Erica Streat

Interview 13 November 2006

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Hey Erica, thanks for doing this.
--No problem. I'm honored to do so.

Tell me about yourself, where you from, your family, you’re in Virginia now is that where you’re from
--I was born in VA. I've lived here most of my life. I spent a few years after college living in a Washington, DC suburb but decided to move back to the area I call home. I'm married with two beautiful sons. I love my family. They keep me focused.

Whats it like there
--Virginia is awesome. I live in an area composed of 7 cities called Hampton Roads. We are a coastal area of VA in the southeastern part of the state. For a while we were under the radar a bit, but the world is seeing a lot of talent literally right around the corner from where I live, especially in the hip hop world. Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of the Neptunes, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, the Clipse, Fam-lay...all those artists are from Hampton Roads. It's time to put some Virginia soul music on the map as well.

What took you into music.
--I had an early interest in music. I started piano lessons when I was 7. From there I experimented with other instruments...drums, flute, bassoon. I stuck with the keys though. Music has always been my first love, although I've had other career interests in the past. I've come full circle with this project.

Tell me about the album, Let it go – is it your first album
--Yes, this is my first project. "Let It Go" is an 8-track glimpse of who I am as a woman. When people listen to the album, they will know a lot about Erica Streat. I try to keep both the music and lyrics as honest as possible. I believe that's quite apparent after a good listen.

Its been out a while now – hows it going down, what tracks getting attention
--I released the project in February. You know, I didn't really have any expectations going into this. As an independent artist, I just gave the project my best effort and hoped that people would embrace it. I've been extremely pleased with the outcome so far. The tracks which generally get the most response are "Your Touch," "Temptation," and "His Game."

And in the Uk and worldwide?
--I am fortunate to say I've had the opportunity to share my music with other communities outside the United States. It is a blessing to be able to reach people across the globe, that I otherwise wouldn't, through my music.

You pleased with how it finished up
--I am very pleased. Looking back, there is nothing I would have changed.

Tell me about how you put together the album – you wrote, sung and produced.
--Yes. I took the project from start to finish. I have a studio at home I used to record and engineer the project. I wore many hats during this process. It was a personal goal of mine to fly solo on this one.

How long did it take from inception to street
--I started seriously putting this project together in the summer of 2004, after I left my corporate gig. So roughly a year and a half.

A very personal project – what does it reflect in your life. A good time?
--I would say a combination of good times and heartache.

Which are your favourites
--Hmmm...that's a hard one. Each song has it's own little place in my heart. I'd have to say "Your Touch" is probably my favorite.

Who were the key people in helping you put the album together, other than yourself!
--I would say all the folks in the early stages that gave me a little kick in the rear and told me to just do it. They saw something in me that I didn't always see in myself.

Who are your influences both in writing and otherwise.
--I am a lover of great music. From legends like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to future legends like India Arie and Jill Scott, I soak up all the good stuff and hope that I can squeeze just a little genius back out.

And what inspires you
--Really, just life. Lyrically speaking, I write based on emotions I've felt, things I've seen. I draw from those experiences and create songs.

What have you done before
--Ok, is this a trick question? LOL. Outside of music, I attended the University of Virginia with the intention of pursuing a career in law. I decided to explore other options after I graduated. I ended up in banking for several years prior to pursuing a career in music.

Are you full time in music
--Yes, I am full time.

Are you working on a follow up and if so when can we expect it
--I am planning a follow up. It may likely be a live version of "Let It Go" with a few new tracks. I hope to have something out by next summer.

Are you doing much live work at the moment, whats happening
--I put together a band this past summer. (Shout outs to Lonzo, Greg, Mike, Craig, Jerenda, Kia and Gil.) We've done several festivals and clubs in our area. I've been elated with the response we've received on the road.

Tell me about your show.
--The show takes my music to a higher level. It's phenomenal...jazzy and smooth like the CD but that live element just adds so much depth to the music.

Are you strongly independent or are you looking for a deal
--I'm independent minded in terms of creative direction, but I wouldn't mind collaborating with people who believe in me and my vision. I'm always looking to take my music to the next level, with or without a deal.

Where do you see yourself in the marketplace
--I see myself as needed in the marketplace. So many people tell me how refreshing my music is. I understand where they are coming from because again I am a lover of music, first. There's always a market for good music.

Who out there right now do you like.
--I'm listening to a variety of stuff from India Arie to Lupe Fiasco to Beyonce. If it's hot, it's hot.

What other things do you like to do
--My boys keep me busy. When I'm not working on music, I'm hanging with them, or trying to hang at least.

Anything you’d like to add.
--I'm just grateful for the chance to do this. I hope I can get on your side of the water very soon. Thanks, Mike.

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