Erin O'Dowd
Gig Seeker Pro

Erin O'Dowd

Nashville, TN | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | INDIE

Nashville, TN | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2012
Band Americana Roots

Calendar

Music

Press


"New Tulsa Rolks Review"

Other tracks simply out-beauty the rest of the album, perfectly exemplified by Rachel La Vonne’s “Strangers,” which smoothly glides between La Vonne’s single and triple-tracked harmonies, choruses and verses, radiating sublime purity.

The same can be said for “Robin’s Egg Blue” by Erin O’Dowd, an intimate masterpiece assisted by the bass and slide-guitar prowess of local hero Jesse Aycock. - The Collegian


"Folk Salad- 11/16/13- Interview and Performance"

Folk Salad this week has Brian Horton of Horton Records into the studio with featured local artists from the new Tulsa Folks CD, ie. Chloe Johns, Chris Lee Becker, Robert Hoefling, Kristen Hemphill, Erin O'Dowd. Check out Tulsa's own homegrown. - Folk Salad - NPR


"Chanteuse showcase"

If you're anything like me, you love getting out to see local artists playing original live music in Tulsa every chance you get. But if you're anything like me, the frequent 11 p.m. start times just don't jibe with your lifestyle the way they used to.

That's why the Friday night music series at downtown boutique Dwelling Spaces (curated by local music dynamo Chris Combs) is such a welcome addition to the Tulsa music landscape. It runs from 7-9 p.m. each Friday and always features interesting acts, from established veterans to fresh-faced up-and-comers.

This Friday's edition is an especially welcome treat, as Kristen Hemphill and Erin O'Dowd — a couple of singer-songwriters with pipes and chops to spare — take the stage for an intimate show befitting the series' coffeehouse vibe. Hemphill recently released a new full-length album, and O'Dowd has burst onto the scene in recent months to universally rave reviews from everyone I've spoken to who's been lucky enough to catch her.

If you're smart, you'll head downtown for an early dinner at Yokozuna (to take full advantage of their special fixed-price Restaurant Week menu), then head next door for a top-notch evening of music.

That's a full night of food and fun, and you can be home before 10. (If you're anything like me, that's a recipe for a perfect Friday night.)

-Matt Cauthron - Tulsa People


"ORIGINAL OKIE: ERIN O’DOWD"

Erin O’Dowd is a singer-songwriter from Tulsa who takes her inspiration from nature, history and everyday life. She plays Americana and folk, along with some blues and country. Photo location courtesy of Fly Loft rehearsal and activity space in downtown Tulsa. - This Land Press


"Album Review - The Colony Presents: New Tulsa Folks"

Robin's Egg Blue by Erin O'Dowd (4:51) -- Good female Americana is a rare find these days, as female voices have difficulty relating the forlorn and road-weary vibe associated with the more dominating male acts in the genre. Most certainly it is a biased generalization. As a listener it is difficult for me to imagine the insinuation of lament or heavy burden needed to genuinely sell me the story if the story is coming from a pretty voice. In recent memory, Wye Oak seems to be the most successful, though the standard bearer is probably Lucinda Williams. Though Williams and Jenn Wasner (of Wye Oak) have huskier voices, Erin O'Dowd slides nicely into this niche despite a vocal range on the higher end. There is genuine ache in her vocals, and perfectly timed inflections accent that melancholy. Further, she delivers it with enough passion to sell it. O'Dowd is fully invested in her emotions -- it feels like something is at stake here -- and Robin's Egg Blue is a keeper as a result. - The Jivewired Journal


""Everybody Sing" by Erin O'Dowd | This Land Press' Woody Guthrie Anniversary Issue"

Song of original and compiled lyrics inspired and by Woody Guthrie.

