With the release of her debut EP, Erin Grand has sought to bring soulful sound back into country music. Anything But Casual was released today (Jan. 21) with five mesmerizing tracks that show listeners Grand is a force to be reckoned with.
Serving honest and relatable lyrics in a catchy fashion, Grand’s EP is one you will want to press “play” on time and time again. The album features a few already released songs, such as fan-favorite “Better With Wine” and a few new hits to check out.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Erin Grand
In an exclusive interview with Celeb Secrets Country, Grand shared what was going through her mind as she puts out this project.
“..It feels really rewarding to have a whole project out,” Grand said. “A blessing would be an understatement to explain how amazing it is to be able to make music and do my ‘job’ during a time like this in the world. Knowing that all of these songs are little stories and parts of my life is super exciting because I feel now people are going to be able to get a glimpse of my personality on a deeper level.“
Anything But Casual gives listeners a true taste of what it is to know and love Grand. When asked what she wants to be known for as an artist, she explained that being known on a deeper level is one of those goals.
“I want them to think of bringing soul back into country,” Grand explained. “I want them to know me and my roots and get a deeper look into my personality. Most importantly, I want to be known as someone they can relate to and be real around whether they are just listening and singing my songs or I’m meeting them face-to-face.”
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Tapping into what truly makes her, the Minnesota native is also tapping into her home state’s roots to celebrate the EP’s release.
“Celebrating the EP is going to truly be anything but casual,” Grand teased. “I am doing a private show here in Nashville and a ticketed show back in my home state of Minnesota. Both are going to be very fancy and pink. The requested attire for both is ‘anything but casual’ so we are expecting a lot of fun looks for both nights from everyone attending. I’ll be performing my whole EP along with new music coming in 2022 as well!”
Whether in Nashville, Minnesota or everywhere in-between, fans can enjoy Anything But Casual anywhere. Take a listen to the hot new EP here!
Celeb Secrets Country sat down with the woman behind the music to learn more about her latest projects. She not only gives insight on which song is most personal to her, but shares a behind-the-scenes secret along the way. Check out the full Q&A below and don’t forget to let us know what you think of Anything But Casual by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @CS_Country.
Celeb Secrets Country: Congratulations on releasing your debut EP! I know that you have previously released some of these songs. How does it feel to have the full collection now out?
Erin Grand: “Thank you so much! It feels really rewarding to have a whole project out. A blessing would be an understatement to explain how amazing it is to be able to make music and do my ‘job’ during a time like this in the world. Knowing that all of these songs are little stories and parts of my life is super exciting because I feel now people are going to be able to get a glimpse of my personality on a deeper level.“
CSC: Is there a song on this track list that feels most personal to you?
EG: “I would say ‘Better With Wine’ is definitely most personal in the best way! I have grown to love wine over the years and it’s funny because I used to hate it. I never thought it would be my drink of choice and now it’s my best friend on a night out or a night in, haha!”
CSC: I saw on YouTube you did the music video for “Heartless” in a one-take performance! What was creating that like?
EG: “Doing one take was a new experience for me. Especially when you’re trying to get that perfect sunset and lighting, you don’t have much time for mess-ups! The fun chair in the video was thrifted by me. The flowers were put in a microwave to make them look vintage and dried out. There are a lot of fun little moments people probably wouldn’t ever notice. Overall it was so much fun and exactly what I had pictured it being from the moment I wrote it. Quinton Cook and his team nailed the whole thing. He truly helped me bring this to life.”
CSC: How do you plan to celebrate the EP’s release?
EG: “Celebrating the EP is going to truly be anything but casual. I am doing a private show here in Nashville and a ticketed show back in my home state of Minnesota. Both are going to be very fancy and pink. The requested attire for both is ‘anything but casual’ so we are expecting a lot of fun looks for both nights from everyone attending. I’ll be performing my whole EP along with new music coming in 2022 as well!”
CSC: I read that you make music backed by a team solely composed of women! For you, why is working with women so important and empowering?
EG: “I work with women because it is truly inspiring. I just love being around strong, independent women because that is what I am working for, being a known independent artist as a female in country music. As we all know, being a female in country is so difficult, even on the business side of things, so I think by me working with and supporting what they do as well, it’s a little step in the right direction of really elevating women to where they should be in this industry.”
CSC: When fans think of Erin Grand, what is it that you want them to think or associate you with as an artist?
EG: “I want them to think of bringing soul back into country. I want them to know me and my roots and get a deeper look into my personality. Most importantly, I want to be known as someone they can relate to and be real around whether they are just listening and singing my songs or I’m meeting them face-to-face.”
CSC: Now having your debut EP under your belt, what has been the biggest lesson career-wise?
EG: “I’ve learned many lessons along the way, but I think the biggest one, especially for this industry, is that God’s timing and plans are perfect and are laid out differently for everyone. Don’t be too hard on yourself when your time hasn’t come yet for that ‘big break,’ whatever that may be for me or my fellow musician.”
CSC: Since we are Celeb Secrets, is there any behind-the-scenes secret from this album that we wouldn’t know just from listening?
EG: “Honestly, I’m an open book and truly share everything to my platform but I think something people don’t know is this project technically started for me about four years ago. The chorus for ‘Mood,’ my first single, was written the year of 2017 right before I graduated high school. It was also kind of the song that made me realize this is what I want my sound to be and I knew I wanted to base a project off of it, but I just didn’t know when. I remember feeling so excited sitting in my little bedroom planning it all out but thinking it would probably never happen but here we are! That’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”
