Erin McCaffrey
President and Head of A&R
Erin McCaffrey, the President of Off The Row, is also an artist in every sense of the word. She is multi- talented, as she comes from a musical background. She grew up in Oklahoma and moved to LA to pursue the music dream. She worked as a full-time singer in California performing in top venues all over Southern California including House of Blues, The Coach House and the world-famous Troubadour. She has opened for top acts such as Jo Dee Messina, Ronnie Milsap, Sons of The Desert, Sammy Kershaw and Big House. During those years she was also named California Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of The Year. While in Los Angles she partnered with PT Houston and began writing and recording her original music.
After some successful recording sessions and meetings in Nashville, Erin relocated to Music City and quickly became part of the music scene. She performed at The Bluebird, Exit Inn, 3rd and Lindsley and other popular Nashville live venues. Erin remembers and laughs, “It was funny because people weren’t sure what to do with me! Too country for LA, too pop rock for Nashville. I would hear comments like, “no one dresses like that “and “why is she dancing and moving on stage…. you don’t do that at the Bluebird.”
Many say that Erin’s musical style was ahead of her time as she crossed boundaries blending country, folk, alternative, pop, rock and blues. She caught the attention of one of Faith Hill’s managers at the time and worked with talented producers Dave Huff (Little Big Town) and MCA recording artist Monty Byrom (Eddie Money, Barbra Streisand, and Van Halen.) She also garnered interest and meetings with MCA Records (Tony Brown’s label) after the label heard the buzz about her around town, and then hearing her demo.
Back when Erin was an artist, her s musical raves included BMI’s David Preston “She has such a range in her vocal style and performs like no other.” Billy Swan (released I Can Help) commented after hearing her live (“She is excellent!) John McEntee (President of That’s Entertainment Agency) worked with Erin In Los Angeles during her early years and recalls, “She was one of the best entertainers we worked with at the time.”
Erin’s personal artist journey makes it easy for her to relate to and help aspiring artists. “I have learned so much from all I went through as an artist that I have a heart for taking that knowledge and helping other artists. It is so rewarding for me! I am so blessed!”
Erin is a prolific songwriter as well and has written with Danny Wells, (Multi award winning hit songwriter, Check Yes or No, George Strait, These Days Rascal Flatts) Billy Falcon (written for Stevie Nicks, Jon Bon Jovi, and Richie Sambora.) Kris Bergsnes (Wynonna, Tim McGraw cuts) Jimbo Hinson (cuts with Reba, Patty Loveless, Steve Earle, and The Oak Ridge Boys.) Erin has had musical and video/photography collaboration with Audra Mae (Grammy award winning songwriter for Little Big Town, Christina Aguilera, Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, and Celine Dion) as well as many other talented writers.
Erin co-writes or writes 50 plus songs a year for her Off The Row Artists and other aspiring new artists in the Nashville community.
It is not surprising that Erin’s artistic talent spills over into the visual world! She is a sought-after photographer who also travels extensively throughout the US creating stunning images. She has photographed several country music stars, music executives and politicians. Her clients include Dolly Parton, Kix Brooks, Danny Gocke, Joe Diffie, Julie Roberts, Scott Hendricks (produced Blake Shelton, Faith Hill) and Mark Oswald (Manager of Jewel, Big and Rich and Gretchen Wilson) and several others.
Erin has lived her life as an artist and is dedicated to helping other talented artists achieve their dreams. She wears many hats at Off The Row and is hands on in every aspect of the business including head of A&R, songwriting, producing, photography, artist development, marketing, promotions and bookings. Erin says with a smile, “You name it, we can help! Or we can connect you with those who can! There are so many entertainment companies out there trying to up sell and take advantage of artists. We want to help artists be careful with their resources and use them wisely. Off The Row is a safe creative haven providing label quality to independent artists. We are the one stop shop for all the things artists need on their musical journey”.
Hit Songwriter Audra Mae sums it up nicely “I don’t know which is bigger, Erin’s talent or her heart. Any up-and-coming artist would be lucky to have the opportunity to work with her at Off The Row.”
P.T. Houston
Owner, Head Producer
Houston is a seasoned recording producer/engineer who has been involved in just about every aspect of the music business. He is a pro, who has spent several years in the Music
Row trenches recording songs for the hit songwriters in Nashville, and established artist projects as well. He has worked in the studio with Michael McDonald, Jeffrey Steele, (who has written over 60 plus hit songs for artists such as Montgomery Gentry, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, Craig Wiseman, Label head for Morgan Wallen has written 26 plus #1 hit songs on Billboard, and in 2009 was named “Songwriter of the Decade.”) Houston has also worked with: Lady A, Kix Brooks, Jewel, Jamie Johnson, Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers, Trace Adkins, Phil Everly (Everly Brothers), Chris Stapleton, Gretchen Wilson, Merle Haggard, Earth Wind and Fire; just to name a few.
Houston’s production quality has been instrumental in helping several artists climb the ladder to land their record deals with major labels. Krista Marie caught the attention of Warner Music and attained a deal, as well as Crystal Shawanda who was signed by Scott Hendricks to RCA Nashville. Houston is one of the top tracking engineers in town, and his clients trust him to get the sound they need whether it be to pitch their songs or to record their music project.
Houston’s talents go beyond the studio! Here’s the back story: he toured the world as lead guitarist with legendary country star, Freddy Fender. He has played guitar for Randy Meisner from the Eagles, Billy Swan, Texas Tornadoes, and Phil Everly from the Everly Brothers as well as Charlie Rich.
Houston is a great mentor for artists as he has been on every side of the music business. He began his musical journey in Los Angeles where he originally started out as a live drummer. His charisma, stage presence and vocal prowess was evident to fans, and he swiftly moved to lead guitar and lead singer where he fronted an array of cover and original bands. He headlined at various venues including world famous Troubadour and The Whiskey and traveled extensively throughout Southern California as a full-time musician.
It wasn’t long before live performing segued into music production, and he was a sought-after producer recording everything from rap to country. After several successful years in LA, he was asked to become one of the Head Engineers at one of Nashville’s premiere recording studios and later went full time at his own studio, Off The Row.
Houston is a gem and cares deeply about providing excellence for his clients. Not only does he engineer, produce and mix, he offers extraordinary backing vocals for his clients, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, drums and percussion when needed. He is in high demand as he records 40 plus new artists a year, and the Off The Row Artists have over 5 million streams and the numbers rise every year. Houston is a master at his craft and has a keen ear for getting the best performance out of the artist. Clients credit “Off the Row” and Houston for getting the best tracks in town, definitely Nashville’s best kept secret!