"I dream of a day when there are horses and higher ways
And people lay their guns down to play games, guitar, and sing
And dream of better things
It used to be there were horses, and highways were just cut paths in
the green grass
Every man was for his own if you did bad, you might get blown
all your food it was hard sown
And then one day, there are horses, and highways.
And there was a man who played guitar and raised his voice to fight
a war–he knew things had gone too far–so for peace he set his heart
On sights afar and sights beneath–
And the dust it rose and carried his feet
Across the country singin’ songs
of justic and equality
everything as it should be.
He showed us that this is the day,
Where we’ve got horses and highways
And houses and driveways
“This land is our land,” and with every step we take our stand
So, together, we must band,
Bound for glory.
“From California to the New York Islands,”
Everybody’s tryin’ to get high land
From Okemah to Tahlequah, everybody’s better off honest
Than bearing the cross of capitalism,
‘free’ markets, and net loss
living like a slave to corporations, in little boxes
walking lost.
From the wild to the five civilized tribes
In your eyes, a world across time
friom Tsa’la’gi to Angl’ais
Green or blue or brown or grey
Look in someone’s eyes today;
Shine a little sunlight on their mind
And any peace that you can find.
You are poetry–
you are a peace flag waving
For pastures of plenty–
for posterity.
“This land is your land,”
And it’s already won.
Turn your heart towards the sun
Turn your face to the sky
This is life–go big
Or go home.
“by boxcar, thumb, and foot”
However you can–
Be golden, be true, be you.
And “this land is my land” too
“And we will fight together,
We shall not be moved
We will fight together
We shall not be moved.
Just like a tree
That’s planted by the water
We
Shall not
Be moved.”

Originally published in This Land, Vol. 4 Issue 13. July 1, 2013.
- See more at: http://thislandpress.com/07/19/2013/everybody-sing/?read=complete#sthash.tko3hnjN.dpuf - This Land Press


"Lloyd Maines, Terri Hendrix, and Erin O'Dowd- Women in Recovery Benefit @ Woody Guthrie Center"

The Woody Guthrie Center kicks off our anniversary weekend on May 2 with a benefit concert in our theater. All ticket sales and donations from the show will go directly to Women in Recovery. Featured performers for the event are Terri Hendrix and Lloyd Maines, Erin O’Dowd, and Kristen Hemphill. Tickets for the event are $15 minimum, but we encourage guests to donate additional funds in order to help Women in Recovery. Call 918-574-2710 or email carrie@woodyguthriecenter.org for information and tickets to this show.Terri Hendrix is an award-winning Texas songwriter who spins sorrow into joy and wrings wisdom from the blues with the poetic grace and uplifting melodic flair that has long been her trademark. A classically trained vocalist and deft multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin and harmonica), she dodges musical pigeonholes alongside legendary producer Lloyd Maines (guitar, dobro, pedal steel), by weaving folk, pop, country, blues and swinging jazz into an eclectic style all her own. http://www.terrihendrix.com/

Kristen Hemphill is a singer/songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is a talented vocalist with a wide range who has been singing on stage for many years. From her soprano-like sound on “White House Waltz,” to the deep bluesy tones heard in her song “Rhythm,” listeners can find dynamic qualities within her voice. http://www.kristenhemphill.com

Erin O’Dowd is a singer-songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She plays folk and Americana speckled with country and blues. She finds inspiration in nature, the past, everyday life, and the future. https://www.facebook.com/erinodowdmusic - Woody Guthrie Center


"Erin O'Dowd"

Music Directory >> Music Talent >> Erin O'Dowd


Erin O'Dowd
Erin O'Dowd Band
Songwriter, Bandleader
categories:
BLUES - Country Blues
COUNTRY - Americana
FOLK - Traditional Folk
ROCK - Alternative
SINGER-SONGWRITER - Singer-Songwriter - All


(918) 812-9989 Erin-Cell
erinodowd@gmail.com
Facebook page
SoundCloud page
YouTube page

description:
Erin O'Dowd Band is a five piece folk-Americana outfit that twists traditional Oklahoma sound into a folky, soft dreamscape of prairie trails, lofty steel guitar, and soaring vocals reminiscent of simpler times.

