I'm no John Prine, But Erin Rae just might be my Kris Kristofferson

I think a lot of folks are interested in origin stories. My whole intention in going back to the making of Kudzu has been to share more of my musical backstory. Do I think I was as developed of a writer, performer, or recording artist as I am now? No. Would I have made the same choices with the production and compositions of that material at my current age? No. The truth is though, through the making of Kudzu, a lot of things were set in motion for me as an artist that I wouldn’t see the fruits of for many years to come. My relationship with the folks involved in that record, would bring forth even more relationships. In my opinion, this is what is often found in the unknown of following your gut and heart. The unexpected throughlines that the universe uses to get you on your way, and where you need to be. 

This story is perhaps why you know enough about me to want to read this shit. In the studio, my co-producer, Skylar Wilson, asked if I had ever heard of the artist, Erin Rae? Side note, if you haven’t heard of Erin Rae, be sure to check out all of her music as soon as you can. 

I had listened to Erin’s music, but had never met her. Skylar suggested that we write music with each other, and as one did in those days, I wrote Erin a Facebook message, telling her how Skylar had spoken highly and thought we should meet. I included my cell phone number in the message, but would not hear back from Erin. I met Erin for the first time many months after recording Kudzu at The Basement East, in Nashville. We were both there for the Birdcloud show, and I walked over to introduce myself, innocently thinking she would remember my message. I GUARANTEE that Erin had no idea who I was, but was kind enough to chat for a minute, and most likely exchanged numbers with me so I would return to my corner of the venue and she could get on with her night. Sometime later that week I would text Erin to say nice to meet you, would she be interested in writing sometime, and long story short I wouldn’t receive a reply to my text for another year. 

This is very much the abridged version of this story, but the significance in taking this side road is because so much of these throwback stories are to catch you up on my present situation. Hang with me, as I try to wrap this up without it becoming a novel. 

Between 2016 and 2019, Erin would play an unexpected role in my career. We did try to co-write once, but that was the least of it. Erin asked if I would join her on a song for her album release at The Basement in Nashville. She had asked a lot of musicians to join her, but she asked me to sing my own song. The song was “Space and Time.” So many great artists were guests at this show, and I was extremely nervous to be backed by a band that I wasn’t used to playing with. I will include a picture of the setlist from that night, and you can see if you recognize any of the folks who were there. 

In 2018, I got wild hair and rented a room in Nashville for about six and a half months. During that time Erin introduced me to a lot of people in Nashville. Many of those people would become good friends and folks who I would later work with in music. I met my publicist through Erin at a festival she invited me to play in Wisconsin. Erin sent my demos to Jay Steele who would become my manager. 

Erin didn’t have to do any of that, but she championed my music to so many people who would play important roles in my career. Who's to say what would have transpired if Skylar didn’t mention her while recording Kudzu, but I would bet that “Space and Time” wouldn’t have been released by Verve in 2020. I would bet that Tyler Childers may never have heard my record. I would bet that in 2023, Erin and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to join Tyler on “Space and Time” for my Opry debut. 

There is a lot of networking in the music business, and oftentimes it is painted in a negative light. I’ve always approached this with the idea that if you are genuine in your interactions with folks, and never look at those interactions as insignificant, you open yourself up to having an authentic experience that consequently can amount to something very positive. Things take time, and you never know the significance of small interactions until you do. A lot of artists have had champions who helped guide them into their career, even John Prine.  

Hate to leave good company,

SG

1. Pictured: Setlist from Erin Rae’s album release party

2. Pictured: Promo photo for my appearance at Erin Rae’s release party in 2018

3. Pictured: An old show flier of when I had Erin come to Paducah, KY to play a set for some easy money