs, and when I make time in my day to do it, no matter what comes out of that time, that’s a success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a musician and songwriter, an Americana Folk-Rock Mama, singer-songwriter at heart, taking inspiration from artists like Gillian Welch, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, and Emmylou Harris. I write songs that tell stories, which is what’s always drawn me to music, and songs in particular. My songs are very lyric driven, and I’m a sucker for three chords and the truth. I love how songs make me feel when I hear a good one, and find them to be incredibly powerful. Plus, hearing them come to life with my cohort of supporting musicians is just awesome. For me, music is all about community, building relationships with people, and exploring what a song can be in that space.

I think I’m most proud of still being a songwriter at this point in my life, to be honest. I’ve never given up on it. Through motherhood, a career in education, burnout, imposter syndrome, exhaustion, a shit industry (to quote Gillian Welch “Everything is free now / At least that’s what they say / Everything I ever done / Gonna give it away / Someone hit the big score / They figured it out / That we’re gonna do it anyway / Even if it doesn’t pay) – But I’m still here and doing it. And looking back on where I started, my craft has improved so much. There’s just so much to learn when you create something sonic out of silence. It’s endlessly fascinating and deeply satisfying. It’s a different kind of pay out.

I guess a major lesson I’ve learned is that all work is good work. Letting go of perfection has been such a necessary part of my art. As long as I’m doing it, I’m succeeding. Doesn’t matter if it’s empirically bad – some of it is lol. The fact that I’m doing it means I’m still committed and improving and inspired and alive and true to myself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well the obvious ones are catch a show at the Ryman, check out the Opry, and go visit the Country Music Hall of Fame. Can’t miss. Then some kind of Nashville Drag event, like Illusions or Diva Royale. Gotta hit up some hot chicken at Hattie B’s, and go to the bluegrass jam at The Station Inn. We’d also get endlessly caffeinated at the Barista Parlor in East Nashville.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, in particular my parents. Their support is unwavering, and never ever have they discouraged me from pursuing a life in the creative arts. I wouldn’t be here without them.

Website: https://www.erinbonniemusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinbonniemusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinbonniemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/es119321

Other: https://linktr.ee/erinbonniemusic

Image Credits
Adam Noya, Red 13 Studios Lisa Czech Photography