Allman Brothers, Angie Stone, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Aretha Franklin, Astrud Gilberto, The Band, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Bill Evans, Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, The Cinematic Orchestra, John Coltrane, Common, CSN & Y, D'Angelo, Dr. Dre, Dwele, Elton John, Eminem, Fleetwood Mac, Gil Scott-Heron, Jeff Buckley, Jill Scott, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Joyce, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen, Lenny Breau, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, Nada Surf, Nas, Neil Young, Radiohead, Roberta Flack, Slum Village, The Smiths, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Tribe.
Toronto singer-songwriter Erin Hunt writes timeless soul music - a rare achievement in this day and age. The newcomer has boldly crafted her debut EP Meet Me In The Middle, and without a doubt, has achieved what she set out to do.
"My marker’s always been, ‘Can this song survive with just me and a guitar? Does it still work and does it still mean something? Does it still touch people?’ If I play the song with one instrument and it doesn’t hold peoples’ interest, then it’s just not good enough to last."
Producer Tom McKay, formerly of Canadian rock band Joydrop, was up for the challenge. After seeing Erin perform at a local open-mic, they discovered a deep musical common ground, making their decision to work together a natural step. Erin sold her condo and used the profit to record the high-quality Meet me in the Middle.
They assembled a group of Toronto’s best musicians to help realize the vision: drummer Tony Rabalao (of Leh-Lo/ex Joydrop), keyboardist Dave "Soulfingaz" Williams (Divine Brown), guitarist Ricky Tillo (Esthero) and bassist Howard Ayee (Rough Trade, Strange Advance).
"It was necessary to use incredible musicians to give justice to the way we knew the music should sound…I had no interest in it just being Erin Hunt with a bunch of tracks behind her. It needed to be the best we could make it on every level, and it had to have a real human element to it."
Erin’s influences are found far and wide, from playing classical music as a child, to listening to her Dad’s jazz and folk records, to falling in love with the Bossa Nova.
"As a teenager, I listened to a lot of Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder. From Joni, I got that I could sing like a woman and not have to sound like a rock chick, and through her I learned how to play guitar in open tunings. My lessons from Stevie are not only in his amazing songwriting and vocal skills, but in the sheer joy he exudes while singing."
The combination of Erin’s unforgettably sultry yet powerful voice and her love of classic songwriting has given rise to timeless songs, built on experiences and emotions most can relate to.
From the deep-felt soul of "The Woman I Am" to the Latin-tinged pop groove of "My Friends," to the R ‘n B attitude of "Ain’t Nobody," Erin feels anyone who "meets her in the middle" and takes a listen - will be musically satisfied.
Hey erin wats up!Just wanted to let you know that I'm lovin your work.It's perfect for a romantic evening with your lover!!LOL.I like that touch of motown flavor.It's got a little of everything.Quit your day job,cause you got it girl!!Happy holidays.
Hi thanks for your friendship, Your music and singing sound really great. I hope the rest of this week is going to be really awesome for you. Take care and talk to you again soon
THANKS FOR THE FRIEND REQUEST ERIN, I REALLY ENJOYED UR MUSIC, U HAVE A VERY UNIQUE STYLE, I WISH U ALL THE BEST AND LOTS OF SUCCESS IN UR CAREER, DO UR THING GIRL, HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY.
10,000 strong can't be wrong. From New York to Tokyo there's enough bump, bounce, melody and meaning in your songs to get an international party started. Here's to you and all the believers that will find you in 2010. Keep the faith Erin your music is needed.