Erica West profile picture

Erica West

One must desire something to be alive.

About Me

Combining R&B and Jazz with a fresh neosoul sound, Erica West has fast become one of the most sought; after female vocalists in Minneapolis. Growing up as a very focused dancer it wasn't until the Spring of 2003 that she really started to focus on her singing career. Erica developed her powerful and sultry vocal style by listening to female vocalists such as: Nina Simone, Etta James, Sarah Vaugh, Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Sade, Anita Baker, Sarah McLachlan, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. She first began performing as a lead vocalist for the R&B group, The Project, which was featured every Tuesday night at Bunkers Music Café. Erica soon began performing her own shows at such venues as Jazzmines, Soul City, Bellanote, Cabooze, Trocaderos and The Escape Ultra Lounge. She has performed alongside several of Minneapolis' most talented performers including Minneapolis favorites Julius Collins (of Greasy Meal, The Legendary Combo), R&B favorite Ray Covington, and Odell (Mint Condition) among many others. Erica has also had the opportunity to open for several different national recording acts including: Motown recording artist Kem, husband and wife singing duo, Chante Moore and Kenny Latimore as well as the Legendary SOS band. Currently, Erica is performing with Twin cities R&B band High & Mighty and working on her first studio recording project.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/1/2006
Band Members: I have had the pleasure of performing with: Todd Burrell, Sean "Smitty" Smith, Yohannes Tona, Odell (Mint Condition), J.D. Sykes, Markiss, Greg Schutte, Bryan Langford, Stephanie Devine, Annie Miller, Deevo, Mike Williams, Greg Schutte, Ray covington, Troy Norton, Jerry Hubbard, Tanner Taylor, Brian Neilson, Tom West, Scott Derks, Wendell Henry, Russ King, Manny Fresh, Walter Chancellor, Brian Ziemniak, Curt Michael, Tony axtel, Stokely Williams, Rhonda Johnson, Julius Collins, JD Steele, Curtis E, Kenneth Garnier, Jeff carver, Melody Mendes, Tony Lopez, and maybe a few others.
Influences: Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan, Roberta Flack, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Anita Baker, Sade, Sarah McLachlan, Terrance Trent D'Arby, Sting, Rachelle Ferrelle, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Kahn, Madonna, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Eva Cassidy, Bette Middler, Barbara Striesand, (Old School)Whitney Houston, Julie Dexture, Bob Marley, BB King, Chris Issack, Raul Midon, Mint Condition, D'Angelo, Amel Larrieux, Oleta Adams, Aretha Franklin, Regina Belle, Kem, Carl Thomas, mint Condition, Prince, Luther Vandross, Tears for Fears, Bob Marley, Meshell Ndegeocello, Curtis Mayfield, Christina Aguilera, Heather Hadley, Marvin Gaye, Josh Grobin, Kem, Liz Wright, Kindred the Family Soul, Vivian Green, Joe, Donny Hathaway, Toni Braxton, Shirley Horn, Floetry, Alicia Keys, Jaquar Wright, Raul Midon, Thomasina Petrus and Ray Covington.

Sounds Like: I've heard I sound like a few different people - but I think that people tend to want to compare you to a sound that they are familiar with...so I don't usually think to much about it.
Type of Label: Unsigned

My Blog

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