Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Soulstice.
Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I grew up singing with my family in my grandfather’s church. I’d sing in the choir every Sunday, and my love for music grew. During the school week, my mother would sometimes dress my little sister and me and enter us in community and school talent shows. She would choreograph dance routines for us to perform, and even if we lost the contest, she would tell us that we were the best. My love for performing grew from this. I performed in school plays, talent shows, music ensembles, and bands from primary school through college. I had my hand at a few instruments, but singing and performing were what I loved most. I gave up on music during my senior year of college to focus on my business career, which led me to event planning and marketing. Being in the event world kept me in the room with entertainers, and I wished it was me. Now I’m at it again, with hopes to do it forever. I’m a working singer, songwriter, karaoke host, emcee, DJ, and brand ambassador, using my entertainment talents in the familiar world of events. Artists that inspire me are Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Erykah Badu, Layla Hathaway, Missy Elliot, and Tank and the Bangas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Following my passion for music has been a challenging road. The entertainment industry is filled with passionate people, and it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to be performance ready. I’ve overcome many internal obstacles with imposter syndrome and early childhood trauma. When you’re a kid, every critique feels so overwhelming and hurtful. I’ve also had to leave toxic environments and people that were keeping me from being my best self and leading me further away from my passion. At the same time, something inside me wouldn’t give up. I have an internal calling to sing. I finally gave in to it when I joined my band in 2020. When I perform, my life is worth living. I’m free when I can be fully present on stage and performing for the audience. It feels like my purpose. The best thing I did was give it another shot.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Performing every week in the St. Louis music scene is essential to me honing my craft and growing as an artist. Today, I book myself as a singer at local venues under my artist name, Erica Soulstice. I have my second solo show this year at the Darkroom at Grandel Square on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 8 PM. I also work every Friday as a karaoke host at Padrino’s Mexican Restaurant on south grand and as a DJ on Saturdays with Complete Weddings + Events.
I have to mention where the reality of me being an independent artist started. In 2018, I launched my first-ever recording project, Amazing Black, my debut EP. The inspiration behind the project came from the murder of Michael Brown and the protests in Ferguson, MO. In 2020, amid the pandemic, I took my second big leap in music and joined the MO BRAVO, now a cover band, as a lead singer. I’ve been with the band for two years, and this year, we’ve been able to perform locally and make a name for ourselves.
I will continue to grind for gigs, put on my shows, and book ongoing contracts! I love the stage, so performing, creating, and collaborating on new music is the priority. What sets me apart as a performer is that people love my energy. I’m genuine, funny, passionate, friendly, musical, loud, thoughtful, and gorgeous! I’m a STAR! *Inserts diva laugh* Please email me if you want entertainment at your event!
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I completely embrace the fact that I’m a huge risk-taker now. I get bored of things quickly, so I love change and thrive in fast pace environments. Recent risks I’ve taken were becoming a full-time entrepreneur and full-time Diva, a female version of a hustler. Thanks, Beyonce. I also started my YouTube channel, “Erica Soulstice, my life as an artist.” It’s allowed me to achieve a long-term goal of becoming more open and vulnerable about sharing my art, experiences, and voice on my platform. I’ve finally accepted an unconventional career. Becoming an entrepreneur has made me comfortable with blazing my lane even when unsure of the future. The biggest risk I’ve taken is living life on my terms. It’s the most rewarding, and I have no regrets, even when mistakes are made. I learn from it and move on. Hard work is the secret sauce to success, so why not take a risk and work hard toward what you enjoy?
Pricing:
- DarkRoomSTL 11/17 Show: $30, $20, $10
- Amazing Black EP (Erica King) – Streaming Service
- Book Singing: Varies, please inquire.
- Book Hosting: Varies, please inquire.
- Book DJ Services: Varies, please inquire.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericasoulstice
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericasoulstice
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericasoulstice
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/soundlover_88
- Other: https://www.metrotix.com/events/detail/erica-soulstice
Image Credits
Darren Calhoun Naisha Bailey-Johnson Zyi Li Michelle L Artist
