Going for Broke
Shewell has stars in her eyes
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 09/29/07
By Ed Condran

Ever since Eryn Shewell was a young girl, it's been the music industry or bust.

The East Brunswick-based singer/songwriter has had her heart set on a career as a performer ever since she was in middle school.

"I used to tell people back then that I would become famous," Shewell said. "They said, 'Make sure that you have a backup in case your music doesn't work out.' Most people have a backup."

However, there is no contingency plan for the 23-year-old Shewell, who grew up in Jackson. The shy, soft-spoken songsmith plays mother to her 4-year-old daughter during the day and is a musician at night.

"This is it for me," Shewell said. "My family and my music is my life. There's not time for much more."

Blues, jazz and rock are some of the styles of music Shewell will offer when she performs Sunday at the Wonder Bar's closing party.

"I love all kinds of songs, but that's what I'm doing now," she said. "I would love to try it all."

The Washington, D.C., native, who has been writing songs since she was 8, was weaned on country music and during her teens reveled in hard rock.

"You sample different things when you're growing up," Shewell said. "The stuff you listen to stays with you."

Shewell continues to write songs. Relationships and growing up are some of the common threads in her material.

"Something is always happening to inspire me," Shewell said. "Since what I write is a reflection of my life, I have more and more songs. When you come see me, you're hearing the story of my life."