Embracing Change: The Journey of Erin O’Neil in Music and Life
Exploring Personal Growth and Music with Erin O’Neil on Icon Presents
In the latest episode of Icon Presents, host Antwon Haynes sits down with singer-songwriter Erin O’Neil for a candid conversation about life changes, personal growth, and the creative process behind her music. This episode offers a heartfelt look into Erin’s journey as an artist and the experiences that have shaped her work.
Navigating Life Changes and Finding Freedom
The episode opens with a reflective discussion between Erin and Antwon about feeling lost and trapped in their lives at various points. Erin shares how these feelings have influenced her songwriting, with themes of freedom and forgiveness recurring in her work. She even performs songs that touch on these themes, including tracks about tequila and love, which highlight her ability to blend personal experiences with relatable narratives.
Erin also opens up about her struggles with anxiety and the significant changes she has made in her life to overcome these challenges. Antwon relates to the topic of setting New Year’s resolutions and the difficulties in following through, making the conversation deeply personal and relatable.
The Creative Process and Upcoming Music
As the conversation progresses, Erin delves into her creative process, explaining how melodies and lyrics often come to her first, followed by guitar and vocal demos. She also discusses her upcoming music projects with Antwon, revealing that she has two new singles on the way—one in Spanish and another in English. The excitement around these releases is palpable, as Erin shares her experiences collaborating with producer Shankar Tucker to bring these songs to life.
Growing as an Artist and Collaborating with Others
Erin reflects on her growth as an artist, noting that she feels less scared and more willing to play and have fun with her music now. She shares how her husband’s drumming skills connected her with Shankar and Video Vox, leading to exciting new collaborations. Erin’s journey from making noise as a child to overcoming stage fright and studying voice in college is an inspiring story of perseverance and passion.
Musical Inspirations and Genre Exploration
The conversation takes an interesting turn as Erin discusses her musical inspirations, including Destiny’s Child, Emily Sandé, and St. Vincent. She recounts her early days of performing for her stuffed animals with No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom playing on repeat—a testament to how deeply music has been a part of her life from the beginning.
Erin also touches on the challenges of categorizing her music into a specific genre. Rather than trying to fit into a particular mold, she prefers to focus on creating music that feels authentic and natural to her. This approach has allowed her to explore a wide range of musical styles, from indie folk to rock to hip hop, and has led to some of her most cherished experiences, like recording a live album in a legendary studio.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
Toward the end of the episode, Erin and Antwon discuss the challenges of working in creative fields and maintaining motivation. Erin shares her involvement with a rock camp for young girls, where she helps inspire and empower the next generation of female musicians. She emphasizes the importance of trust and creative expression, particularly in environments run by women.
Antwon echoes these sentiments, highlighting the long-term benefits of music programs in schools and how they help build confidence and intuition in young people. The conversation underscores the value of music not just as an art form, but as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
Listen to the Full Episode
This episode of Icon Presents offers an intimate and inspiring look at Erin O’Neil’s journey as an artist, her creative process, and her dedication to empowering others through music. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or simply a fan of Erin’s work, this episode is filled with valuable insights and heartfelt moments.
Be sure to tune in to the full episode on Icon Presents to hear more about Erin’s upcoming projects, her thoughts on personal growth, and how she’s using her music to make a positive impact. And don’t forget to support her by following, streaming, and sharing her music.
At Icon Presents, we’re committed to bringing you the stories behind the music, art, and creativity that shape our culture. Stay tuned for more interviews and insights from the most compelling voices in the creative world.