band member names
Erin O'Dowd
-acoustic guitar and vocals

Cooper Waugh (Jacob Tovar and the Saddletramps)
-electric guitar

Dylan Layton (Whirligig, The Big O Show, Brad James Band)
-bass guitar

Kristin Ruyle (The Big O Show, Brad James Band)
-percussion and harmony vocals

Jeff Coleman (Pilgrim, Wink Burcham)
-lap steel

awards / festivals / designations
2014: Original song "Robin's Egg Blue" appeared on Horton Record's folk compilation 'The Colony presents.. The New Tulsa Folks'

2014: Hosted a city-wide Picker's Circle at the Guthrie Green along with local musicians Steve Liddell, Cody Brewer, Dan Martin and Chris Lee Becker

2014: Selected to appear at the Blue Dome Arts Festival on the main stage

2014: Chosen to open for award-winning Texas songwriter Terri Hendrix and her Grammy-award winning guitarist and producer Lloyd Maines at The Woody Guthrie Center as part of their First Anniversary Celebration.



band bio
Erin O'Dowd was born in Jackson, Mississippi, grew up in the swampy lowlands of Florida, and came of age amongst the rich musical heritage of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is inspired by the roots and folk tradition of the '60s and before, and her influences are as diverse as Emmylou Harris, Leadbelly, Ryan Adams, Patsy Cline, Lucinda Williams and The Carter Family. Erin grew up singing in church and around the house, making mixtapes, and writing on the family piano. In college for visual art, she was introduced to activist folk singers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, and quickly put down her paint brushes and replaced them with songwriting. She writes and performs original folk/americana songs on voice and guitar, and is joined by a talented band: local staple Dylan Layton on bass (The Big O Show, Whirligig, Brad James Band) , the wailin' Cooper Waugh on the electric guitar (Jacob Tovar and the Saddletramps), local virtuoso Jeff Coleman on the lap steel (Pilgrim, Wink Burcham), and Kristin Ruyle (The Big O Show, Brad James Band) on percussion, who takes a rootsy twist on the traditional kit, adding djembe and chimes to the snare and kick. She also contributes harmonies to complement the sound. Together they create a fresh interpretation of traditonal folk, classic country, the blues. Erin's songs tell deeply personal stories with emotions and colors, and are often inspired by places, historical events, and their relevance to issues of today. For example, "Robin's Egg Blue" was written in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, "Florida Moon" was written in Erin's hometown of Tampa, and "Wewoka" was inspired by an old map depecting the Trail of Tears found along the Arkansas River in Tulsa. Erin O'Dowd Band seeks to provide you with a visceral, engaging experience, telling timeless tales of love, the struggles and triumphs of life, and a sense of endless longing and adventure, all wrapped up in lush musical medecine for your ears. - Oklahoma Film and Music Office


"Horton Records fundraiser helps boost live music in Tulsa"

If you’ve wondered why some of your favorite Tulsa musicians haven’t been around town too much lately, the news is good.

Many have hit the road to promote new albums or to play in bands on national tours.

And that makes Brian Horton happy.

“I think we’ve had a lot going on for a while, but when you see people breaking out and getting recognition on a broader scale, it’s really cool,” said Horton, founder and president of the nonprofit Horton Records. “For me it feels good because the people that I know who are musicians in Tulsa, they’re some of the most genuine, nice human beings.”

Several of those area musicians have had at least some contact with Horton Records, a unique organization that works to promote music across the spectrum in Tulsa. It provides support for touring and management, distribution, and recording. And as a nonprofit with no full-time employees, it takes a lot to bring that help to area musicians.

To help that mission, an all-star lineup of Tulsa musicians will play a long set Saturday with a few even trying their hands at chili for the first Rock n’ Folk n’ Chili Cook-Off at Cain’s Ballroom. Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday, and the $15 advance ticket includes hours of music and all-you-can-eat chili while it lasts.

Musicians set to perform are Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Dustin Pittsley, Paul Benjaman, Jesse Aycock, Wink Burcham, Pilgrim, Desi & Cody, Low Litas, Lizard Police, And There Stand Empires, Jacob Tovar & The Saddle Tramps, Chris Becker, Kyle Reid & Low Swinging Chariots, Verse & The Vapors, Rachel LaVonne, Robert Hoefling, Erin O’Dowd, Grazzhopper, Dan Martin & Chris Woody, Adrienne Gilley and even more, if you can believe it.

