She is an award-winning singer/songwriter from the foothills of Appalachia in Fincastle, VA, now based in Richmond, VA. Her music is pound cake-folk that's equal parts sweet, delicate, rich, and warm, built on a foundation of bluegrass and thoughtful Blue Ridge Mountain storytelling that showcases her self-styled guitar, banjo, and keyboard melodies.
Erin is an accomplished writer. Just last year, she was a semi-finalist in the Songwriters Guild of America Country Song Contest for her song "Rhinestones." She's also a titan of voice: her vocals have been described as soulful, expressive, and downright heavenly, and her effortless versatility has drawn comparisons to Chris Stapleton, YEBBA, and Susan Tedeschi.
Lunsford is best known for her 15-year career with indie-pop soul band Erin & The Wildfire, and she aims to be a rising voice in folk music. Her sophomore album, Rhinestones, set for release on June 26th, explores the journey of an unyielding artist: the painful rejections, the hopeful dreams, and the quiet resilience of staying the course.
When she's not making music, you might find Erin in the boxing gym, on the couch with a dog (or two), or crocheting blankets and scarves for friends and their new babies.
This week, Erin is here to share her love for this place we all love to call home.
Take it away, Erin...
Make Space at Gallery 5
Gallery5 is opening Make Space, a new exhibition, this Friday, June 5th, and the celebration runs all night. Doors open at 5 PM, with live music, drag performances, and a DJ set kicking off at 7 PM. Performing live are Erin Lunsford, Logan From The Internet, and Ducttape Jesus. Drag performances by You'neek Nu'york and Alayla Armon. DJ Spurweezy, courtesy of WRIR 97.3 FM, keeps the night going. Free and open to the public.
Vitals: Make Space Opening / Friday, June 5, 5 – 11 PM (music + drag 7 – 11 PM) / Gallery5 / 200 W Marshall St, Richmond, VA
Carytown Pride: Market and Chalk Event
Head to Carytown on Sunday for Carytown Pride: Market and Chalk Event, hosted by TransJamRVA. Spread messages of LGBTQ+ pride, kindness, and joy by chalking up the sidewalks, then browse and shop with over 30 local LGBTQ+ artists. Eddie Rose Coffee, Petty's Pastries, and Twisted Lemon Bev Co. will be on hand for tasty eats and treats. Free and open to the public.
Flowerama House is hosting a Songwriters In The Round evening on Tuesday, June 9th. Erin Lunsford, Genna Matthew, and Meredith Rounsley share the round, with an opening set from Annie Stirling. It's an intimate house show, so DM Erin Lunsford on Instagram for the address.
My sophomore album, Rhinestones, drops June 26th, and I could not be more ready to share it with the world. It's a love letter to my Appalachian roots while also honoring my creative identity outside of bluegrass. Where my previous work found me searching for myself and wondering what was out there, this record is one of confidence in my journey, sitting with the painful rejections, the hopeful dreams, and the quiet resilience of staying the course.
It covers a lot of ground: family dysfunction, friendship, mental health, career disappointments, massive heartbreak, romantic achievements, and the complexities of growing up and moving away from your small hometown. It feels simultaneously like a wholesome return voyage and an adventurous path forward.
To celebrate the release, I'm throwing an album party at The Camel on Friday, July 31st, and I am so excited about the lineup I've put together. I'll be performing with a unique 6-piece band. I had the chance to play with this group last year and the chemistry is truly special. It's more women than I usually get to share a stage with, and the energy when we play together is just buzzing. I'm so honored to have this powerhouse group with me for the release show.
The evening will be opened by my sweet and incredibly talented friend Sasha Landon of Palmyra. Tickets are $15, and I'll have some exclusive merch at the show too. Come celebrate with us!
