Editor’s Note: You might wonder what possessed me to write this blog, an interview of a new music artist, Erica Chase? There are two answers: One, opportunity. A groupie at heart, I would love to interview Kobe Bryant,Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Jennifer Lawrence, Tom Hanks, Sam Smith, Adele, . . . . You get the point. But they didn’t return my calls. Erica did. Two, I was reminded by my discussions with Erica that everyone has a story to tell.
Ron: As a graduate of liberal arts Pitzer, one of the five high-ranking Claremont Colleges, with a degree in English, how did you come to music?
Erica: Actually, I came to music long before college. I was always singing. I learned to play the guitar in school and was in a band through high school. But I never took it too seriously because when I was 7 a teacher told me I couldn’t sing a lick. I figured I would use my degree to work with young[er] kids. Then, riding to campus on my bike to meet a friend for lunch one day, I was hit by a truck, and almost killed. When I got past that, I decided life was too short not to go after what really was my passion. Music. That was 10 years ago and I’m still at it. Driven.
Ron: After your experience with trucks, driven is an interesting choice of words. What kind of music do you like? What kind of music do you play? Where do you get your music?
Erica: I like all kinds of music, but especially music with melodic lyrics I can relate to. I really like The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, to name just a few. As for my music, I do mostly mainstream pop. I write all my own stuff.
Ron: Both the music and the lyrics? Where’d you learn to do that? How long does it take to come up with a new track?
Erica: Yes, both the music and the lyrics. I have no training to do that, but I love being creative. I just write when the mood hits me. It’s not all the time. But when it comes, I just sit down and bang it out.
Ron: How long does it take you? How many drafts does it take to get it polished?
Erica: It typically takes me about 20 to 30 minutes to come up with a track and I usually only do one draft.
Ron: That’s pretty impressive. In my field of art, writing, one draft would never make it. At least not one of my drafts. It takes me several goes at it. I’m always amazed at how many recording artists are skilled at playing more than one instrument. Do you play any instruments besides the guitar?
Erica: Not as well as the guitar, but I do play at the piano, the bass and a little bit of drums. These are just by feel, not by lessons or any formal training like I had years ago with the guitar.
Ron: So, where do you see your career in five or ten years?
Erica: I’d just like to continue evolving as an artist and sharing my music.
Ron: That sounds pretty good to me. What do you do when you’re not in the studio or performing?
Erica: My grandfather always encouraged me to stay grounded, to be a good person. When I’m not into my music, I work with Share a Meal, a really great program that makes sure people get the meals they need. Share a Meal is awesome. I also have a new puppy, a King Charles Cavalier.
Ron: So, what’s up next in your world of music?
Erica: I just released my first single. It’s called “Paris.”
Ron: Where can we hear it?
Erica: It’s now available on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/erica-chase/id562555916?mt=11and all of the single digital platforms. You can also see the music video on my website, www.ericachase.com, and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiC48HzPcRM.
Ron: This was great, Erica. Thanks for visiting. We’ll be watching for Paris to soon be topping the charts. By, the way, how’d I do as a journalist?
Erica: You’re welcome. And you’re almost as awesome as Share a Meal and my King Charles Cavalier, but maybe don’t quit your day job just yet.
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