Official Biography (courtesy of Erica West)
Combining R&B and Jazz with a fresh neosoul sound, Erica West has fast become one of the most sought; after female vocalists in Minneapolis. Growing up as a very focused dancer it wasn’t until the Spring of 2003 that she really started to focus on her singing career. Erica developed her powerful and sultry vocal style by listening to female vocalists such as: Nina Simone, Etta James, Sarah Vaugh, Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Sade, Anita Baker, Sarah McLachlan, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. She first began performing as a lead vocalist for the R&B group, The Project, which was featured every Tuesday night at Bunkers Music Café. Erica soon began performing her own shows at such venues as Jazzmines, Soul City, Bellanote, Cabooze, Trocaderos and The Escape Ultra Lounge. She has performed alongside several of Minneapolis’ most talented performers including Minneapolis favorites Julius Collins (of Greasy Meal, The Legendary Combo), R&B favorite Ray Covington, and Odell (Mint Condition) among many others. Erica has also had the opportunity to open for several different national recording acts including: Motown recording artist Kem, husband and wife singing duo, Chante Moore and Kenny Latimore as well as the Legendary SOS band. Currently, Erica is performing with Twin cities R&B band High & Mighty and working on her first studio recording project.
