Ocean Beach is known as a haven for artists, so it’s no surprise that Veronica Quin, yet another talented singer-songwriter, has made the area her home. Though now making a name as a solo entertainer, Quin can also be seen around town performing with the group Girl Band as well as playing Cajun (percussion) with another noted local singer-songwriter, Skyler Lutes. Upon wrapping up a West Coast tour earlier this year, Imperial Beach native Quin began work on her untitled debut album. A regular performer at the OB Warehouse, listeners will find a wonderful group of songs mixing folk and pop elements with her sweet, melodious voice. Quin got her start playing local open mic nights at the age of 16. “I remember begging my mom for a guitar when I was younger,” she said. “I wanted to be just like Jewel, she is one of my favorite artists.”
That inspiration ran deeper than just strumming a six-string. “I play mostly covers,” she explained. “The favorites right now are ‘Riptide’ by Vance Joy and ‘Lights’ by Ellie Goulding. However, I also write all my own music and lyrics, and there I’m inspired by artists like Bob Dylan and Jewel as well as by all my friends and people I’ve met doing open mics.”
For Quin, the best thing that’s happened is meeting new people at those open mics and her family’s reaction to her craft. “It’s been great meeting so many talented people that have become such good friends of mine,” she said. “Meanwhile, my family is so supportive; they are my biggest fans. I can’t wait to put out my first EP, because their love has really inspired a lot of it.”
Quin is comfortable in her role as band member or backing musician in her other projects, but her preference is in her solo performances. “I think I prefer playing on my own because of the challenge it presents,” she said “There is no one to lean on but yourself. (That said), playing with a band is always a lot of fun.” Quin has made an impression on promoter Shawn Balch, best known for his Sunday afternoon acoustic music series at the Kona Kai Resort. “I feel like she’s on the cusp of something bigger,” he said. “She has an easy, honest voice and is really proactive. Sometime, she gets flyers out about shows before I do.” Balch has recently begun booking music alongside musician Trent Hancock at the OB Warehouse and plans to bring Quin into the venue’s line-up. “She’s got real strong cross-appeal,” Balch continued. “Her originals are really solid, but what makes her such a great choice for these sorts of performances, which can run for several hours, is her range of covers. Mixing up a few classics with more current tunes really reaches out to a wide audience, always important at a gig that’s located in a restaurant.” Visitors to Quin’s website will find a 20-minute set recorded by Balch at the Kona Kai earlier this year, capturing her in good form. “It really seems like she’s ready to take off,” Balch said. “The recording just confirms what a good entertainer she is.” With a debut album in the works and more live work ahead, Quin is happy with her choice of a life making music. “My goal isn’t to be a huge star, and I think that takes a lot of the pressure and stress out of doing this,” she said. “It’s something I love to do, and we’ll see where it goes.”
For more info, visit veronicaquin.com.