Women In Music Series - Carrie Elkin

By Dan D. - 7/7/2000

They said it couldn't be done, but here's the second installment of the AMN's Women in Music series. Though her name is misspiled elsewhere on this site, Carrie Elkin is no mistake. I was introduced to Ms. Elkin in 1993 when we were both happy dormsters. It didn't take long for me to discern that Carrie's voice was an incredible piece of work. Shit. That girl can sing. After learning of her desire to accompany herself, Carrie and I made the long haul to Blue Eagle and picked out her first guitar. Only a few months later, after I taught her the three chords every musician needs to make it in the biz (C7 - bS - #Zm) she ran off to satiate her burning desire to create.

(Countless years pass...)

Carrie's back in Athens to finish up that college thing. She's graciously granted us an exclusive interview.

Carrie Elkin poses in front of her favorite barn.deep inside, don't we all have a favorite barn of our own?

AMN: Wassup?

C.E.: Hey there

AMN: Name?

C.E.: Carrie Elkin

AMN: Any tasty nicknames?

C.E.: "Elkin"... they call me Elkin... I'm not sure how tasty that is. is that even a nickname?

AMN: Age?

C.E.: Twenty Six

AMN: Could you tell us what your chosen instrument of destruction is?

C.E.: Are you asking what instrument I'd like to destroy or is this a round about way of asking me which one I love? I can't think of one to destroy...that's strange...I know there's an instrument out there that annoys me...hmm...i'll get back to you on that one. my favorite is the voice...i love the voice...talking, singing, it doesn't matter...i love singing more than anything.

AMN: Least favorite color

C.E.: It depends on what it is... if I see black walls that always makes me nervous... I don't know... I kind of think that's a dumb question.

AMN: Fair enough. How ‘bout - If you were on a deserted island, what 3 things would you miss the most?

C.E.: My sweet dog, Miss Sallie. My guitar--wait, I think I said that because I feel like I have to for some reason. I don't know how much I would really miss my guitar. And of course, I'd miss my family and blah blah blah. That's a given though, because my family rules. What else? Isn't that three things?

AMN: I'm not sure if a family counts as one thing, but I'll accept that answer. What are some of your musical role model/influences?

C.E.: Some of these people aren't well-known, but are influences nonetheless: John Prine, Beth Orton, Bruce Dalzell and of course Dan D who taught me my first guitar chords.

AMN: What about past music experience.

C.E.: Lot's of fun stuff. Just a lot of playing out. National anthem singing, commercial work, bouts of touring... Lot's of time playing in Cleveland. Lots of time in New Mexico and Colorado. Street fairs. Festivals and what not...

AMN: Do you play with any other local musicians?

C.E.: Bruce Dalzell and Dan D --I love those guys.

AMN: How'd you hook up with Bruce Dalzell?

C.E.: At a Rainbow Gathering. Just kidding. Bruce is the first person to see me get on stage with my guitar and my original music. It was a long time ago. His open mic night is something spectacular--and then he played! I decided I had to play music with him. Such an amazing spirit he has.

AMN: Describe your sound.

C.E.: Acoustic folk. Lots of vocal work, very simple guitar. It's all quite simple. Original? That's what i'd like to say.

AMN: What's your favorite song to play and why?

C.E.: If it's a cover song, it's "e;Angel from Montgomery."e; John prine is something else. If it's my own song, it would have to be "e;Berlin."e; I get the goosebumps when I sing it. It means a lot to me.

AMN: How do you respond to the rumor that you are Athens' sexiest artist?

C.E.: I haven't heard that one. That's funny! I wonder who started the rumor? introduce me.

AMN: Who's the sexiest guy on the scene?

C.E.: Um, no comment on that one.

Interviewer Dan D. pictured here with interviewee Carrie Elkin at the Athens Musician Network CD release party on June 23, 2000

AMN: Women in music... thoughts, any? Any?

C.E.: It's slim pickins here. Are there any female musicians out there? I've met only a handful. There needs to be more. Perhaps a night of women in music or something, I don't know.

AMN: Where can we find more info about you?

C.E.: From my parents, but it will cost you.

(For Carrie Elkin cameo info, follow these links.
http://music.tucows.fastex.net/artists/cradle/ - "flux"
http://www.ben-o.com/discography/home.html "rain")

AMN: Are you aware that "Carrie Elkin Sucks" personalized guitar picks are on the drawing board?

C.E.: I've heard this rumor. I haven't seen one yet. Do you know where I can find one?

AMN: Um... No. I have nothing to do withthat. Have you ever downloaded a pirated mp3?

C.E.: I have not personally downloaded a pirated mp3, but one has been downloaded on my computer by friends. I don't know how to get rid of them. That's how much i know about computers. They downloaded a bunch of White Snake and Debbie Gibson. It's frightening.

AMN: Anything to say in relation to Napster or copyright issues in general?

C.E.: I think the music industry sucks anyway. I don't think napster is the problem. It's all quite unfortunate. I obviously don't think "sharing" music is really "sharing" music. It's going to happen though, it's just the way it works. I love what I do. The business side of it is really sad and frustrating. So many disgusting things going on in the industry. Oh God, Here I go! Stop me now!

AMN: What are your near-future plans?

C.E.: To finally finish school and then off on a bout of travel and music. Lot's of writing to be done.

AMN: What's happening on your dream vacation?

C.E.: What's a vacation?

AMN: Ok smartass, we get the point. Use your imagination.

C.E.: (carrie pauses and thinks long and hard...) I want to go to south America, but not necessarily for a vacation.

AMN: Thanks.

C.E.: Any time Dan... anytime.

Carrie Elkin caugh on film dreaming about the Athens Music Scene. Deep inside, don't we all dream of the Athens Music Scene?

 

Add a comment