Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Detherage.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path has never been a straight line, and I think that’s what makes it meaningful.
I grew up in Oklahoma, but it wasn’t until I moved to Northwest Arkansas that I truly found my place in music. The local music scene was incredibly accessible and I could walk to venues and see talented bands performing almost any night of the week. Watching those musicians made me realize I wanted to be on that stage too. That community inspired me to start performing live, and from there I threw myself into becoming the best guitarist I could be.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at festivals, Pride events, and sporting events (including Pre-Game entertainment for the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium) around the country. One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been combining two of my biggest passions: music and sports. Performing the National Anthem for the Baltimore Orioles recently was a full-circle moment and reinforced how much I love bringing guitar into the sports world. It’s something I’m continuing to pursue with additional professional teams because there’s nothing quite like connecting with thousands of fans through music before a game.
As Dr. Shred, I’ve also been focused on creating original music that blends rock guitar with pop and EDM influences. I love challenging the idea of what guitar music can sound like and showing that the instrument still has a place in modern music. Whether I’m releasing original songs or creating guitar arrangements inspired by sports and pop culture, I enjoy finding new ways to make guitar exciting for people who may not expect it.
Moving to Baltimore has been one of the biggest leaps of faith I’ve ever taken. Starting over in a new city isn’t easy, but it’s already opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. Every performance, collaboration, and opportunity reminds me why I made the move, and it’s motivated me to keep building a career that reaches beyond one city or one genre.
I’m also someone who believes the best music happens when people create together. While I love performing as a solo artist, I’m always looking for the right band to be part of and for artists who want to collaborate. Some of my favorite experiences have come from making music with others, and I’m excited to see where those future collaborations lead.
At the end of the day, I just want to keep growing, whether that’s writing new music, performing in stadiums, collaborating with great musicians, or finding creative ways to connect people through guitar. Every step has led to the next opportunity, and I’m excited to see where the journey goes from here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think the challenges are what have shaped me as an artist.
One of the biggest challenges has been finding my place in a music world where I don’t always fit the traditional mold. As a female guitarist, I’ve often been in spaces where I’m the exception rather than the norm. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and someone who has never been interested in looking or sounding like everyone else, I’ve had to learn how to embrace what makes me different instead of trying to blend in.
There have also been moments where putting myself out there has brought negativity, including criticism and hate online. That part of being visible can be difficult, but it has also reinforced why I continue doing what I do. I know there are people watching who may have felt like they didn’t belong or didn’t see themselves represented, and if my music can help someone feel more confident being themselves, then it’s worth it.
Another challenge has been building a career as an independent artist and creating my own opportunities, finding the right collaborators, and constantly pushing myself to grow. I’ve spent a lot of time searching for the right musicians and artists to create with because I believe the best music comes from genuine collaboration.
Every obstacle has taught me something. It has made me more determined, more authentic, and more committed to creating music that celebrates individuality. I’ve learned that being different isn’t something to overcome, it’s the thing that makes your story worth telling.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a guitarist, performer, and songwriter known as Dr. Shred. My work combines high-energy guitar with influences from rock, pop, and EDM to create a modern sound that shows how versatile and exciting the guitar can still be. Whether I’m performing live, creating original music, or putting my own spin on recognizable songs, my goal is always to make guitar feel fresh and unexpected.
One of the things I’ve become known for is bringing guitar into spaces where people may not always expect it. I’ve performed at festivals, Pride events, and sporting events, including performing the National Anthem for sporting events. Combining my love of music and sports has been a huge part of my journey, and I love creating moments where music can bring an entire crowd together.
I’m also passionate about creating original music that blends my rock guitar background with electronic and pop influences. Songs like “The Mainstream,” “The GOAT,” and “Cheat Code” represent my goal of pushing guitar into new territory while still keeping the energy and emotion that makes rock music special.
What I’m most proud of is building something that represents more than just myself. As a female guitarist and LGBTQ+ artist, I know what it feels like to not always see yourself represented in certain spaces. Through my music, I want people who feel different or like they don’t fit the traditional mold to feel inspired to embrace who they are.
What sets me apart is the combination of musicianship, storytelling, and connection. I’m not just trying to play guitar, I’m trying to create experiences. Whether that’s performing before thousands of sports fans, collaborating with other artists, finding the right band to build something special with, or connecting with people online, I want everything I do to make people feel something.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is creating moments that bring people together. Whether that’s performing on stage, seeing someone’s reaction when they hear a guitar arrangement they weren’t expecting, collaborating with another artist, or meeting someone who tells me my music inspired them, those connections are what make everything worthwhile.
I’ve always loved the feeling of picking up a guitar and creating something that didn’t exist a few minutes before. There’s something special about taking an idea, a song, or even an emotion and turning it into something people can experience together.
I also find a lot of happiness in the journey itself-the constant learning, meeting new people, discovering new music, and putting myself in situations that challenge me. Moving to Baltimore was a huge leap, but the excitement of building new relationships, exploring a new music scene, and seeing where this next chapter takes me has been incredibly rewarding.
At the end of the day, I think what makes me happiest is being able to be fully myself and help others feel like they can do the same. Music has always been my way of connecting with people, and knowing that something I create can make someone feel seen, inspired, or excited is the greatest reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erindetherage2000.wixsite.com/erin-detherage
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshred1.0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinDetherage/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@erindetherage3600?si=bJ_V7Ja6qaRMpa3J
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bookdrshred
