Erin Hephzibah is a singer, songwriter and musician whose work blends heartfelt storytelling with a soulful, distinctive sound. Since the release of her debut EP, she has been steadily building a name for herself as one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists. With her second EP on the way, Erin continues to explore themes of growth, self-discovery and connection through her music. Alongside her own creative projects, she is also involved with Girl Rock Glasgow, an initiative that encourages young women to find their voice through music, and she shares her passion further through her teaching. In our conversation, Erin talks about her musical journey, the inspiration behind her song writing, and what drives her as both an artist and mentor.

Your debut EP is such a beautiful introduction to your sound. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind it and what those songs mean to you now?

Before releasing my first EP I was struggling with the feeling that I was getting older and hadn’t actually released anything under my own name. I had music out under other band/project names but nothing under mine. I had an irrational fear of suddenly dying and not having left anything behind, which greatly inspired the EP art (which depicts me lying dead with a Dandelion growing out of my chest surrounded by three oversized hares - the hares representing the three songs on the EP). The songs from Harebrained (Raggedy Ann, Year Walking and Destroying Dandelions) are so different in subject matter but from my songwriting vault these were the ones I wanted people to hear. Each track is special to me and I hope that comes through when people listen to them.

What was the creative process like for that first release. Did you have a clear vision from the start, or did it evolve as you went?

Harebrained was born thanks to the kindness of British music legend Martin Stephenson, he recorded, produced and assisted in the promotion of the EP - giving me several support slots on his English tour. Instead of dropping a single to tease the release I dropped the whole EP with a minimal amount of marketing. While I think this was right for me at the time, as I said I was fuelled by the fear of not having anything out there, I will be doing things differently for my upcoming releases.

Is there a particular track from the EP that still feels especially personal or defining for you?

Raggedy Ann is a co-write with my little sister, poet and writer Georgia Francis. She has multiple chronic illnesses which greatly affect her mobility and ability to live life independently. She wrote a poem titled Raggedy Ann, which is included in her poetry book ‘Fainting Girl’, exploring the idea of her body feeling like a badly made doll. I chopped up her poem and put it to a jaunty tune which is a nice juxtaposition to the dark lyrics.

Looking back, what did creating and releasing your first EP taught you about yourself as an artist?

Releasing Harebrained independently highlighted to me how much actually goes on behind the scenes and into the run up of releasing music. Since the first release I feel I have learned a lot, I definitely have much much more to learn, but I now feel in a better position to properly promote my next release.

You’ve got a second EP on the way! What can you tell us about it so far?

I have been working with artist and producer Becca Starr on my next EP which will consist of 5 tracks. I don’t want to give too much away but I am really excited to begin promoting this new project, and releasing the songs.

How does this new body of work differ from your first, sonically or emotionally?

My partner/guitarist and I have co-written an emotional collection of songs that blend Neo-jazz/soul influences with elements of R&B and indie-folk. My first EP had touches of alternative sounds but mainly focused on a folky/singer-songwriter feel.

Were there new influences or experiences that shaped your songwriting this time around?

This new EP explores stories of love, loss and the feeling of limbo. I love to work with other people, especially those I love, so to have a body of work that is mostly (except one song) a collaborative project with my partner is wonderful.

Is there a message or mood that ties the new songs together?

I think this EP is like a conversion between two people in love. While I am expressing myself through words/vocals you can hear my partner’s response in the way he plays his guitar. The entire EP is quite relaxed with a soft groove behind it.

How are you feeling as you prepare to share this next chapter of your music with the world?

I am really excited. I love artists like Etta James, Raye and Sade and I feel I have created an EP that is reminiscent, but not identical to their sound.

You’re also part of Girl Rock Glasgow, which does such inspiring work. How did you first get involved with the project?

I first became involved with GRG in 2019 before the Pandemic and loved it. After the pandemic when they returned in 2024 I jumped at the chance to be a volunteer again. In 2025 I wanted to be more involved and began helping out at band mentoring sessions and running the bi-monthly all ages open mic hosted in BLOC+. We already have plans to continue the open mic in 2026 which will fall on the first Sunday of Jan, March, May, July, Sept and Nov. (2026 dates tbc)

What do you love most about being part of that community?

I love working with kids and young people, especially when the focus is on helping them be more creative. I love working with all the girls but have a soft spot for the bands I have mentored - I have a great relationship with the girls and hopefully they see me as someone to come to for advice and support.

In what ways do you see Girl Rock Glasgow changing the landscape for young women and non-binary people in music?

I think GRG opens kids' eyes to the wide variety of genres, styles and ways of performing. I think the great thing about GRG is not just all the things they do for young people, but the sense of community and belonging it also brings to the volunteers. I have met so many amazing, talented and kind people working with GRG that I may not have met otherwise. A girl who participated as a young person in 2019 (I worked with her band) is now in the volunteer team and it has been amazing to watch her grow and develop as a creative person.

Has working with the group influenced your own creativity or confidence as a performer?

Totally, I find that working with kids/young people makes me think about my own music from a much healthier perspective. It can become hard as an independent musician to support yourself and remain motivated, but working with the young people reminds you why you wanted to be a musician in the first place and the joy of sharing music with other people.

Alongside performing, you teach. What do you enjoy most about that side of your work?

As I said, I love working with kids and young people. Other than teaching I also work as an freelance entertainer, Ernie The Entertainer, for both children's parties and other events. When people ask if i prefer to work with children or adults the answer will always be children because they are hilarious. There is nothing worse than a child showing interest in something only for that interest to dwindle due to a bad, strict or scary teacher. I, myself, am a big kid and while we are learning I always try to make it a fun experience.

Beyond the new EP, are there any upcoming collaborations or live shows we can look forward to?

I am part of the 8 piece funk and hip hop band Frank’s House. We recently played a Halloween gig in Nice n Sleazy in Glasgow, filmed and recorded a live session (yet to be released) and are working towards our next release for 2026. If you like silly, funky fun then absolutely check us out.

And finally, if you could tell your younger self one thing about the journey so far, what would it be?

Don’t be so hard on yourself, but this is something I am still working on for my current self. You need to allow yourself to learn and grow, and allow space for mistakes, delays and living.

To learn more or listen to Erin Hephzibah, please visit: www.erinhephzibah.com

Erin Hephzibah