Many artists dream that YouTube will make them famous but Erika David actually made that dream a reality. A dream that started at three years old, “I was singing Barney songs at birthday parties†she says, and her young career continued with karaoke, school plays, Junior and Senior Choir, eventually winning countless talent shows and then there’s YouTube.
Two years ago Erika began posting videos on YouTube, flipping and mixing covers of songs by such artists as Beyoncé, Fergie, Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole to name a few. With her strong penetrating voice, solid range and sheer versatility, Erika quickly established a legion of loyal fans around the world. Her YouTube channel has over 160,000 subscribers. Often remixing popular hits by rewriting the songs and adding her own jazzy undertones, many were amazed that such a powerful and soulful voice could emerge from this petite beauty. Her remix versions of J. Holiday’s “Bed†and Ne-Yo’s “Do You†have rocketed through the YouTube community, garnering over 1,000,000 views and counting.
“I come from a family of singers, although I think I take it more seriously†laughs Erika, “I would definitely
say that the encouragement and support was there from day oneâ€. After her YouTube successes, Erika knew it was time to take it to the next level so she moved to Las Vegas where she continued with a track record of amazing live performances. One such moment was winning the Colgate Mix-Fresh Competition. Working with Erika after her victory, producer Bryan Michael Cox was stunned, “She’s dope! I was shocked and impressed“, these very words have become synonymous with Erika’s talent. Last December, in another career coupe, Erika performed at the Z100 Jingle Ball All Access Lounge in New York. She shared the stage with Lady GaGa, Brandy, The Veronica’s and Secondhand Serenade, bringing in the New Year with a divine blast.
When asked who her influences are, Erika doesn’t hesitate, “I would have to say Pharrell and Lady GaGa, for their creativity, Drake for his drive and determination, Beyoncé’s consistency and vocal style, Keri Hilson’s vocal style and Mariah Carey’s delivery“. However she credits her
family and friends for keeping her motivated and on track as well as the support of her fans to keep her inspired to reach for new heights. “My fans are my ultimate inspiration†she smiles, “it’s their love and support that pushes me and they definitely influence my music“.
Blending soul, pop, R & B and hard beats, Erika’s music often explores the various stages of relationships, drawing from her own experiences with the opposite sex. The young chanteuse confides “It is really easy for me to sing and write about guys and anything having to do with love!â€. Her songs and musical style depict a young, confident woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. â€It’s about getting what you want and making no apologies for it“. With Erika’s first album due to be released in Summer 2010, you can be sure of one thing; Erika has the determination to make it to the top and the sheer talent to stay there for a very long time.
Stay updated with the artist by joining her on Facebook and subscribing to her YouTube today.
