The rising artist shares her journey of resilience, creativity, and the vibrant music scene that inspires her every step of the way.
Erika Torres © 2024
Today we have the pleasure to have Erika on Goathead!
GH: Hey Erika, great to have you here! You moved to New Orleans from Pennsylvania. What drew you to the city, and how has it influenced your music?
Erika Torres: I moved to New Orleans from a small town in Pennsylvania and was immediately struck by the rich culture of music we have here, as well as the incredible mentors I had the opportunity to study under. I took a lot of inspiration from my teachers, my peers, and this beautiful city, which I bring to my music every day.
GH: Tell us about your journey into performing live. Do you have a standout memory from the stage?
Erika Torres: I started gigging during my time in music school. I have so many cherished experiences being on New Orleans stages, but one of my favorites might be playing on Frenchmen Street in a club called Café Negril during a Halloween parade. The house was packed, and the crowd had such great energy. It's a blessing to be part of so many people's New Orleans experiences. We see visitors during bachelorette parties, engagements, anniversaries, graduations, and other key life events—it’s wonderful to entertain and make someone smile during moments like those.
GH: What’s your creative process like when writing or composing?
Erika Torres: I usually like to start with a beat or a chord progression. It doesn’t take me long to hear a melody, and if I’m singing, I’ll add lyrics based on the feeling I’m getting from the sound or the story I want to tell. I love collaborating with other artists—I’m blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible talents who inspire me every day.
GH: Music can be a powerful healer. Has it played a role in your personal journey?
Erika Torres: Music has lifted me out of some of the deepest pits in my life. I am recovering from anorexia and spent a year completely lost in my eating disorder. During that time, being thin mattered more than anything, and I lost grip of the things that gave my life meaning. Rekindling creative projects and my desire to release an EP pushed me to leave New Orleans and enter residential treatment. I was gone for about three months receiving life-saving care. When the days are hard, and my eating disorder feels loud, it’s my love of creating that keeps me from falling back into old habits.
GH: What’s next for you as an artist?
Erika Torres: Yes! For the past couple of years, I’ve built a community of music lovers on YouTube, where I discuss popular performances. My channel has surpassed 1 million views! Today, I’m working toward releasing an EP in 2025. In the meantime, I’ve been focusing on having fun—covering my favorite R&B tunes, playing bari, and making fun videos on Instagram and YouTube.
Don't forget to follow Erika Torres on Instagram and Listen To Her Music On All Streaming Platforms
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