Front Deck Boom Box: Erin Rae

East Nashville cosmic country singer-songwriter, Erin Rae recently released her second full length album, Lighten Up. Featuring the Kevin Morby collaborative single, Can’t See Stars, its accompanying music video pays homage to Jim Jarmusch’s cult-favourite film, Mystery Train. 

Before she hits the US road with Watchhouse, Erin is currently on tour in Victoria with Courtney Marie Andrews at the following dates below:

Tuesday March 15 - Melbourne, VIC, Wesley Anne
Wednesday March 16 - Melbourne, VIC, The ESPY
Friday March 18 - Castlemaine, VIC, Bridge Hotel
Saturday March 19 - Archies Creek, VIC, Archie's Creek Hotel
Sunday March 20 - Melbourne, VIC, Westwood

We caught up with Erin Rae to find out what songs she’s listening to for this week’s Front Deck Boom Box.

---

Didn’t Wanna Have To Do It – The Lovin Spoonful
  

This song has been a mainstay for the last few years, actually, most of this list has that in common. It’s so smooth, and gentle yet such a rich recording. The story of the song to me is something that I resonate a lot with. In the journey of being in my twenties and finally starting to get clearer on what feels true to me, or what feels like my authentic self, there have been some decisions made or relationships I’ve had to be honest about like, “this isn’t working for me”, and it’s been very sad! 

Home Before Dark – Nora Guthrie

I found this song at the end of 2020 on a compilation called Sky Girl. It has several favourites but this one is so dreamy, and was a big inspiration leading up to recording. Love the dry vocal up front that is not fussy, she is just singing. And it’s grooving along. I also deeply love a song that describes a night walk home. Something so romantic about that for me!

Nothing Touches Me – Sam Burton

I discovered Sam Burton’s incredible record around the same time as that Nora Guthrie tune, or maybe it was the beginning of 2020. I love the spacey acoustic guitar sound, and the reverbed, straight-forward vocal. I must have listened to it 100 times, and I still return to it. Love the dry drums, and the timbre of Sam’s voice. I’ve also found Sylvie through him, another incredible folk project he contributes to which features the great Marina Allen. Must listen!

Don’t Forget You’re Precious – Alabaster Deplume

Another song by Alabaster Deplume popped up on my discover Weekly playlist while I was moving a friend from Nashville to South Dakota in July 2020. I laughed out LOUD at the brilliant lyrics, but we aren’t talking about that song, we are talking about this new track from him. It’s incredibly special, and what I find so moving about his work is about how deeply loving it is. It offers such compassion to the human experience over brilliant arrangements with, I believe, a generous and perfect use of the bass clarinet. 

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms – Iris Dement

Iris Dement’s voice has always held a naturally spiritual element to it when I listen, so hearing her do this old traditional tune sends it over the top for me. It has recently been in my head whenever I feel anxious or stressed, and the wildness in her voice helps to channel that yearning to express some emotions. To hear a heart-squeezing song she wrote, check out Our Town. 

----

Keep up to date with everything Erin Rae and follow her on Facebook here.
And check out some more of our Front Deck Boom Box series here.