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Web Exclusive!: Erika Jayne |
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Written by Jason Gutirrez |
Friday, 23 October 2009
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Burning up the dance floor and jaunting around the country, Erika Jayne is working hard at building her career as a sexually-charged musician on the dance charts. Her debut album, “Pretty Mess” has the gays grinding on the dance floor and Erika wouldn’t have it any other way—just make sure you don’t call this emerging talent a typical dance diva!
INSTINCT: Hi, Erika! How are you and how has performing around the country been?
ERIKA JAYNE: I’m great, hon. Things are great. I’m looking at Instinct’s site right now as we speak. I have to say I really like what you have going on here. I see you have something on here about one of my former dancers, Jeremy Hudson. That’s very cool!
We’ve been dancing to some of your song in the club, but we want to be your new best friend. Let’s get to know you and find out how you got into music.
My mother was a piano player and she taught lessons in our home. Music just sort of happened for me. Around three years old I started putting on mini shows in my house and from then on I was in dance class and musical theater. I went to a performing arts high school too. I’ve always been going to a lot of clubs and was always one of the first ones to start jumping around. I really liked the emotional response I saw from dance music, I liked how it made people feel. I’m a huge Madonna fan, I like that feeling. I like the clubby anthems. That’s what really inspired me to do this.
What’s it been like for you breaking onto the scene of dance music?
Dance music really has a worldwide presence. I’m living in Los Angeles now. I’m originally from Atlanta. L.A. is one of the places that you get to hear really great dance music. I think it’s a great place to be.
When you’re home in L.A. where do you like to go and hang out?
I usually end up at the Abbey. There’s good music, you can eat and there’s a good crowd. I’ve been drinking a lot of Bloody Marys lately. I’m not sure why, but I’m liking them!
Your album is fun, but most importantly your album is playful and sexy. It’s animalistic in a sense and it gets a little naughty!
Yes! The album comes from inside. That’s exactly how I feel inside. Everybody likes to be a little naughty. That’s just who I am, I like to have a lot of fun – just ask any of my friends, I’m a little crazy. Music is meant for us to have a good time with. Dancing is about losing your inhibitions.
Do you have a dream collaboration you’d like to see happen?
Hmmm, I can’t say because it’s a secret. There might be something in the works right now, I don’t know. But if there is, make sure to keep your eye out!
You’ve been making the Pride circuit this year. Where did you go and what do you think?
I played Dallas. I played San Francisco, the White Party in Las Vegas and New York, I p layed two shows but that was fashion week, not pride. Wow, I have been everywhere, I can’t even remember (laughing). There are many more events coming up too. I’m just excited to be out there performing, you know? It’s great. Pride is where you get to have the most fun, be the most free and sometimes be the naughtiest.
What do you think about Proposition 8 and the way things are right now for gay couples?
I think it’s total discrimination. The gay community needs to get far more mobilized and realize they are up against a formidable opponent. They can’t just sit back. The gay community has got to get it together; they have to get involved. I think the tide is turning and I just don’t see anything wrong with two people loving each other. There’s already enough hatred in the world.
Looking at the photos inside your album cover, girl, you are in great shape. What’s your secret?
Thank you! I box. I train like a boxer. It’s grueling. I train two times a day sometimes. I’m diet 40-30-30. I do cheat sometimes though. You have to. It keeps you sane. If I don’t then I’ll feel like I’m going to explode.
Where do you want you career to take you?
I think the goal of any performer is to go to the next level. I want to do bigger things, I want more hit records; I’d really like a cross over record. I’d really like to get out and perform more on bigger stages. That’s my next level.
Do you consider yourself a dance diva?
Oh, the word “diva,” I think it’s a little overused. Who ever said “everybody’s a diva,” so not true! What does diva even mean anymore? It used to mean someone of extraordinary artist ability, now it just means someone is a bitch. I’m sure I’m a bitch too – but I mean that jokingly. I’ve been called far worse than that! [Laughs]
At the end of the day, who is Erika?
She’s really a very quiet, lonely little girl. I’m an only child and I tend to spend a lot of time by myself. But it’s okay. I enjoy the quiet but sometimes I get a little lonely, but I also find great peace in being alone. A good example is in the case of giving a good show. You want to entertain and you want to be larger than life, you want to give it your all. So when it’s all over you find yourself wanting to withdrawal a bit so the next time your fans see you, they see the performer they know and love. Performing is what I live for!
Her new album is available now. For more Erika, go to erikajayne.com
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