Hello, thank you for joining us today on the Virtual RGM Lounge. Grab a beer and take a seat.
What made you decide that music was for you?
I decided that music was for me when I was in middle school. I had been taking lessons since I was a child, but when I was in the second year of junior high school, I played the lead role in a junior high school musical and fell in love with being on stage.
Please introduce yourself and your musical history.
Hello world! I’m your worst nightmare, or Erin if you really know me. I am a classically trained soprano and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and I can’t imagine life without it. I started playing the piano in third grade and have been acquiring new instruments ever since. I started playing the ukulele in college and it became my signature instrument.
I’ve been performing as Your Best Nightmare for over a year now, and this is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.
What was your life like before you started making music?
I don’t really remember life without music, but I do remember life before “Your Best Nightmare.” I was recovering from quite a bit of illness and grief, and I just wanted to feel myself again. To write and perform again in a way that really got me out of the predicament I had unintentionally put myself into.
What was the first song you heard that introduced you to music?
I remember being obsessed with Britney Spears when I was a kid. I still love Britney! But she remembered watching her music videos and hearing her songs, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
Where do you think you are in the music industry right now?
I’m like a raccoon in the music industry’s trash can. I’m especially smart and hardworking. Sometimes I think I’m too smart for my own good. I’ve handled almost everything myself and accomplished quite a lot independently. Like a raccoon, many people find me attractive and interesting, and they allow me to continue doing my job well. Like raccoons, they are attracting attention because they look cute but can be scary.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from others in the industry?
I learned to trust myself. I once told someone that I needed to brand myself and that all my “content” needed to be “branded” or no one would take me seriously. I have experienced this. I felt it was foolish to have to reduce my life to a “brand” in order to succeed in this industry, and I didn’t want to do that. Everything I create is authentically me, and I’m glad I trusted myself enough to not be influenced by what someone else told me I should do.
Because I continued to be myself, I was able to gain more genuine fans and collaborations. I’m talking to you all because I trusted myself more than someone who didn’t have my best interests at heart. Quality life lessons from Your Best Nightmare are here.
Tell me two truths and one lie about yourself.
I have an MCR tattoo. I’m left-handed. And I love watching anime.
If you could wish for one thing to help your career, what would it be?
It’s a huge amount. If we had a lot of cash, we could do a lot more.
Have you ever worried about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
I’ve already had other people tell me that they think I write “comedy”, so people are already taking it the wrong way. Some people said they didn’t like men…
You can write essays about artists you’ve seen who do or say worse things than you’ve ever seen before, but since so many of them are men, it’s an easy fix. I think if there are people out there who are angry or trying to cancel what women have said about issues that affect people, they need to look in the mirror and ask themselves why they’re so angry.
Do you agree with conspiracy theories? If not, why not?
I don’t personally, but I often think about people who genuinely think birds aren’t real. I have 4 of them and I can tell you they are very authentic. They eat a lot, make a lot of noise, and are now obsessed with blankets. There’s no way it’s not real.
What is your worst experience on stage?
I was really sick, I think I had bronchitis or something. All I know is that I was really miserable. It was the first show I booked myself, so I really didn’t know if I could cancel. The die-hard musician in me said, “Do or die,” so I ended up going. The venue was mostly empty except for a couple who obviously wanted to listen to jazz music. I don’t play jazz. Thankfully they left after about 20 minutes as I was physically unable to continue. As miserable as it was overall, I’m so glad nothing could top that show.
Tell us something you think people would be surprised about.
I have a master’s degree in educational leadership. I officially graduated in August. I’m very passionate about educational equity.
What sets you apart as an artist?
The ukulele and my unyielding attitude.
I heard you have a new album, could you tell me about it?
Well, that’s right! Giveaway: A Simple Solution to Toxic Masculinity Released on March 21st. This is a horror story about anger, romance, and vampires.
What was the recording process like?
Over half of the album was recorded in a walk-in closet, working remotely with some friends to complete the drums and more. There are a few songs on the album that I recorded in the studio last year that I have in my walk-in closet.
What is the biggest learning curve in writing new songs?
I’m currently working on new music and I think the biggest challenge for me is figuring out where the songs need to go to tell the story in my head. You know the story your music should tell, but sometimes it’s hard to find the right songs to bring it to life.
Now that it’s complete, are there any changes?
Makes the backing vocals more distorted.I started it towards the end of the creation of present… And I really love doing it.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
you need to go Pre-save an album! And be kind to yourself and others.
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