Erica Rose of Upstate New York on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Erica Rose and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Erica, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, I wake up around 5:00am to workout, then head to my teaching job. I work as a long-term substitute teaching English. I am also pursuing my Master’s in Adolescent Education! After work each day is different. Sometimes it’s school work, other days it’s planning my upcoming shows, and usually it’s lesson plans. My life is busy, but full of things that make me incredibly happy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a New York born and raised singer, songwriter, and future educator! My earliest memories of performing were for anyone who would listen. My mother often put me on tables at family and work functions to sing. Early on, I saw how music and the arts had the power to connect and move people.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I understood the magic of music. I was about four years old. My mom had me sing at her work Christmas party. I looked around the room and saw tears flowing. I had never felt like I had the ability to make people listen to me until I used my singing voice. I understood that I was giving them an act of catharsis, and I wanted to create that connection with my audience again and again.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. I often feel pulled in many different directions. Music is my heart, but teaching has began to take up space there too. In our society it feels like the world only wants us to be “one thing,” and at times I have felt like I had to hide my artist side in order to accomplish my career goals. The pull inspired me to find ways the two can intertwine. If I can’t express both versions of myself in music and teaching, I will never be the fullest version of myself. I’ve realized that the best Erica Rose and the best educator Erica is one that combines those two part of myself.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I am trying my best to allow the public version of myself to be the real version. I tried for months to fit into the “content creator” artist. It just didn’t feel right. I’m trying to represent my most authentic self on social media and onstage.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I have had this feeling a few times in my early twenties. I think everyone that has been through their twenties agrees that you are constantly faced with what you “should” be doing. Jobs, relationships, the apartment, etc. etc. etc. I felt like I tried to find fulfillment in jobs, but it should start with me. If I am happy, creatively fulfilled, and trying my best to express all parts of myself, the “fulfilled” feeling will come from me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Cry Baby Album Cover: Alexander Scott
Erica Rose Live at WEXT: No credits
All other photos: Denise Johnson

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