Several musicians will offer their chili, as will several Tulsa restaurants. Live art will take place with silent auctions and raffles also planned. - The Tulsa World


"Erin O’Dowd wins Indie Songwriter recognition"

Check out this interview with Erin O’Dowd and hear her track “Robin’s Egg Blue” at the end of the interview and find this song on the “New Tulsa Folks” compilation available on CD in the Music section of this site. Grab your copy today or download it online at all of your favorite sites. Way to go, Erin!



https://beta.prx.org/stories/138170 - Horton Records


"Erin O’Dowd talks new album, inspirations and collaborations"

Erin O’Dowd talks new album, inspirations and collaborations

By Chris Brownsberger

TULSA, Okla. - Erin O'Dowd originally hailed from Mississippi, but she spent much of her childhood in Florida. She came upon music at an early age singing at home and in church and playing on a family piano all throughout her formative years. Her family later relocated to Oklahoma and Erin’s childhood love of music was cemented with an introduction to alternative rock courtesy of her older brother.

She taught herself to play guitar at age 15 and her musical destiny has continued in the musically inclined city of Tulsa. Later, she would become a guitar instructor herself, mentoring children.

“I taught them rhythm guitar, which a lot of guitar teachers don’t do so early on. But I wanted to teach them practical skills.”

O’Dowd was attending the University of Tulsa studying visual arts when Americana folk music struck her ear. Now Erin’s own music is in that folk tradition and her visual arts background definitely contributes to the vividness of her songs.

“Always played music my whole life. Also always done art my whole life. Always done both. I never thought about picking one over the other until I went to college and had to decide what to major in!” she told RedDirtNation.com.

At the time she felt like visual art was the best choice, but quickly changed her mind. She loved the visual arts, but found when school “forced me to do it, it kind of killed it for me.” She also felt that art school had an “insane workload.”

Some things in O’Dowd’s music are inspired by the 1960s; other influences come from earlier eras. But it was those hippy activist counter cultural folk singers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez who really motivated O’Dowd to become a performing artist.

O’Dowd’s songcraft tells personal stories, but fill out the verses also with love of nature and respect for the past; careful listens reveal both subtle and overt references to nature and history. Erin’s “Robin’s Egg Blue” was recent winner of the Public Radio Exchange “In Search of a Song” radio show's Searchlight Competition. Host Jason Wilber is long time lead guitarist for John Prine. That song was featured on New Tulsa Folks compilation released by Horton Records recently.

Personally I’m pretty picky about my Woody Guthrie tributes. If they care enough to salute Woody I trust their heart is in the right place, but few such efforts truly move me. However O’Dowd’s “Everybody Sing” very much does. It is both original and compiled lyrics by and about Woody, and it’s really quite well done.

O’Dowd elaborates on Guthrie: “He’s kind of universal figure at this point. Even when I was growing up in Florida they taught us about Woody Guthrie. We sang “This Land Is Your Land”. Even they told us about Woody and it was a Christian school, and he was a socialist or whatever. They didn’t care.” She goes on that, “The [Woody Guthrie] Festival is another great example of the community that extends beyond Oklahoma, because people come from all over the country.”

Discussing the Tulsa and Red Dirt scene, she affirms, “The music community here is great. And also beyond - I feel like it definitely does extend elsewhere.” She tells me how she recently went back to Florida to visit with family, and she saw Tulsa singer/songwriter John Moreland in Tampa. “They knew all the words to his songs! They had that community knowledge, all those people were music lovers and they knew his background.”

In the extremely collaborative music culture of Tulsa, O’Dowd has shared jams with many great acts. Although she’d been writing lyrics for years, it was the encouragement of her friends and fellow musicians that helped her transition from being an ensemble contributor, harmonist and accompanist to becoming a true solo performer. Playing bass in the Low Litas helped her overcome any shyness, reticence or stage fright

Additional acts that she says have helped her along the way include Dustin Pittsley and Jesse Aycock, Robert Hoefling, Wink Burcham and Bandelier among others. She specifically thanks the Wednesday Night Science Project guys, Tom Skinner and Don Morris because joining in at their shows “was always a very epic event for me -- I was so nervous! They would just say ‘you’re doing great, keep it up, keep it up.’So I always tried!”

