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Erin McLaughlin

@rubyforce

2.2K

followers

525

following

Singer-songwriter | Nashville TN
Founder of @musicisfree
↓ music / mission / merch

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✨ Big news ✨

I’ve been holding this one close to my heart until the timing felt right and today is that day. 💌 Music Is Free, the nonprofit I’ve been quietly building, has officially received our 501(c)(3) status. That means we’re now recognized as a charitable organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. 🙌

Music Is Free was born from a very personal place. Growing up with a single mom, we leaned on food banks and even lived in transitional housing at times. Those experiences left a permanent impression on me and they planted the seed for this dream: to bring the gift of live music into spaces where it’s often in short supply.

This summer we tested the waters with our first “Rescue Mission Tour”, with shows in Nashville, LA, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake. 🎶 What I experienced in doing the shows was more joyful and enriching than I ever could have imagined. The smiles, the dancing, and sincere gratitude all reminded me that music doesn’t just entertain, it unifies us as a species.

I’ve worn many hats over the years - songwriter, cosmetologist, real estate agent (hi, Nashville 🏡✂️🎸) , but Music Is Free feels like an extension of who I am as an artist and as a person.
I’m honored to serve alongside Katie Stevens (Board Chair) and Brad Zurcher (Board Member) as we take these next steps.

I would love for you to follow along with us at @musicisfreeorg , to stay tuned as the vision unfolds, and if you feel moved, to visit musicisfree.org to make a donation. Every bit helps us bring music beyond margins.

This is just the beginning. Thank you for cheering me on. 💖

#MusicIsFree #RubyForce #HopeIsRising #MusicBeyondMargins #LiveMusicMatters #MusicForGood #501c3 #NonprofitLife #DoGoodFeelGood #SongsThatHeal #PowerOfMusic #GiveBackThroughMusic #MusicIsHealing #ArtistsForChange #CompassionInAction #MakeADifference #HomelessOutreach #LoveBeyondWalls #MusicNonprofit #ChangeThroughMusic #JoyInTheJourney #MusicAndHope #TaxDeductibleDonation #MusicForAll #RescueMissionTour #MusicSavesLives #HealingThroughSong #MusicWithPurpose #SpreadHope #MusicUnites taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @rubyforce

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a year ago

Ruby Force is comin’ through!

I am BEYOND ecstatic to share with you that your girl is hitting the road, opening these shows for Ryan Adams and The Cardinals!!!

Im bringing @_gentryking_ and @neilmorrisonmusic to help me sing and play my songs. And I mean… Holy crap you guys!!! This is going to be fun.

I’m proud but also just really thankful. Ryan has been a friend to me. He’s listened to and supported me in music and when I was struggling to lay hold of that sober life, he was real and honest with me, like many of my close friends and family. I receive this opportunity as a special gift for which I’ll always be grateful. ✨

Get your tix on the internet! I would love to see you at the merch table and sign one of these posters for you! The design was masterfully created by @dicktracyroguesgallery !!

Let’s Rock! ♦️👊🏻

#rubyforce #ryanadamsandthecardinals #ryanadams #tour by @rubyforce

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3 years ago

It has been an incredible year. Everything has happened so fast, it’s possible I won’t get a chance to fully digest it for a while. That’s ok.
I’m moving forward while savoring the empowering memories that come to mind, honoring the boldness and significance of these moments.
I’m working on a new record. I got amazing feedback on the new tunes from the sweet people in the audience over the course of my time on the road w @ryanadams and The Cardinals this summer, so I’m especially excited to share these songs with you as soon as I can.
In the meantime I’ve got my head down, firing all cylinders, believing for the best!
So thankful for @_gentryking_ and @neilmorrisonmusic for standing next to me and lifting me up in these moments. 🤩 and to @ruffsnapsstuff for these amazing pics that take me back to a good place. 🫶🏻 taken in ACL Live by @rubyforce

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Doin a little holiday thing Saturday. Would love to sing my favorite Amy Grant song for you. Come through.🎄🤶🏻✨ taken in Tone Central Station by @rubyforce

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a year ago

Two years ago when the harvest was heavy and the light was green and gold all around, I married a rare treasure of a soul.
In all honesty the whole thing has felt dimly like I’m living in a Hallmark film about a failing songwriter who moves to Nashville to “find herself” and make a new record but then lives through a tornado and a global pandemic and at some point sits down next to a very handsome, charming and emotionally well adjusted man one Sunday morning at church and instead begins a journey of love and friendship and romance that pretty much changes everything about everything. And as it happens she ends up getting quiet, and embracing herself and starting that new record after all.
I couldn’t have planned it if I tried and I’m so thankful for this adventure every day of my life. ❤️✨
📸 @mattwignall by @rubyforce

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a year ago

"When we were little, my mom took us to food banks to volunteer but we were also receiving help from the banks and the church. Whether it was our Christmas or Birthday presents or our Thanksgiving feast, we were supported by the generosity of others through many hard times.”

Erin McLaughlin, musically known as Ruby Force, knows firsthand what it’s like to be lifted up by caring neighbors.

“I was raised by my single mother in Southern California. I have been following Jesus since I was seven and believe that service is a part of walking with God.”

“I believe music is a fundamental aspect of the human experience—that it has the power to heal and to reach people in a unique and spiritual way. I'm doing what I can to make sure that experience is available to the people who just might need it the most.”

