MY STORY
Erath Old – (pronounced Air-Rith) It’s a family name!
I grew up in Hueytown, Alabama, a small town with a big heart for NASCAR. Despite the racing culture, my true passion was music, which I knew would be my ticket out. Influenced by my mother and grandmothers who played piano in church, and my father, who pursued a career as a professional musician, I was surrounded by music from a young age. Family jam sessions and my father's performances ignited my love for music. Early influences included country artists like Black Hawk and Garth Brooks, while my dad introduced me to CCR and John Cougar Mellencamp. By freshman year, I was drawn to rock music, the soundtrack of the "cool kids," and shredding a guitar became my life.
In high school and beyond, I played with several bands, including Red Halo, where I gained early touring experience, opening for bands like Seether, The Killers, Trapt, Crossfade, Taproot, and Chevelle. My desire to be a frontman led me to Atlanta, where my brother Sean and I started the power-pop band Loverush, drawing inspiration from Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day, and Cheap Trick. We could've easily been on a Warped Tour flier with bands like All American Rejects, Panic at the Disco, or Fall Out Boy.
However, in 2009, my life took a turn. I lost my grandparents and, a few months later, my father. Sean joined the military and moved away, leaving me to navigate my grief alone. My music career nosedived as I fell into a deep depression, coping with drinking and partying, ultimately spiraling into addiction. To outsiders, it might have seemed like I was just another guy who partied too hard, but beneath the surface, I was drowning in pain and self-doubt. Meeting someone who I thought would be the love of my life gave me hope. I worked a landscape job, got married, and tried to go straight for a while, but my marriage became a catalyst for change I never anticipated.
In 2012, we moved back to Alabama. Being home allowed me to reconnect with my roots, throwing myself into writing and learning the craft. I discovered a way to make a living performing covers, finding my way back to what I loved through playing other people's music.
However, the booze, the partying, the late nights, and my growing pride and selfishness took their toll, ultimately ending my marriage. In 2015, as I released "Hey Y'all," my first single and music video as a returning original artist, my wife left. Returning home to an empty apartment plunged me back into a deep depression. After a four-day binge, I finally asked for help. Motivated by my ego and tired of losing everything to a dream, I got down on my knees and gave it all to God.
My road to recovery began with giving up alcohol. God renewed my mind and spirit, rejuvenating my sense of self-worth. Over eight years of sobriety, I moved to Nashville, surrounded myself with good people, released new music, and toured the country. I found true love again, and in November 2023, we welcomed a baby girl into the world.
Over the past several years, I've immersed myself in songwriting with a renewed hope and respect for life. Working closely with my friend and producer, Corey Lawson, we've poured our hearts into the studio, refining our process and creating magic. Throughout 2024 and 2025, we will release close to 30 tracks, from fully produced originals to intimate acoustic renditions. These songs carry themes of personal growth, resilience, and the human journey we all experience.
My deepest hope and prayer is that my music and stories resonate with you, inspiring and uplifting you to seek your true north. Remember, you are worthy of every dream, every aspiration. Join me on this path of discovery, one story, one song at a time.
If you’d like to tag along on the adventure please join my email list below. Big Hugs, Erath