Other area musicians that have influenced and encouraged her include Desi & Cody and Steve Pryor. O’Dowd also notes Samantha Crain was a big inspiration.

“To see a female doing so well and doing it on her own, too. She’s awesome.”

Veteran Tulsa performer Rocky Frisco, who recently passed away, was an “incredible musician. He was a mentor to me and a friend. I called him my adopted grandad,” O’Dowd said.

O’Dowd is powerful and capable solo performer who incorporates blues, pop and country into the folk format. But she is even more striking (and a little bit more rock & roll) when she’s accompanied by a variety of local talent. Tulsa stalwart Dylan Layton often backs her on bass, while Gene Williams plays guitar and Kristin Ruyle contributes percussion.

Now Erin O’Dowd is recording her debut album with bandmate Dylan Layton at the helm, working out of his home studio. “I will have quite a few special guests on it. I have like 20 names to rattle off!”

But she then backs down ever so slightly, deciding to only tell me the folks that she is certain will appear. It’s an all-star conglomeration; players associated with Oklahoma’s best bands. Along with her band members Layton, Williams and Ruyle, she tells me contributors should include Jeff Coleman on lap steel (Swon Brothers), Jesse Aycock on pedal steel (Hard Working Americans), Cody Clinton on guitar (Desi & Cody, Pilgrim), Mike Byars on drums (Hosty Duo), Cooper Waugh & Seth Lee Jones (guitarists for the Saddle Tramps). Other likely players include bassists Bo Hallford (Paul Benjaman) and Jordan Hehl (Grazzhopper), Kevin Warren Smith fiddle (Bob Childers, Wink Burcham), and Kurt ‘Frenchy’ Nielson on mandolin (Wink Burcham, Rusty James Porter).

O’Dowd hopes to finish tracking the project by end of summer, have it mixed and mastered in the fall and optimistically released early in 2016. In any case she tells me she already knows Horton Records will be putting it out. I asked for her comments on that record label’s namesake impresario, Brian Horton.

“He’s a fixture of the scene and such a great beacon of the arts. He makes so many different awesome things happen for all of us to enjoy, and just does it out of the love of his heart. It’s rare to find. He’s been such a great encouragement to me. My very first solo show, he came to it,” she said.

Erin O’Dowd is still building her website, but you can find her on Facebook. Look for her appearing throughout the summer including:

June 27 @ The Rusty Crane in Tulsa with Robert Hoefling and Josh Vincent

June 30 @ The Colony in Tulsa with Cody Clinton

July 11 @ Tulsa’s Centennial Lounge - full band show

August 7 @ The Colony in Tulsa with Chris Lee Becker

August 15 @ The I Am Yoga Festival on the main stage

August 21 @ The Colony in Tulsa - full band showshow - Red Dirt Nation


"Live Video of Erin O'Dowd's performance of "Robin's Egg Blue" to promote the Festival Americas Summer Series 2016: Women's Expo"

Performance video of Erin O'Dowd's "Robin's Egg Blue" live on KEXP Channel 8 Tulsa's Morning Show on May 26th, 2016 - 8 ABC Tulsa


"The TUL Sound//Q&A With Erin O'Dowd"

As I prepare for my big move across the pond I cannot help but think of so many fond memories and all the incredibly special friendships that I made here in Tulsa. I met the fabulously talented Erin O'Dowd years ago when we worked together at Dwelling Spaces. Erin and I have a ton in common including a vast knowledge and love for coffee, croissants, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Ryan Adams, gluten-free deserts, bicycles, and all things French. Erin is pretty fluent in French and can play the guitar and sing like no other. She can make a delicious latte too. And she is my favorite favorite favorite lunch date. We are always on a mission to find the best horchata in town. I have been keeping up with her amazing progress with her music and I am so proud to see her sharing it with the world. I am so intrigued with her songwriting and was dying to know more. Really excited for you guys to read all about it!