Erin has committed to extending her reach beyond Nashville, bringing music to rescue missions all across the country. This past August, she embarked on the Ruby Force Rescue Mission Tour, determined to create moments of connection and hope where they’re needed most.

“It's an honor to be with my fellow man, participating with them in a place of vulnerability, as others have done and are sure to do for me again. It's a joy and it's an act of connection to Jesus through His people in obedience to His word.”

“After playing for the guys at the Men's Center, a sweet man came up to the stage, reached his hand out and I shook it. He said, ‘I love you’ and I said, ‘I love you too.’ It wasn't heavy or awkward or insincere, just easy and true. Quite joyful actually.”

Thanks to volunteers like Erin, who share their time and talents with our community’s most vulnerable, Nashville Rescue Mission continues not only to meet physical needs—like shelter, meals, clothing, and case management—but also to provide a place of celebration, joy, and community.

Click the "Volunteer" link in our bio to get involved ❤️ by @rubyforce

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a year ago

UPDATE: It'll be my pal @caitlin_anne_webster and her band @nightingale_rodeo joining me this SATURDAY at DEE's in Madison. Grab tickets on my website or at the door. $5 so affordable! Come come!

📸 by @marcpiron_photo by @rubyforce

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a year ago

We love a date night with PUSH involved. I love how Nashville is small enough that when you’re somewhat centrally located, it’s actually pleasant to do a date night with “bite”. Ride or walk y’all! We went from the Gulch to East Nashville’s beloved @lockelandtable after being kind of athletic-sedentary for sometime. Fun. Fun!!
#lovelocal taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @rubyforce

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a year ago

Finally got to meet the man, the myth and the legend behind the beloved @theheavymetalshopsaltlakecity
Picked up some fabulous shop merch too! Thank you Kevin- what any easy breezy spirit you are! 💀❤️✨ taken in The Heavy Metal Shop by @rubyforce

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a year ago

Kicking off a new series called Gearmageddon where I talk about Guitars and gadgets that I own, love and use for different reasons! ⚡ First up is my beloved (on loan from a friend) Fender Telecaster “Helicasters” edition- John Jorgensen’s signature model in glittering gold + green. ✨ This beauty was once stolen and then rescued by Redlands PD (with some serious internet sleuthing by Maria Bruce 🙌). After many magical adventures, it’s heading back to its home in Germany. 💛💚 #fancyguitar

#Gearmageddon #FenderTelecaster #TelecasterLove #GuitarOfTheDay #GuitarCollectors #GuitaristLife #MusiciansOfInstagram #GuitarCommunity #FenderGuitars #GuitarObsessed #VintageGuitars #GlitterGuitar #MusicGear #GuitarShowcase #TelecasterNation #GuitarWorld #GuitarCulture #MusicianLife #ElectricGuitarLove #GuitarDaily #GuitarLovers #GuitarStories #GuitarCollection #GuitarInspiration #FenderFamily #MusicIsLife #GuitarGram #FenderTele taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @rubyforce

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The Ruby Force Rescue Mission Tour kicks off next week 🎶✨ and I couldn’t be more excited! These hand-drawn shirts by comic artist Howie Noel aren’t just merch, they’re fueling the very first run of shows. Every tee helps us bring music beyond margins, creating moments of connection and hope where they’re needed most. 💖

Grab yours, rep the mission, and be part of this journey. 🚀🕊️

Tap that 🔗in bio for my printful store!

#RubyForce #MusicIsFree #RescueMissionTour #HowieNoel #IndieArtistSupport #ComicArtCommunity #MusicBeyondMargins #TourLife2025 #IndieMusician #MusiciansOfInstagram #ArtistCollaboration #HandDrawnDesign #MerchDrop #ConcertTee #MusicHeals #LiveMusicLovers #SupportTheArts #IndieMusicScene #CreativesUnite #MusicTourMerch #HealingThroughMusic #MusicForGood #IndieTour #MusicCommunity #WearableArt #TourAnnouncement #NonprofitMusic #ArtAndMusic #MusicIsLife #MakeMusicMatter taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @rubyforce

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a year ago

Plotting the course for this month’s micro Rescue Mission tour.
Growing something I care about from the ground up takes abandon. It takes planning and gumption and investment but I know after all is sung and done, I will be better for it.
I’m taking my music into shelters because I feel compelled. I feel Im in a very good and sheltered place, and because I have extra energy to share, I can’t look at my fellowman in a position of displacement and need and do nothing.
Everyone has their way of paying or playing it back. This is mine.
Hoping that even one person in these spaces hears love and hopes a little more for their own restoration and healing. Thank you to the sweet souls who purchased their RF Rescue Mission Ts to support! You’ve made a difference in making this possible!
All I do is show up and play… and also pray. 🙏🏼 💛💚✨🫶🏻

#MusicIsFree #RubyForce #TaylorSwift #TS12 #GrassrootsMovement #ShelterConcerts #LiveMusicForAll #HopeInHarmony #CommunityThroughMusic #HealingThroughSong #ArtistsForChange #MusicThatMatters #IndependentMusician #GrassrootsMusic #ForThePeople #WestCoastTour #LasVegasRescueMission #SaltLakeRescueMission #NashvilleRescueMission #SongsForTheSoul #MusicNonprofit #VoicesOfHope #BuildingRelationships #Pathfinders #TheJourneyBegins #ManifestBigDreams #MusicHeals #ChangeThroughMusic #InclusiveArtistry #FromGroundUp taken in West Coast by @rubyforce

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