Interview : Erin Murphy
Tell us about yourself and your music project
Well, I’m a townie from the heart of Sarasota. I grew up here, moved away, and then moved back with a new appreciation for everything that’s going on here. I got into music as a coping mechanism as a result of the usual relationship ringer, and was encouraged by very supportive friends to get myself out there and start playing shows. I really don’t know much about music outside of what I like to listen to and how to make it simply. I wish I was more educated and experienced with theory and stylistic nuances, but I’m not. I just started strumming and banging on things and writing stuff that helped me get out what I wanted to say.
Through those shows I met an amazing group of friends that were also musicians, and we just started adapting my songs to a more complete instrumentation. Now we have drums, bass, xylophone, electric guitar and mandolin. We’re recording our EP right now, and with the support of other, more prominent bands, like Sons of Hippies and MeteorEYES, are starting to play out of town. Needless to say, I’m incredibly passionate about the camaraderie between bands and young folk here in Sarasota; I would have given up and just played in my bedroom were it not for them.
You can find us now on www.myspace.com/maidmoseph , on last.fm, and on facebook. Our recordings posted online are (VERY) rough versions, but our EP will be a much more accurate and ear-friendly representation of how we sound live and should be out in October, along with a new website.
Briefly explain the Intellectual Freedom Festival and some of the people involved
The Festival was the brainchild of Heather and Myles Tweed, both staff members of Selby. I heard they’d been wanting to put this together for almost two years, so it was great to see their hard work pay off with the amount of people attending. It was a free event with live shirt screen-printing, and attendees were able to donate to the bands and the Friends of the Library organization. They also had food vendors in the meeting rooms. They put out a call to artists and as a result were able to book a variety of local acts for all age groups. We had children’s music and a dance party at both ends of the lineup, so there was definitely something for everyone.
The Intellectual Freedom Festival was hosted at the Selby Public Library. Could you describe your experience working with the library and library staff?
I personally only had contact with Heather and Myles about the event, but there were many volunteers and staff members helping out. It was great to have the manager thank us for our participation and compliment us on our set, because we were so entirely thankful for the opportunity.
Has this experience changed how you view the library and the way it interacts with the community in Sarasota?
It certainly served as a unifier of the general population with the original music scene here in town. Many people are aware of the cover bands that play at bars every Friday and Saturday, but I think it heightened awareness of many people, especially those outside our demographic, that there is worth in the discovery of artists that make their own sound. Music means many things to many people, and sometimes that which is most accessible is the most well-known. Some folks actively pursue what’s new and unknown, but that usually means going out to small venues and bars. Others stumble upon it, and then make an effort to find out more. It definitely made me feel that the library is much more welcoming and tuned-in to the offbeat than I’d previously thought, and that’s fantastic.
Did the library promote any of its services during this concert?
No, since the Festival was held after hours, they let the focus stay on the music.
Do you believe more people will be interested in using the library services?
I don’t see how they couldn’t be; I know of quite a few attendees that had never set foot in the Selby Library, and then realized how beautiful and comprehensive it is.
What type of services do you wish the library offered?
I can’t think of any right now- I know they have children’s activities, clubs, space for meetings, and job placement assistance for the homeless. I think that’s pretty comprehensive. If I think of any, I know the staff is constantly looking for feedback and suggestions.
What inspires you?
Everything. People walking on the side of the road, old etiquette books, magic, farms, cats, porch jams, the simple life. Most of my songs are emotional reactions to past experiences, but I’m trying to move forward in the content I’m dealing with and write about current, more satisfying experiences. I want to write songs about raising our kitten and growing old, fat, and happy. I hope I can pull it off. 