-What inspired you to become a musician and songwriter?

I have always been in love with music. My parents both love to sing and I think they passed it down to me. My Dad sang opera in college, and my mom sang in church choir and played piano. I wanted to play and sing as well as her and I have early memories of crawling up onto the piano bench and tinkling around on the keys. I couldn't wait to be old enough to take lessons and just to be able to play better. I have been singing and making up songs since a very young age.

-How did you get started with music, and was your original goal to be a singer/songwriter?

I first started taking piano lessons when I was 5. I didn't care for the regimented approach and as I got a little older I didn't want to play other people's songs. I wanted to make up my own. So I guess that being a singer-songwriter has always been my goal. I learned a lot from those lessons, and from trial and error. I just have always enjoyed playing and being creative. When I was in my teens I became very serious about becoming a singer-songwriter. I taught myself guitar at age 15 and haven't looked back since.

Are you a patient songwriter?

Absolutely. My song "Robin's Egg Blue" was written over the course of several years. I have quite a few others that are that way. Some of the best ideas come in fragments and you really have to be patient and sit on them for a while until they develop on their own in your head. Some days, song ideas I forgot about will pop into my head and I'll just sit down and finish the song. It's really a lot of fun. Good things come to those who wait.

Are you a disciplined writer?

I don't ever force myself to sit down and write. To me, that takes away all of the joy of it. However, I am a very prolific writer, and often remind myself to stop thinking so much and live in the present moment. My writing is a reflection of moments past and present. If I get into a slump, and feel like what's coming out is not resonating purely, that's usually when I realize I'm just going through the phase of filling up the cup again. Sometimes I really just have to put the pen down and tune into life sometimes. Writing is addictive to me. I love it.

-Do favor a particular environment when you write?

I write anywhere and everywhere that an idea will come into my head. I could be watching a movie, listening to a band, driving, etc. and a line or idea will pop into my head. Spontaneous inspiration is my favorite and I find it to straight from the heart. As far as finishing a song, I would most rather be at home alone on the couch with my guitar and my voice recording. I'll record parts, ideas, and listen to them back and see what comes out next.

-Who are some of your favorite authors?

Tom Robbins is my all time favorite author. If all other books in the world were burned I suppose I'd be alright. My favorite lyrical author is Bob Dylan. His words come straight from the source and can twist and turn and weave into a story like none other. He and Joan Baez are a big reason I quit art school and pursued the muse. Ryan Adams, Aldous Huxley, and Emmylou Harris sealed the deal for me. Barbara Kingsolver creates such beautiful imagery in her works and such an emotional connection. I love her stuff. I also am really into non-fiction and historical works.

-How do you go about finding places to perform?

That's equal parts seeking them out and them falling into my lap. Booking is something that I work hard at, but there's the added bonus that once you're out there doing it, people will contact you and ask you to play for them.

-So far, how many projects have you been involved with in?

About 10. Currently I play solo, as a duo with Chloe Johns, another with Gene Williams, and a full band. I have recorded vocals/harmony on several local records for Robert Hoefling, Bandelier, Kalyn Fay, and Green Corn Rebellion.

-What has been the best part of working in the music industry?

Definitely being a part of such a rich and vibrant community of friends. The Tulsa sound is all about playing music with people you love to hang out with. It's fun. And for me, it's very liberating. It really has opened me up creatively in a way that is still unfolding. I'm excited to see what the future has to bring.

-Career wise, where do you see yourself in ten years?

I am absolutely set on touring and recording full time. I can't wait to travel the world and do what I love all of the time.

-Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to mention?

I have plans for my debut album in the works. I would like to have it out by February, when I go to Folk Alliance International in Kansas City. Look for a Kickstarter to pre-order your copy! It's been a long time in the making and I can't wait to make it happen and share it with everybody.

-What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to enter the music industry?

