Erin Lentz is a writer, editor, and the founder of TAG Media. Her first book-in-progress, Amplified, Life After Loss in 36 Songs, is a coming-of-age memoir about a family surviving and thriving in the wake of a mother’s suicide, told through memories inspired by famous musicians.
Erin was nine years old when her mother made Hamburger Helper for dinner, tucked her into bed, and then, in the middle of the night, quietly descended their Georgia home’s basement steps and took her life. From that moment on, Erin, her brother, and their father were forced to find a way forward.
Amplified
Storytelling
Amplified wrestles with abandonment and family secrets, exploring mental illness, heartbreak, hope, and the DNA of relationships—with others and, ultimately, with ourselves.
The book demonstrates how tragedy can become our biggest teacher through milestone moments galvanized by the universal power of music and memory, including songs by Ray Charles, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, Fleetwood Mac, and Dolly Parton>.
Just months after her mother’s funeral, Erin was inspired to dress up like her mom’s favorite singer, Dolly Parton, for a Halloween dance, circa 1985.
Lightning Round
The Ocean, by Led Zeppelin
All-time favorite song:
I’ve been swimming nearly my whole life. When I was 15, I missed the Olympic Trial cutoff time in the 200-yard breatstroke by four one hundredths of a second. Ouch!
Adrenalin booster:
I accidentally hung up on Ray Charles during a phone interview during my first job at the Aspen Daily News.
Most mortifying moment:
Watching an elephant give birth in Africa.
Most moving moment:
Poison and Debbie Gibson—quite the double header.
First concert:
2.5-miles, from Nevis to St. Kitts
Longest open water swim:
Biography
After working as a music writer (Aspen Daily News), account director (Promo Communications), and editor in chief (Aspen Peak), Erin recognized a growing need for custom content and design, launching TAG Media in 2014. Since then she and her team have worked with upwards of 15 companies, launching seven luxury magazines and producing 40-plus publications. She has written articles for Town & Country, AFAR, Robb Report, Huffington Post, and more.
Erin frequently gives seminars on travel and writing, and leads podcasts and webinar interviews. She was a member of Aspen Institute’s Aspen Words literary organization, and currently serves on the board of the Aspen Hope Center, which supports mental health. She lives in the mountains with her 15-year-old son, Bode.
Amplified Playlist
A memoir inspired by music, the playlist informs Erin’s book, Amplified: Life After Loss in 36 Songs.