ERIN GREIDER

Your single “Taurus” is being re-released for its anniversary. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and why it’s special to you?

This song is really me just venting and making fun of myself for being in denial about having feelings for someone. This song is super special to me as it’s the beginning of a new chapter and it really captures my voice.

At just 24, you’ve established yourself as a prolific songwriter and versatile musician. What drives your creativity and keeps you inspired?

Songwriting is the most natural thing in the world to me and I’m very protective of keeping the process spontaneous and organic. There’s nothing better than when a song comes to you out of nowhere. I do feel that I’m inspired by situations that I’m going through but also other people’s stories, movies, and places.

“Taurus” blends irresistible melodies with playful, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. How do you approach songwriting, and what’s your process for blending different elements in your music?

I like to keep songwriting very spontaneous. Even though it sounds therapeutic, I’ve never sat down to write a song, it always has to come to me. I also don’t tend to revise the lyrics that come with the melody. This makes the process feel almost like fate. Whatever came out was supposed to.

If you were an advertisement, which would your slogan be?

California surf meets Sunset Strip rock with Laurel Canyon storytelling.

You mentioned that being a Taurus influenced the themes in your song. How does your astrological sign play a role in your music and lyrics?

I am by no means an astrology whiz, but I do know that a Taurus is known to be very stubborn so I just leaned into that. I don’t actually say the word “Taurus” in the song but sometimes a title just ties the message of the whole song up like a bow and this definitely felt like the case here.

Your last album, Sim Controllers, received positive reviews and impressive streams. How did you approach the creation of this album, and what do you think contributed to its success?

Again, writing that album was a very unexpected but natural and freeing experience. I had been focused on film school and kind of let music take a backseat until COVID happened and I had nothing to do but sit in my feelings. Suddenly, I had this whole album written in less than three months. I tend to write albums like films, there’s a clear arc or story with a beginning, middle, and end. I think people related to the story that “Sim Controllers” told.

Live performances are a significant part of your career. What do you enjoy most about performing live, and how do you connect with your audience during shows?

I love performing live and I’m stoked to do more of it soon! I love meeting other musicians and seeing people who connect with my music. I love talking to people and I feel like during my shows I’m just chatting with some friends. I also secretly love mistakes and unexpected situations when we’re playing live. It keeps us on our toes and reminds me that this is supposed to be fun.

The LA music scene is known for its diversity and vibrancy. How has being part of this scene influenced your music and career?

I’m the most enthusiastic native Angelino you’ll ever meet and a big part of that is the art scene here. I grew up going to shows at the Troubadour one night and then seeing the LA Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall the next. I feel like in LA you can do anything and there will be an audience that connects with it. You just have to find each other!

What challenges have you faced as a young artist in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?

I think there will always be people who try to take advantage of you or try to change you. I think I’m lucky that I’ve always had a strong sense of self and I never strayed away from that for long. I also think it helps that I’m starting this journey, at least publicly, after college as an adult. I imagine it’s much harder to do when you’re younger.

As you continue to grow as an artist, what are some goals or projects you’re looking forward to in the near future?

As I mentioned earlier, I did go to film school so I’m really looking forward to bringing film back into my life in a more prominent way. I’m excited to start directing music videos while continuing to write and direct as much as I can. I’m also excited about touring in the future and getting to meet more people from different areas

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting out in their careers?

I think it’s really important to know who you are and what sets you apart from everyone else. This can give you some foundational confidence and security which is extremely helpful when you’re constantly getting “no’s”. This is a super tough business but if you have a strong inner compass you’ll figure out your path.