Follow your heart. It sounds cliché, but I really don't believe in clichés. We're all related and go through similar phases and themes along our journeys through life. Don't do something just because it seems logical. Do what is right for you. If someone thinks you are wrong, don't pay them any mind. You are the only one who knows what is best for you. Learn to trust yourself and you'll be golden.

-What do you feel most comfy in wardrobe wise when performing?

A comfy, flowy dress and boots. And a hat if I'm feeling shy.

-24 hours in TUL...what are your fave things to do, eat, sip, etc?

Rambling around downtown-specifically the M.W. Brady Arts District. Grab a specialty beverage from Prairie Brewpub, dinner at Chimera, and check out the Woody Guthrie Center for a while. If it's a Sunday afternoon, head across the street to the Guthrie Green for a Sunday afternoon concert. I have seen so many amazing acts there, all for free-Robert Earl Keen, Jimmy LaFave, Ellis Paul, JD McPherson, John Fullbright, and this Sunday-Hayes Carll!

-Your fave original song by you thus far and why?

Oh man. That's a doozy. "Robin's Egg Blue," that I mentioned earlier, will always have a special place in my heart. Wewoka is another one that is really special to me. That one's got a really cool story. I was walking along the Arkansas and found a beat up map of Trail of Tears to Oklahoma, along with a description of the Seminole tribe's first hand experience of getting off in Tulsa in boats in the 1800's. I sat down and read it and cried. I went home and tacked it up on my wall, stared at it for a while, then sat down and wrote this song.

-Americano or latte?

I'm a tea drinker these days! Earl Grey is my absolute favorite.

-Cake or pie?

Cake, macaron, and a cookie please. From Antoinette's Bakery.

-Dogs or cats?

Dogs. I have a Siberian husky named Prince. He is pretty much my kid. But I would love to get him a cat friend one day. He loves them and I do too.

-Whats next for Erin?!

I will be playing solo acoustic at the Inner Circle Wednesday 9/14, the next night at the Hunt Club with Chloe Johns and Stephen Lee on guitar, and that Saturday at Stone River Music Festival in Chandler with Gene Williams. I'm a part of a songwriters circle show at the Dream Theater in Tahlequah on October 8th. Contact me for tickets to that one. I'm also especially looking forward to being a part of the inaugural Tom Skinner Skyline Festival in downtown Tulsa on October 13th. Tom was a huge inspiration to me and to many other Okie songwriters. It's going to be great fun to all get together and celebrate his legacy.

I plan to get to as many of Erin's shows as possible before I leave and hope to meet some new faces!

Thanks for dropping by.

Shop my fave concert attire here. And catch a show! - Go French Yourself


"Searchlight: Indie Song Competition winner Erin O'Dowd (Audio Interview)"

Audio Interview and airing of "Robin's Egg Blue" - In Search of a Song with Jason Wilber (PRX)


"Live on Good Day Tulsa- "Water Your Own Yard" (Tom Skinner)"

Live performance with Sherman Connelly to promote the Tom Skinner Skyline Music Fest. October 10, 2016. - KTUL 8 ABC TULSA


"From Red Dirty Country to Music City Erin O'Dowd Celebrates Roots Music With 'Old Town' (album stream)"

Originally from the musically fertile Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Erin O' Dowd knows a thing or two about being more than a one trick pony. With her five-piece band in tow, O'Dowd brings together disparate streams of country, psych folk and other roots elements for her debut album, Old Town. Filled with songs that take listeners on unexpected routes, the LP reveals the artist's talents for capturing human beings at both their most vulnerable and best. A listen to heartbreaker/tearjerker material such as "Robin's Egg Blue" and "Forgiveness" reveals the former while her performances across these 10 tracks reveals the latter.

