Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Hansen.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started playing guitar in middle school. I was always interested in music and gravitated towards guitar. When I was in the sixth grade, I traded my best friend $10 and an Everclear CD in exchange for his electric guitar. I was obsessed with 90s alt rock and taught myself how to play by learning songs by Sarah Mclachlan, The Cranberries and Nirvana. By the time I reached high school I was writing my own original songs and making DIY recordings of them.
I’ve spent the past decade performing both as a solo artist and with various bands. In 2013 I moved to Somerville after living in Brooklyn, NY for a few years, and immediately set out to put a new band together. I named the project The Silent Wild. It was a 4-piece indie pop/alternative rock band with 90s-influences. We played throughout the Boston scene over the last few years and recorded our self-titled debut EP with Maine producer Jonathan Wyman in the spring of 2017, released last August.
This year I shifted gears towards focusing on writing new material and performing as a solo artist. I’ll be heading back into the studio later this summer to record new songs for release in the fall of 2018.
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a singer/songwriter/guitarist who writes guitar-driven melodic indie rock/pop songs that incorporate elements of dream pop, shoegaze and 90s alt rock influences. Some songs are more straightforward pop/rock, but the new material I’ve been working on has more of a dreamy, ethereal feel to it. Meaningful lyrics and strong vocal melodies are essential to my songwriting. It has been catchy. I love writing hooks that have people humming the song after they’ve left the show.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I believe authenticity is essential to success as an artist. When you are authentic other people resonate with your work, and with you. For me, success means making art that I believe in and staying true to my creative vision. If you want people to believe in what you’re doing, you first have to believe in it yourself.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can listen to my latest record with The Silent Wild on Spotify, or Bandcamp via http://thesilentwild.com. The best way to support local musicians is to come out to a show! I regularly perform in the Boston/Cambridge/Somerville area. Follow @erikahansenmusic on Instagram for show updates and news about my latest projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thesilentwild.com
- Instagram: @erikahansenmusic
Image Credit:
@erikahansenmusic
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