Embracing every facet of music: A musical conversation with singer/songwriter and music educator Erin Kinard

From Mitch’s Notebook about the episode “As with some other guests, Erin Kinard is one who I have known personally, at least since the two years of living here in Weaverville. While I did know her for her singing as she has been a regular at Blue mountain here with just her and her guitar, and I did know her to possess both a truly beautiful voice and gift for songwriting there was much more. I did not know until later that she is the president of Girls Rock in North Carolina, is an instrument maker, plays drums, has her own rock duo Rooster, and probably a whole bunch of other things we never got a chance to even get to on this particular episode. We played together on a couple of the selections. I always enjoy the opportunity to really accompany someone and try and match their style the best that I can, particular when it is in a style of music that I don't often get to perform. True to the spirit of our podcast, Erin Kinard is somebody who does many kinds of things in music, never content to be pigeonholed or stick with one genre. Much like my episode with Bill Fouty, this one where we talked a bit about the nature of music making itself as an art and craft as well as play some numbers. I hope it is as enjoyable to listen to as it was for us to record it.” Erin’s Biography Erin Kinard Musician / community organizer / sign language interpreter Erin Kinard has been a member of the Asheville community since 2010 and a lifelong supporter of the arts. Born and raised in Charleston, she attended the Charleston County School of the Arts, studying dance and music. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music History at the College of Charleston. In 2014, Erin founded Girls Rock Asheville, a camp seeking to create more space for more women and girls in music. She currently serves on the board and council of Girls Rock Asheville. Erin earned an associates degree in Sign Language Interpreting from Blue Ridge Community College and has worked in this field in public school, spiritual and mental health settings. Since 2016, Erin has been playing drums and singing in the folk-rock duo, Rooster, with Annie Myers. In February of 2020, the band released an 11 song album of original music. Check their wonderful music out here: https://soundcloud.com/user-568520317/tracks Erin plays guitar and drums actively and also passively plays bass, piano, ukulele, mandolin, harmonica and whatever else she can find. Erin is a lifelong learner, lover of science and courageous adventurer. www.roostermusicavl.weebly.com www.girlsrockasheville.org