"Old Town is written from a deeply introspective place, and was inspired by the roller coaster of events of my life up until now," O'Dowd says. "That includes a lot of heartache, overcoming great personal obstacles, and reconciliation with my past and with my highest self. Putting this album out is a victory in itself, as I overcame a major life-threatening illness that put my career on hold for over a year, and went through the loss of my best friend and the loss of my first songwriting partner. Old Town explores the places I've been, celebrates victory over the darkness, and points me in the direction of where I'll go." - PopMatters


"Erin O’Dowd Preps New Album Old Town, Debuts “Trick Pony”"

Nashville songwriter Erin O’Dowd is preparing to release her debut album Old Town, out May 4 on Horton Records. Ahead of the album’s release, she’s shared a new tune, “Trick Pony,” and accompanying video, in which pal Cornelius Cobb gallivants around an antique mall in O’Dowd’s hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“I wrote ‘Trick Pony’ about that lover that just won’t quit,” O’Dowd says. “Every time they come back around, they act like they’ve changed, but they’re always up to the same ol’ tricks. I actually wasn’t aware of the Paul Simon song ‘One Trick Pony’ when I wrote this song. I was sharing my woes with a friend at the bar one night, lower than low, and an old cowboy overheard us and butted in, ‘Well, it sounds like he’s just an ol’ one trick pony! It’s best just to leave those in the dust. They’re not going anywhere. You’re much better off without them, those ol’ trick ponies.’ The phrase got stuck in my head, and I wrote this song not too long after.”

O’Dowd worked on Old Town with producer Travis Linville, and recruited John Fullbright to lend his talents on keys. Renowned pedal steel player Roger Ray also appears on the LP. - American Songwriter


Discography

2018: Old Town (LP) by Erin O'Dowd, Produced by Travis Linville and featuring John Fullbright on Keys, and Roger Ray on Pedal Steel (Jason Boland & The Stragglers)

2018: The Oklahoma Room Compilation (Horton Records) Features "Old Town" by Erin O'Dowd, Recorded by Travis Linville and Mixed by Trent Bell.

2017: The Oklahoma Room Compilation (Horton Records) Features "Silver Lake" by Erin O'Dowd, Recorded and produced by Travis Linville.

2014: New Tulsa Folks (The Colony Presents) 
Folk compilation by Horton Records.
Includes original song "Robin's Egg Blue" written and performed by Erin O'Dowd.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thecolonypresentsnewtul

2014: Old Memories and Live Wires by Robert Hoefling
Released by Horton Records
Backing Vocals on Tracks 4, 7, and 10
https//itunes.apple.com/us/album/old-memories-live-wires/id917370227 

2014: 
Landlines by Bandelier
Self-released
Backing Vocals on Track 5
http//bandelier.bandcamp.com/album/landlines 

2012: -2 is the New Zero by Green Corn Rebellion (Self-released)
Backing Vocals on Tracks 5, 6, and 9 http://greencornrebellion.com/music

Photos

Bio

Erin O'Dowd was born in Flowood, Mississippi, grew up on the gulf coast of Florida, and came of age amongst the rich musical heritage of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is inspired by the roots and folk tradition, with influences such as Bessie Smith, The Carter Family, Emmylou Harris, Ryan Adams, The Band, Neil Young, Gillian Welch, and John Prine.

Erin grew up playing the family piano singing in church and local talent shows. She wrote her first song at the age of 2. In art school, she was introduced to activist folk singers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, and quickly traded her brushes in favor of a guitar, paper, and a pen. Her songs provide you with a visceral, engaging experience, and she is often compared to Loretta Lynn and Norah Jones.

In 2013, Erin’s tribute to Woody Guthrie, “Everybody Sing,” was printed in acclaimed newspaper This Land Press, and her first single “Robin’s Egg Blue” was featured on the New Tulsa Folks Compilation put out by Horton Records.  That year she also graced the stage of the historic Cain's Ballroom and opened for renowned producer and guitarist Lloyd Maines at the Woody Guthrie Center. In 2014, she opened for legendary songwriter Steve Young. In 2017, she was selected and sponsored by Horton Records and the Woody Guthrie Center to attend Folk Alliance International as a part of The Oklahoma Room showcase. Her original song "Silver Lake" is featured on The Oklahoma Room at Folk Alliance compilation.

Erin is a winner of the In Search of a Song radio show's Searchlight Competition, hosted by Jason Wilber, long time lead guitarist for John Prine.

Old Town, her debut record, is being produced by Travis Linville, accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist for Hayes Carll. It released 

Band Members