In Conversation with Pop Artist Kendra Erika

Hailing from Boca Raton, Florida, Kendra Erika is a prolific charting powerhouse who is sharing her gift of confidence, honesty, and music with the world.

Thanks to her multitude of talents, unstoppable creative flow, and unique career vision, Erika has catapulted into a rare creative space where top producers and remixers in the dance/pop world are eager to collaborate with her. She has already garnered five Top 10 dance hits including “Self Control,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart in the U.S., and “So Fly,” which went Top 10 on the U.K., France, and Germany’s dance charts.

Today, in addition to millions of fans streaming Erika’s songs on all major platforms, she is performing in music clubs worldwide and opening for international pop artists like Jason Derulo.

Erika took some time to talk about her music and artistry with OFM.

For those who have never heard of you or your music before, what should they know?

I write from experience, and I write from the moment, so everything is pretty much organic from that aspect. I did have one #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts, “Self Control,” and that was a remake of Laura Branigan’s “Self Control.” I put my own signature on it, and I always thought that song was a flame to be reckoned with on the dance floor. So, I wanted to revamp and modernize it. When something’s not broken, you don’t want to fix it. You only want to polish it, and that’s what I did.

How would you describe your musical style and aesthetic?

I would say it’s more pop, but there are influences and fusions of EDM.

Have you always had a passion for singing and songwriting?

I have. It first started when I was really little because I grew up watching the Disney princess movies, and I think that inspired me to create my own world of singing, dancing, and performing. I think that was the initial inspo and the initial bug that bit me. Then, growing up, I was inspired by Y2Kers like Aaliyah, Britney, Destiny’s Child, Spice Girls, and even Lizzie McGuire and Lindsay Lohan prior to the meltdown.

Speaking of Aaliyah, I did a cover of “Try Again,” and I released that about a year ago. I wrote it with the same co-writer and producer, Andy Kirk (RUNAGROUND), who also did “Thriller Killer” and “Come and Get It” with me.

“Thriller Killer” is your latest single. Can you tell us more about the concept and inspiration behind the track?

Andy presented a few beats to me, and that one stuck out because, who doesn’t love to bring back the 80s? I think the 80s are starting to have this lightning bolt of a comeback, especially with The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” Robyn, and now Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” I think that all compounded into a major influence, and I’ve always wanted to bring back that nostalgia because, I don’t know about you, but I just feel like music has lost its way a little bit. Bringing back a direction is vital to any sort of re-foundation or laying the bricks down for newer and more innovative ideas.

So, the beat for “Thriller Killer” was presented to me, and Andy and I really latched onto it. Then we basically wrote on top of that, and we wanted to highlight the fact that, especially in this day and age, everyone’s relationships are so spontaneous. Everyone’s having these tempestuous relationships, and I wanted to highlight that in a song. That’s why we call it “Thriller Killer,” because it’s like, you never know about anyone these days. You either want to love them or you want to fight them to death.

How has “Thriller Killer” been received by listeners?

Great! It was picked up by MTV Live’s music rotation, so that’s been a pretty good, marble-size stepping stone.

What are some upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?

I’m not categorizing this as a departure because it’s certainly not; it’s like another arrival, but I did a collaboration with Ralph Johnson and Myron McKinley from Earth, Wind & Fire, and I also did a cover of a Frank Sinatra song. That’s more jazz and adult contemporary. Honestly, my roots are in jazz. I’ve performed in many lounges growing up, singing the Great American Songbook when I was a teenager.

Ultimately, what do you hope audiences take away from your music?

That it elevates them, and it opens their eyes to newer frequencies, newer sounds, and newer vibrations. As you know, Top 40 only consists of X amount of tracks on a program, but with me, and with other indie artists, it’s important for the public to know that there are other music outlets that can elevate your whole being. Instead of being fed the same old things, you can get different flavors and expand your palate.

You have consistently been in the PRIDE Top 30 for radio, and you have a history of being an ally, performing at LGBTQ nightclubs, events, etc. What makes the LGBTQ community so special to you?

Me being a free spirit, freedom is freedom. I don’t like being told what to do, so that whole movement really resonates with me. I don’t like being told what to do, what to say, who to love, so I wholeheartedly get it (laughs). If that’s what you want to do, that’s what you want to do. Spread your wings.

What would you say is the most memorable LGBTQ event you’ve performed at?

Not too long ago, I performed TigerHeat at Stache in West Hollywood, but a big, more main stage event that I did, I headlined Tea Dance at New York Pride a few years ago. That was so great because it was the first out-of-the-gate big event since the pandemic and lockdown, so being able to spearhead the whole “It’s OK to be out” and headline that, it was a monumental moment.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career?

Whoa, the baseball bat of a question! (Laughs). I just want to keep on elevating and elevating, keep on growing, and age like fine wine.

Before we wrap up, do you have any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

The Frank Sinatra track will come out in either May or June of this year, and I also have a series of film projects lined up this year. So, stay tuned with that, and subscribe to my Fans Only, not OnlyFans, to get exclusive content and access to reels, pictures, and behind the scenes stuff, as well as advanced access to merch before the general public does. The membership is, like, $5, but it’s a great investment!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Erika by following her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok @kendraerika, or visit her official website, kendraerika.com.

Photos courtesy of Tolga Katas and Kendra Erika