Catching Up with The Darlins; Jude Toy and Erinn Bates are rocking country music and picking up speed

Jude Toy and Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins
Jude Toy and Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins
Jude Toy and Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins

In an exclusive interview with one of country musics hottest female duo’s “The Darlins” …I learned that this last year has been a major game changer for the both of them. With a new EP called “Crush” just recently released and opening for some of the industries most popular artists, The Darlins are quickly building momentum and the charts are screaming for a taste of what they have to offer.

Their fan base is growing by leaps and bounds with over 6000 fans on FaceBook and almost 30,000 fans on Twitter alone and there is no doubt that this independent, hard working, country/jazz/folk duo have high aspirations for what 2015 will bring.

Recently endorsed by one of the country largest suppliers of musical instruments, BreedLove Guitars Jude Toy and Erinn Bates can say the hard work is paying off.

Duets and Duos they come and go but these to beautiful ladies are here to stay.

Jude Toy and Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins
Jude Toy and Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins

Lyrics~N~Legends had the opportunity to ask these talented ladies a few questions, catch up and share with the fans just a few of the exciting things to come this year.

What was the first major venue you played together?

Erinn: We played our first major venue before we were officially The Darlins! We opened for Darryl Worley at The Wilson County Fair in Tennessee.

Jude: Our first show together was opening for Darryl Worley. An amazing first gig and a big show.

Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins
Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins

If you had to go back ten years and change one thing about your music what would it be and why?

Erinn: I would not change a thing that has happened in my life as a musician. If I had not taken this path or if I had altered something, you never know, I may not have met Jude!

Jude: I really think everything that happens along the way is what is suppose to happen, so like Erinn, if I changed something, I may not have met her. I would not change that for any reason. If however, I could do something, I would have probably moved to Nashville a lot sooner than I did.

Give us three of the brightest and most memorable moments of the last three years. How have those three major events changed you and your outlook on your career?

Erinn: We have had so many unbelievable moments it’s hard to pick just three! For me, I think opening for Darryl at the Wilson County fair was a huge deal because we had just started writing together and being given that opportunity really early on was a sign that this partnership was going to be something incredible. I also loved playing Music City Roots the first time because that show was a bright spot at the end of a very hard summer for me. Also, I can’t forget playing the Bluebird Cafe the first time as The Darlins with Kostas and Wayne Mills. We shared the stage with Wayne many times and he believed in us from the very beginning. We miss him so much. All those events helped push me even harder and made me grateful for every single opportunity.

Jude Toy courtesy of the Darlins
Jude Toy courtesy of the Darlins

Jude: We have had many, many amazing shows and events especially in the past two years. I would have to say for me, Our show with Montgomery Gentry was a big highlight. I think the most recent show added playing in July for the 2015 US Armed Forces Country Music Festival with Trace Adkins and Thomas Rhett. Our tour at the end of this year with Joe Nichols and Trace Adkins is also a major break and highlight. These events changed my outlook because I feel very encouraged that we are being recognized and given major opportunities. We do everything ourselves with no extra help so that makes it even more of a blessing.

What does 2015 have in store for the Darlins and do you have plans for a new album/EP? If so when do you expect to release the new EP? Note: As of the date of this interview the new EP has been released.

Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins
Erinn Bates courtesy of the Darlins

Erinn: 2015 is going to be all about playing some major shows and festivals and releasing our new EP! Our release is scheduled for the end of April. We are so excited to perform in July for the 2015 US Armed Forces Country Music Festival and we can’t wait to join Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, and more on the Country Cruise to the Bahamas in the fall. We will be playing lots of festivals and shows throughout the year so please check out our schedule at www.thedarlins.com more to be added!

Jude: I am looking forward to major growth on our social media sites. Our Twitter, @thedarlinsmusic, has blown up and we are making a lot of progress on YouTube. I am looking forward to the release of our new EP and to the many incredible shows we are being asked to play. We are writing some great songs and look forward to working with some of the great talent in Nashville.

We have so many genres of country music now. There are major classifications and sub classifications. What category would you put The Darlins in and why? Example: The Darlins are main stream country, contemporary country, folk, jazz, country rock, etc.

Erinn: I think we are unique, but still very mainstream country. However you would classify Little Big Town, you could put our sound in that category. Speaking of music, right now if you subscribe to our email list, we are giving everyone 7 free songs just for signing up. Click on “Get 7 Free Songs” at www.thedarlins.com.

Jude Toy courtesy of the Darlins
Jude Toy courtesy of the Darlins

Jude: I think we are very different, we are rockin’ yet still have a very mainstream appeal. We are like the Civil Wars, Little Big Town and a splash of Dolly. We like to say: “Bluegrass with a smokey eye.”The Darlins will be appearing at Fan Jam with Darryl Worley, Jamie O’neil and a cast of other amazing folks at the fair grounds in Nashville on June 11-14th and soon after The Darlins will be opening with Trace Atkins and Gloriana in Colorado Springs in July on the 10th-12th for some super rockin country fun.

Stayed tune to Nashville Music Guide, Lyrics~N~Legends and to www.thedarlins.com for information on Jude Toy and Erinn Bates…….”The Darlins”…..

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