When I heard Erawan’s powerful voice I needed to pinch myself. Her sound is exactly the music I love. It even took me back in time to the moment when I was listening to the debut album from Florence + The Machine. Hattie Marsh chose to start her career as Erawan who seems like a character that has more strength and is determined to make it in music. She admitted that if it wasn’t for the pandemic, she might have never started sharing music.
We named the latest single ‘Touch Me’ as the best song released that week and you can only imagine how excited I was when Erawan agreed to share her story!
You started your music career during the year that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Tell us about the journey until the moment ‘Speak’ saw the light of day!
Well, I was holding onto ‘Speak’ for quite a while now. I was always making excuses as to why it wasn’t ready to be released. I guess when the pandemic hit, I had a lot of time to think and realised that I was making a lot of excuses for most things. And the music was one of them. I let too many things get in my way in the past. I just wanted to do it, instead of just complaining about it. And it just seemed to be the perfect time to do it. I don’t want to worry about what people think anymore. There will always be judgment even if it’s people close to you. In many ways that is what ‘Speak’ is about. And it was the perfect time to release it!
I don’t want to worry about what people think anymore.
ERAWAN
What made you decide to start sharing your music in the midst of the global pandemic?
Just a lot of thinking. Had plenty of time to think. I often wonder if I would have released anything if the pandemic didn’t hit.
I’d love you to break down your singles. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind each of the songs?
‘Speak‘: I was mad at Trump haha! Then it just escalated there. Just feeling like you are not being heard.
‘White Noise’: This was about a murder that happened in Finsbury Park a few Christmas Eve’s ago. I lived at the warehouse’s in Manor House and it just shook a lot of people up.
‘Touch Me‘: This was about someone that I couldn’t be with. I feel totally different about this now. It’s quite cringe to think about how immature I was in relationships or if I liked someone. Yuck!
I love the story behind the name Erawan. Do you remember the moment the idea came to you or were you simply fascinated with Hindu mythology?
When I would visit Thailand my Mum would take me to the ‘Erawan Shrine’ if we were nearby. I just feel connected to it. I have changed so much and sometimes feel I have to put on different masks for people. It’s quite hard to do this, but I think we all have to do this in some ways. One day I just didn’t feel like I was ‘Hattie Marsh’ and I was talking to my Mum and she said ‘’Why don’t you call yourself ‘Erawan’’. And there you go!
Sometimes feel I have to put on different masks for people. It’s quite hard to do this
Erawan
I’m curious to know how Erawan and Hattie are similar/different in real life?
Hattie is the core. Erawan is the layers. They are similar because it’s obviously me. Really I am a very shy person and that is who Hattie is. Erawan is the one that gets up on stage and starts singing those powerful notes. Confidence. I have to use Erawan at work a lot or people don’t take Hattie seriously.
During the last few years, you managed to play hundreds of shows. How are you managing the fact that the live music scene is in a very different place right now?
Well I knew I needed a break, because I was overdoing it and it was getting to me. But I didn’t need this much of a break! It’s definitely made me think though, about my worth in picking the right shows. So when things get back to normal I will have a good balance. I hope.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Being a good person with a big smile.
Your music has such a fascinating cinematic sound. Is that intentional? Is there a TV Series that you’d like your music to be featured in?
No, not intentional at all. I just like films! I think it comes out in the music. Hmm, I don’t know, I would just be honoured if it was featured.
Who were your biggest music influences while growing up?
Joni Mitchell, Nirvana, Kula Shaker, Sheila Chandra. I keep remembering more! The list goes on.
Music to me is Home
ERAWAN
Close your eyes. Imagine its 20th of January 2022. How would you summarize 2021?
I get shit done!
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This coverage was created in collaboration with Musosoup as part of the #SustainableCurator movement.
