If you’re a local music fan and haven’t heard of Erica Jean, you may have been living under the proverbial rock. For such a young musician, having started performing at just 13 and now only 19, she already has quite the career under her belt. From supporting bands at Lakefest, The Marrs Bar, to The Royal Albert Hall, this girl has done it all. Her debut EP, Dizzy, is a showcase of this pop star’s talent, covering folk, comedy, and a hint of bubblegum pink pop. She happily pokes fun at how her image can be perceived, and her influences include Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchell, Lily Allen, and Taylor Swift. With her socials saying “everything is better in pink,” there’s no doubt we’re dealing with a girly girl here, but it’s one who certainly packs a pink fingernailed punch when it comes to songwriting.
“Lemonade Fizz” starts off with a bit of brass, evoking a warm and soulful sound. Poetic lyrics weave their way through this cleverly written track, a musical play on the saying, “When life gives you lemons.” All the elements come together to create a beautiful track about how you should pick yourself up and move on from whatever life throws your way. The music gives off an autumnal street vibe, with red and orange leaves. It’s cosy and heart-warming, and Erica’s gentle voice kicks those leaves with an empowering stomp.
“Hillside Lover” keeps us outdoors with birds chirping and more welcoming vocals, offering an old-style sound that evokes nostalgia for a time before Erica was born, when music was unplugged and authentic. It’s another pretty track, showing a talent that goes beyond her years.
“Warning Sign” kicks in with almost spoken lyrics that remind me of Lucy Spraggan and Kate Nash. It’s a sweet song about dating “someone like me.” It’s as if Erica has lifted the lid on what she’s like, with no holds barred as a warning to anyone wanting to date her. Stripped back, just lyrics and guitar take the lead, with the background melody holding the song together. It’s a personal exposé of the girl behind the lyrics, with a few truths we can probably all relate to.
The next track, “2am Memories,” is a stream of consciousness capturing the random thoughts that whirl through our minds in the early hours. It’s fast-paced, like our minds racing while the world is still and peaceful. The saxophone adds depth to this already intricate track. A lovely, folky guitar starts “Cherry On Top,” an intro to how Erica is perceived and how she’ll make it, “despite” the clichés thrown her way. The closing line, “I eat boys like you for dessert,” shows this young artist is here to make a point.
The next track, “Evergreen Time,” starts with a slightly crackling distortion of keys and a clicking tempo, soon joined by Erica’s floating voice as she describes the butterflies of a new relationship, drifting free, with time standing still. The mellow melody dances lightly throughout, as the 19-year-old sings like the songbird she truly is. The tempo of the vocals speeds up, and her pitch reaches new heights as she harmonises with the music. This track has been released as a single and was recorded at a seaside studio in Kent. The accompanying video visually tells the story too. As winter sets in, Erica’s music is perfect for cosying up with a hot chocolate in front of the fire. Her music is warm and welcoming, like a soft, comfortable blanket around her skilfully crafted lyrics. As the often overused cliché goes, the future is bright for Erica – and in her case, it’s most likely bright pink.
By: Kate Fitzer