Erin Cole-Baker was raised in the rural, beachside Northland of New Zealand.  Growing up in a family where music was a daily ritual, she found herself captivated by experimenting with various instruments and crafting her own songs from a young age. Her velvety voice, intimate lyrics, and rich melodies have established her timeless sound, exploring the depth of human emotion through a mix of folk, indie, and Americana influences.

Erin’s journey has taken her from the lush landscapes of New Zealand to the vibrant music scenes of the American West. She became a key figure in Central Oregon’s music community as one half of the folk duo The Erins, later launching a solo career that has taken her around the Northwest connecting with music lovers. Her critically praised album Till the Feeling’s Right (2018) was recorded live to tape, earning acclaim as “a hothouse flower of a recording” (NZ Musician Magazine).

Article in Voyage LA here

With a growing catalog of albums and singles, Erin Cole-Baker crafts worlds where warmth and melancholy intertwine. Her self-produced tracks The Darkest (2022) and Do Better (2024) unfold like quiet confessions, layering lush harmonies and muted, honeyed instruments around lyrics that feel like sweet late-night conversations.

Cole-Baker captivates audiences whether she performs solo or with her band, skillfully weaving both acoustic and electric guitar to morph her folk-inspired sound into new sonic landscapes. With warm reverby Jazzmaster, her music expands into lush textures that complement her velvety vocals. This dynamic blend allows her sound to flow seamlessly from folk roots into dreamy, electric atmospheres, creating a rich auditory experience that resonates with listeners. Her music has drawn comparisons to artists like Brandi Carlile, Neko Case, and Phoebe Bridgers, each known for their emotive storytelling and evocative soundscapes.

A Sisters Folk Festival Breedlove artist and International Folk Alliance alum, Erin’s music is a journey: honest, heartfelt, and deeply connected to the places and people she’s called home. Currently based in Bend, Oregon, Erin continues to craft music that resonates with audiences across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Notable past performances:

Bend Summer Festival 2024, Opened for Humbird 2023, Treefort Fest 2022, Opened for Joseph at Munch n Music 2021 & the Tower Theatre 2020, Auckland Folk Festival 2020, Opened for Sean Hayes at the Domino Room 2019, Anacortes Arts Festival 2019, Bend Summer Festival 2019, Fritter Fest (NZ) 2019, Sisters Folk Festival 2018 (as the Breedlove sponsored artist) 2011 (as Consider the Fox) 2009 (as The Erins), Funded by Outward Sound (NZ) to attend the International Folk Alliance in USA 2018, The Auckland Folk Festival 2012, The Tower Theatre (Bend OR) 2011, Les Schwab Amphitheatre Summer Sunday Concert Series (Bend OR) 2009