“I’ve been learning to trust myself with no hesitation,” Erika Wennerstrom confides on the wistful “Time,” one of multiple standouts from her debut solo album Sweet Unknown, which lands in stores today. The lyric and song are evocative of the Heartless Bastards frontwoman’s ongoing journey toward self-discovery and self-acceptance, which forms the thematic core of the album’s introspective and inspired nine songs.
I had the good fortune of catching up with the Austin-based singer-songwriter recently to delve a bit deeper into the experiences and emotions that shaped the album, a deeply personal and powerful affair that contains universal lessons of life and love that listeners can take with them long after the record stops spinning.
Justin Chadwick: Congratulations on the release of your first solo album! It’s an excellent record. What compelled you to make Sweet Unknown now, at this point in your career?
Erika Wennerstrom: Thank you! I think when the band decided to go on break all the change in my life brought a creative flood. These songs were just pouring out of me.
JC: When you told your Heartless Bastards bandmates that you intended to record your own album, what was their reaction? Nothing but effusively supportive, I hope!
EW: Well, it happened the other way around, actually. Dave (Colvin) said he felt he needed to try some new things in his life, and Jesse (Ebaugh) said he’d played as a side man his whole life and he’s always wanted to give it a go with his own songwriting. Mark (Nathan) was up for a break. I never considered taking a break because I thought I would feel bad putting them out of work, but when they wanted it, a big weight was lifted. I didn’t even realize how much of a weight. I was able to write this album faster than any I’ve ever written. I think the pressure—self-imposed—was subconsciously hindering me.
JC: Can you discuss how you came up with the title for the album? The unknown in life can be a frightening proposition for many of us, but the title suggests that you’re at peace with the notion.
EW: I’ve always loved the saying “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” I think it can be easy to play it safe out of fear at times. Sometimes you can’t have the reward without the risk. I think taking leaps creatively, and even within my personal life as well, makes life more exciting. Right now I’m very open to wherever my life takes me. There aren’t really wrong turns. Only growth. I have to take leaps and trust myself.
JC: Much of the album is informed by your recent trips to two very different places. Can you share more about these recent adventures and how they helped to shape the songs featured on the album?
EW: Before the release of the last Heartless Bastards record I decided to go down to the Peruvian Amazon and do an Ayahuasca retreat. I wasn’t in a very good place in my life. I’ve had issues with anxiety and depression my whole life. First I thought maybe I should quit drinking, and then I got really into excessive exercise, or being a workaholic. I guess anything to avoid facing myself.
But I found myself, even in sobriety, feeling unhappy. I wanted to understand why. I heard Ayahuasca can be like doing years of therapy in a few ceremonies. It’s a natural hallucinogenic used in spiritual ceremonies by indigenous tribes in the Amazon. It contains DMT which your brain naturally releases when you’re dying. I think it really helps put into perspective what’s important.
My second trip was a hiking journey through Big Bend National Park (in southwest Texas). When the band went on break, I went out there to ponder what’s next and that’s when all the songs started hitting me. I think connecting with nature has always helped my creative process, and this album is my journey of self-discovery, learning to love and be kinder to myself.
JC: “Extraordinary Love” is such a beautiful, powerful exploration of embracing and respecting yourself. Which is something that is certainly easier said than done for most people, including yours truly. What life advice would you give to those of us who are struggling to find that inner peace you examine so eloquently in the song?
EW: First off, thank you for the kind words! I think inner peace takes constant work. It’s something I continue to strive for. The biggest realization that has helped me is gratitude for things in my life. Even gratitude for the lessons and growth from difficult experiences. I was always looking ahead toward goals I was trying to reach or backward. I’m doing my best to stay present. I don’t always succeed, but the self-awareness for me has been half the battle. I also came to the realization that if someone is really negative towards me, it’s more of a reflection of how they feel inside. I guess the more compassion I have for myself, the more I have for others. It’s letting the negativity roll right off. We all project. I asked myself what do I want to project.
JC: You’re on the road with a crazy-busy itinerary for the next few months, including a string of dates supporting Drive-By Truckers. What can audiences expect from your live performance that they might not experience in listening to the studio album?
EW: My band is smoking! I’m so excited to be playing with them. I think an album rarely matches the energy of a live show when you’ve got great musicians.
JC: OK, last question. In the spirit of Albumism, what are your FIVE favorite albums of all time?
EW: Mazzy Star’s So Tonight That I Might See, Led Zeppelin’s IV, Bob Dylan’s Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid and Desire, and Townes Van Zandt’s Townes Van Zandt.
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