Q&A with Erica Joy

This year, Erica Joy released their debut EP, Introduction. We chatted with the budding songwriter about influences, writing songs on construction sites, and queer identity.

What kind of music do you make?

I believe the kind of music we make is loosely categorized as Dreamy Indie alt pop.

What drew you into playing and writing music?

I started writing songs on job sites in empty houses in university. It was what I needed to get out my general feeling at the time. What drew me was its raw ability to level, communicate, and connect with what is/was brewing inside me, deep things of the earth sometimes I don’t even understand, and people.

Has your identity as a queer person informed/affected your music in any way?

It certainly has added a level of understanding I can relate to and write about musically. I believe most people feel on some level the desire to be respected, and the need to fit in/be “normal” in a variety of ways but they just sort of don’t. This is a frenzy topic for artists to sing about - for example the ever famous Radiohead lyric “but I’m a freak, I’m a loser, what the hell am I doing here, I don’t belong here.” I think standing out as quite odd in the culture I grew up in gave me a plethora of angst to write about.   

What does the word queer mean to you?

Fun, peppy, down to earth, usually quite chill and down for random adventures.

If you could share a piece of advice with a younger version of yourself, what would it be?

I would say don’t go to school. Find a mentor that knows how to do life well, learn how to live off of very little, and start your own business with your time.

What parts of yourself/your identity are you most proud of?

I am proud that I am even generally bold enough to be my authentic evolving self and also that I can build a mean fire in the wood.

Growing up, what artists did you listen to?

I listened to Alison Krauss, Eva Casidy, Brandi Carlile, Dixie Chicks and Radiohead. Also since I am from the relative country I listened to Johnny Cash, Reba, Alan Jackson, beloved Dolly, Shania Twain and all that jazz.