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1.) We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed pop-rock artist and singer and songwriter Erin Greider; greetings and salutations, Erin! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A mosh-pit, how has the freshly-minted autumn of 2023 been treating you?
It’s been rad so far! I love Halloween and hosted a little kickback over the weekend for a few of my friends. I made these cute little pumpkin-shaped Jello-shots which I was very proud of.
2.) Major congratulations on your upcoming new single 45 Minutes Without Traffic which is set to premiere this November 9! Can you talk about what inspired this gem of a tune?
Thank you! I think this song is a product of me being the most enthusiastic native Angeleno you’ve ever met. It feels so Southern Californian musically and lyrically. It’s about being young and having fun and not taking everything so seriously which can be hard to do.
3.) Who was your producer on 45 Minutes Without Traffic and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio while recording the tune?
Toper Mohr was the producer for this song. I’ve actually been working with him since I was 15 so it feels like working with a friend/cool uncle. He was one of the first people I worked with who I felt like got exactly what I was going for. Even though he has so many more years of experience than I do, he always makes me feel heard and lets me guide the song where I want it to go.
4.) How is 45 Minutes Without Traffic similar to some of your past music such as Loser? How is it different?
I think it’s definitely an extension of my previous work, just more laser-focused on who I am as an artist and a person. My music has always felt innately Californian to me without trying so I think we’ve leaned into that and my laissez-faire/sarcastic attitude on this one.
5.) 45 Minutes Without Traffic is an upbeat and happy song in a time when it feels like we need those sentiments more than ever. Was it a deliberate choice on your part to go happy and light with this ditty?
I’ve never written a song with intention, I just have to let them come naturally and I feel whatever came out was meant to come. No one has ever accused me of being an optimist, at least when it comes to my own life, so I’m always surprised when a “happy” song comes out. I think my brain let this one exist because it’s very tongue-in-cheek, not mushy/over-the-top romantic.
6.) Who inspires you musically?
My go-to inspirations are always David Bowie and Queen. They were never afraid to experiment and I can’t help but think how insane they are every time I re-listen to their records. For 45 specifically, we were drawing sound inspirations from California bands. Topher and I were struggling with the bass line. Finally, Topher said “What would Flea do?” and it came right away.
7.) With the release of the new single on November 9, can fans look forward to an EP or LP release from you in 2024?
Yes!! Super stoked about what’s coming up. We’ve been working really hard on my sophomore album and I can’t wait for these songs to go out and live in the world.
8.) You’re a native Angelino. How do those roots inform you as both a person and as an artist?
As I’ve said, I’m the most enthusiastic Angelino ever. It’s always been a huge part of my identity. For this record, we’re definitely drawing inspiration from some of the amazing artists that I think of when I think of the LA music scene. As a person, I feel really lucky to have grown up in a place that values art. Going to the movie theatre is my favorite form of self-care and I’m biased but I think LA has the best revival houses out there. I love how a normal weekend growing up was going to a concert, the movies, the opera, the theatre, or an art gallery.
9.) On the heels of the November 9 release of 45 Minutes Without Traffic, what does your touring/performing dance card look like?
Super excited to be performing the night of the release. I can’t wait to celebrate with some of my friends 🙂 I’d love to tour in 2024 in support of the next album but until then I’ll be performing at a few of my favorite venues locally.
10.) Any final thoughts which you would like to share with readers about your captivating new single 45 Minutes Without Traffic?
Just that I’m so excited for them to hear it and I’m so so grateful if they take the time to listen <3 I think this is the start of a really exciting new chapter.
11.) Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite movie about the music scene – This Is Spinal Tap, Almost Famous, La Bamba or That Thing You Do?
I love this question! I’m going to have to go with Freaky Friday (2003). Lindsay Lohan’s guitar solo in this was the reason I wanted to learn guitar when I was 7. I thought she was the coolest person ever.
