BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer
Eryn Shewell EAST BRUNSWICK – – She may be just 22 years old, but Eryn Shewell is not new to the stage.
Shewell has been singing most of her life, from church and school choirs to a variety of bands. Now, for the first time, she is heading her own original outfit, the Eryn Shewell Band, while also singing with the cover band Stronger Than Dirt.
Shewell, who grew up in Jackson and moved to East Brunswick six months ago, finds time to be in both bands despite also being a mom to 3-year-old Emily.
Her career began to take flight as a teen when she met up with the Jersey singer and songwriter Jody Joseph. At the age of 14, Shewell got Joseph’s attention and was soon working with her and writing songs.
“She made me her background vocalist, so I played at the Stone Pony [in Asbury Park] as a teen,” she said.
Shewell learned a lot from the experience, then joined her second band, Sundance, a country rock group that her aunt sang lead in.
She went on to sing with the Soul Project, a jazz/funk unit from New Orleans. The band was in New Jersey for a period of time to make a living after the city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Eryn Shewell, of East Brunswick, is seen during a recent performance in Asbury Park. The 22-year-old singer/songwriter is working on her debut album. After that band’s return to New Orleans, Shewell joined Stronger Than Dirt, also doing her own songs on the side as a solo performer. Shewell also plays guitar and piano.
While Stronger Than Dirt plays what Shewell describes as an eclectic mix of covers, the style of the Eryn Shewell Band – which features a drummer, bass player, guitarist and a trumpet – is a bit harder to pin down.
“It’s really different than what’s out there now,” she said. “My manager and producer don’t know how to describe it. I’ve had some people call it modern-day Motown.”
Shewell said her influences as a songwriter include Etta James, Susan Tedeschi and Eva Cassidy.
Shewell has already garnered record
company interest, but she is shopping around for the right deal. She said it is not that hard to get a deal, but what is tough is getting a company to properly handle an act. With bigger labels, it’s even more difficult because more attention is placed on looks than talent, she said.
“We’d like to get a major label, but we’ll take an indy label,” she said.
Shewell plans to finish her debut CD and promote it this year. To hear or purchase her music, visit the Web site at www.soundclick.com/erynshewell.
“I really want to tour,” she said. “I want to go on the road and see the country.”
The Eryn Shewell Band, which played the Stone Pony Jan. 27, will perform at another Asbury Park venue, The Saint, at 8 p.m. March 15, and Mugsy’s in Toms River this Saturday.