E.R.I.E.

Hailing from New York's vibrant Capital Region, rock outfit E.R.I.E. debuts with Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die. Releasing September 21st via Mint 400 Records, the eleven-song full-length takes a contemporary approach to some familiar musical landscapes and gives them new life. Combining addictive progressions with alternative undertones, the record boasts an anthemic pop-rock aesthetic, with the integrity of an early 2000's basement or VFW hall. 

"E.R.I.E. has brought me back to my roots, in a way. Growing up, I played in scrappy punk bands and as I got through college and beyond, my interests and writing style began broadening. I started taking myself more seriously, arguably to a fault,” songwriter TJ Foster recalls. “While creating this record, my main goal was to have a positive and fun studio experience. I paid a lot more attention to content rather than mechanics.  Ultimately, creating [Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die] was a natural process, without most of the stresses recording can bring.” 

Upon listening, it’s not hard to hear that sense of lightness and clarity Foster was striving for. The record exudes a sense of urgency that has drawn comparisons to the likes of Frank Turner and The Gaslight Anthem, while also embodying an intimacy one would expect from Death Cab For Cutie or Frightened Rabbit.

 The project was born out of a tumultuous experience which resulted in an unexpected three-day stint at the hospital. Late one night, after Foster’s heart stopped for 15 seconds on his bathroom floor, he found himself on a hospital bed preparing for emergency surgery. Fighting existential introspection and difficult questions helped lay the foundation for a new project called E.R.I.E., a mnemonic representation of his daughter’s names.  

Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die was written and recorded at home by Foster (ex-The Cast Before the Break, Accents Deep Elm Records) and mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer, Mike Kalajian (Circa Survive, A Day to Remember, All Time Low). In order to fulfill the live lineup, Matt Delgado and Chad Flewwelling were recruited on guitar and drums respectively, as was longtime collaborator Jordan Stewart on bass.

With a refreshed writing and lyrical approach - focused on healing rather than self-cynicism - Don’t Wanna Live, Don’t Wanna Die takes you on an all too relatable journey through the questioning of self, struggles with mental health, and the ever-present challenge of making the most of our time here. 

PRESS:

“…musically cheery, and lyrically chilling at times, with an authenticity and honesty that Foster developed early on in his life…” – Daily Gazette

 “…relatable, heartfelt inspirations performed with an actual passion…” – Buzz-Music

 “E.R.I.E. encompasses what a mature but fiery rock sound should be. Tasteful touches of a Springsteen style with solid tone and life…” – Pete’s Rock News and Views

“E.R.I.E. have perfectly summed up today’s modern mix of stress, pressure and anxiety, whilst adding in the one thing that keeps us human: a vital and unchanging sense of hope…” – The Rodeo

 “The record has a terrific concept and is well worth a spin…” – Flyah Magazine