Interview with Erin Duvall

Divine Magazine
By Divine Magazine 4 Views
13 Min Read
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The Texas-born singer-songwriter, Erin Duvall, was raised on a foundation of country, blues, gospel, and rock ‘n’ roll. Erin’s unique approach to music has drawn comparisons to singers like Janis Joplin, Natalie Maines, and Susan Tedeschi. As the fourth of five children in her family, Erin learned to advocate for herself and what she wanted at an early age, which was to always perform. By delivering raspy country vocals, Erin sets herself apart from other women in today’s country music scene. She belts, teases, and soars into listeners’ ears with her roadhouse bluesy tunes and the sultry sounds of her vocals.

Erin’s debut album, Out of Focus, was recorded in 2010 with producer and songwriter Rob Giles. Rob Giles is a singer-songwriter known for his solo work, along with working with Andy Summers of the Police and the band The Rescues. 

Taking a pause to become a mother to four beautiful children and, as a single mother, she knows the importance of hard work and following your dreams. Currently, Erin is working with Terry and Simeon Baker of Baker Brothers Music. With over 30 years of experience, they have worked with Michael McDonald, Aretha Franklin, Kirk Franklin, Patty Austin, Wayne Newton, Bishop TD Jakes, to name a few. Together they are working to perfectly blend country, gospel, and rock n roll into one sound showcasing the music that was rooted in Erin’s upbringing.

The story of Erin Duvall has taken her around the sun twice and led her back to her passion for music time and time again. As a mompreneur, Erin is the creator and founder of the children’s animated character Aunty E, who teaches children about all types of music. The exciting animated world of Aunty E started in 2006 with producer Billy Henry. Billy has worked with prominent acts like The Chicks, Courtyard Hounds, Fleetwood Mac and Shakira. The project is very near and dear to Erin’s heart, and she is excited to share the progress with all of you as she revamps it. 

As an influential philanthropist, Erin Duvall and her sister Molly Duvall Thomas founded a multimedia brand known as Sisters of Red. Sharing their love of fashion, design, travel and all things real and beautiful, Sisters of Red started in 2017 as a creative outlet to share their inspiration. As a sister-duo, the two share a passion for giving to help make a difference in the lives of others. 

“I have grown up with two very strong examples of family first, hard work, and giving back. So now as a single mother of four, I feel very strongly to leave a legacy behind for my children that makes them proud,” says Duvall. With the passion that burns inside Erin Duvall, she will excel in all aspects of her career, especially in an ever-increasing world of burn-outs and flashes that dispense as quickly as the wick is lit. 

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

George Strait – He’s the King, after all, a Texas boy and one of the defining sounds of my childhood.

What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?

I would either be trying to make it on Broadway, be an interior designer, or be working in the home design world in some facet. I worked for Ralph Lauren in NY and LA in the window design department and turned down a bigger job opportunity with them in New York to focus on music. So I would probably be doing something in that creative field. It was such a fun time in my life that I am so grateful for, but music kept calling me back to it time and time again. I had to follow my heart. 

What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?

My musical journey has always had the same major goal in mind, but I have been open to evolving as a person and an artist, having allowed the experience to strengthen my craft and my mind, and pain and joy to repurpose my center and my heart.

Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction, or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?

My musical journey has always had the same major goal in mind, but I have been open to evolving as a person and an artist, having allowed experience to strengthen my craft and my mind, and pain and joy to repurpose my center and my heart. 

What is your current music project about?

It’s a relational album – the relationships that have defined me, the ones that broke me but made me stronger upon my rebuild, and the ones that made me who I am today. Love, loss, pain, beauty, strength, pure heart and everything in between.

Would you like to collaborate with anyone? If so who and why?

I would LOVE to write with Shane McAnally. I think he is so insanely talented and everything that he has devoted himself to is so beautifully done, hits you to the core, or is the most fun song you’ve heard in a long time. I think he is just fabulous, and I love admiring his work from afar!

Do you enjoy recording and production?

I absolutely love the songwriting, recording, and production sides of music. I think it is so neat that you can start with this small idea and turn it into something larger than you ever imagined. It’s a beautiful process to be a part of and watch unfold.

Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Stay true to yourself, first and foremost. Never be afraid to evolve and grow as a person and an artist. You definitely need to find the right team who loves you for you, shares your same vision and will fight for you to be heard and seen. Keep your head down, work hard and tune out the noise that doesn’t matter. If someone REALLY wants to work with you, they will absolutely make that known. And always be working on your craft. The moment we stop bettering ourselves and our crafts, is that moment that we become stagnant. 

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can roll my tongue to look like a flower. Completely useless but also a definite shocker and crowd pleaser. My kids always ask to see it! Haha. 

What was the last thing you dressed up as for fancy dress?

A charity event here in Dallas. It was cowboy chic, so that was a lot of fun, and Old Dominion played—which made the night even better! I love paying it forward and think it is so wonderful to help out, lend a hand, or donate when you can! 

 What was the last TV series you watched on TV?

I just finished watching Dopesick, Surface and am in the middle of Tell Me Lies. All so different, but all so interesting!

If you had to describe yourself as a flavour, what would it be?

Spicy with a sweet undertone and lasting flavor – a real tried and true staple in your house! 

Which fictional character do you wish was real?

Serena Van Der Woodsen from Gossip Girl because I absolutely would be borrowing her clothes! 

If you were a member of the Spice Girls, what would your spice handle be?

@ohsosassyspice

Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?

I am hugely into the Christmas holiday. It was passed down from my parents. We go all out. Literally the week after Thanksgiving, we are full-blown Christmas. All the decorations, all the movies, all the gingerbread houses, cups of hot cocoa, and cookies for loved ones! It’s such a special time of the year with my family, and we cherish every moment. 

Do you shout out the answers on the TV whilst watching quiz shows?

    Of course! Who doesn’t? Haha!

If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?

That life really is a marathon, not a sprint. And to take anything and everything that comes your way in stride. You are going to hit some rough patches, but those rough patches will help you grow into the person you really want to be if you allow it. Also, slow down and enjoy those moments with your friends and family because time never stops ticking and you may look up one day and realize that you have missed out on a lot! Always lead with love and never judge anyone. Everyone is dealing with something, and until you have walked in their shoes, you will never fully understand the magnitude of the weight on their shoulders. So always be kind, no matter what. It’s the best way to live! 

Today Erin releases her highly anticipated single “Walking Country Song.” The upbeat song with inspiring lyrics, conveys a true sense of honesty as the singer acknowledges the past challenges, while also proclaiming the power of a focused vision throughout the journey. “Been burnt down and headstrong. Crushed dreams that were lifelong. Been highest, most biased. Been loved through the crisis…” The surefire personality of Erin led her to rebound from past setbacks and become “The Three Faces of Erin.” The successful mediums include Music, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurship.  

“‘Walking Country Song” is my honest and transparent depiction of the tangled yet beautiful journey, with many sharp turns, of where my life has taken me and where my compass is pointing me now,” says Erin. 

Erin says, “‘Walking Country Song” was a lyrically cathartic process for me. I am thankful for the bumps in the road that I have experienced because it has made me into who I am today. This song is truly a journey around the sun back to where I belong and where I am going.” Raised on country, blues, gospel, and rock ‘n’ roll, Erin finds her artistic creativity through her musical inspirations such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, and Reba McEntire. 

For more information and to connect with Erin Duvall follow her on 

WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube, and Twitter

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