Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Erika.
Hi Kendra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Boca Raton, Florida, and knew since a young age I wanted to perform. However, I was tone-deaf and had the confidence but not the skill set. With the encouragement and support of my parents, they pointed me into vocal lessons. I was trained by a professional opera singer from Germany, who was very strict and frank, but he credulously built a foundation for me to build upon, and I soaked it up like a sponge. From there, I was able to perform in community theatre productions, school productions, and in local talent competitions, which I won my first major competition, singing “Time To Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli. That very song in particular, landed me a steady gig at a local restaurant, where I performed and began building my name around town with other nightlife establishments because of word of mouth. After spending these years singing covers, I wanted to create my own sound, so I was introduced to a series of producers in Miami, New York, Nashville, and ultimately here in LA over the years. So far, I’ve had five top ten hits on the Billboard Dance chart, one of them “Self Control” reaching number one. My other music has also amassed millions of views on YouTube and thousands of streams on Spotify, along with movie and TV placements.
To this day, I’m continuously writing, recording, and performing in both Los Angeles, South Florida, Nashville, and New York.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the challenges along the way would be me being tone-deaf from a young age. The other challenge I’ve experienced were getting that initial shock when realizing that in the entertainment business, running into situations where you see people with lower moral standings and lower-grade talent getting bigger opportunities than you at times is common in the “it’s all who you know” formula. Especially when all your life, you were promised by your parents that if you do good, good things will happen; this alternate and heartbreakingly contradicting reality was hard for me to swallow. Also, realizing that most of what is being pumped out of the industry is not always what it seems, and dealing with many different personalities was also struggling to maneuver through.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a recording artist/singer-songwriter specializing in dance, pop, and jazz music. I’m known for and most proud of my five top ten hits on the Billboard Dance Chart, including one that made it to #1, “Self Control”. I’m also known for my song “Thriller Killer”, which has amassed to over 2 million views on YouTube and over a hundred thousand streams on Spotify. Another song of mine, “Rapture” was heard in HBO Max’s “Sex Lives of College Girls” and CSI Vegas. What sets me apart from the others is that I’m independent, having the freedom to and not being afraid to speak my mind when others have sold themselves into being coveted and ordered to stay silent; my innate songwriting ability and vocal diversity (able to sing classical, jazz &pop).
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding someone who puts your best interests and aspirations before their own pockets is someone to allow into your life and career space as a mentor figure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kendraerika.com
- Instagram: @kendraerika
- Facebook: Facebook.com/KendraErikaMusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kendraerika
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KendraErika/featured
Image Credits
Tolga Katas
