music

Indie Shine – Erica L. James

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indie-shine

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome recording artist Erica L. James!

Erica James

©Erica L. James used with permission

 

Bio:

A timid nine-year-old decides she will try out for her school’s Glee Club. She is nervous and practices all night, hoping her hard work will pay off. The music teacher calls her name and she walks over to the piano awaiting his note. She sings “Happy Birthday.” He stops playing the piano and she sits down uncertain if she’s made it. After all the auditions, the music teacher stands up and says,”…the following students should remain seated,” and this is where it all began… Erica James is a R&B Hip-Hop artist from Brooklyn, NY. From her days in the Glee Club to high school singing groups, Erica has music vibrating in the core of her being. Her earliest influences were: Mariah Carey, SWV, Mary J. Blige, and HiFive to name a few… Her passion for music doesn’t rest with just singing, but is coupled with her songwriting skills. Far removed from those Glee Club days, now as an adult she shares her love of music, seasoned with the commitment to uplifting her people. Her catchy lyrics flavored with soothing melodies are for those wanting music of substance. Music that people of all ages can listen to. Music that is righteous. Her mission is just one…to create a space where love is safe.

 

Q&A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 
I make music that promotes positive responses to life’s challenges. My destiny is to help people heal themselves. Many of us are hurting and suffering from self-inflicted guilt, shame, and fear. We have enough music about turning up, but my music is about “turning in.” It’s time that we fix ourselves and I truly believe once this happens, the world will be a better place.
Erica James2Tell us about your most recent work. 
My recent single, “Other Side,” is about using meditation to find peace in stressful situations or to envision success in your endeavors. As a practitioner and teacher of Hatha Yoga, I think it’s important to share the tools I use to create a more balanced life. This song serves as a reminder to take time for yourself unapologetically.
Who inspires you?
My grandmother inspires me greatly. She is, and has given the purest form of love I know. She taught me how to be: (1) assertive but compassionate, (2) adventurous but practical, and (3) confident but approachable. I have several college degrees but my education doesn’t stand a chance against my grandmother’s wisdom. She is the smartest person I know, and her dedication to her faith and family strengthens my very own commitment to my life’s goals.
What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 
My “masterpiece” has not yet been created, or maybe it has. It is my hope that my music inspires one person to change something about themselves for the better. If I have done this, then that is my “masterpiece.”
What is your motto in life? 
My motto is: “Nothing is a problem unless you make it one.”
Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.
My wildest dream would be Erykah Badu, Indie Arie, Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, and Ibeyi participating in my yoga retreat. We would all sing, eat good food, detox, share, and create a space of power.
What is your favorite quote? mayaquote
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” ~Maya Angelou
When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 
I want to be remembered for creating music that changed peoples’ lives. I hope that people will say that I made it cool for music to be spiritual without being gospel.
Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?
My next project is my album, “Always In Love.” Hopefully it will be available to the public next Spring.
Where can fans purchase your work? 
Fans can purchase my songs on iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, and Tidal. In addition, fans can stream my songs on Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora.

Social Media

Website: eljmusic.com

Facebook: @songsbyEJ

Instagram: @songsbyEJ

Twitter:  @songsbyEJ

 

Friday Happy Dance – Chayanne

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Today’s Happy Dance is to honor the people of Puerto Rico who need our help after the hurricane left their home in ruins. Music always has a way to brighten people’s day. I hope this song can do that for someone today. Please donate to the relief effort if you have the means. Click here to read about the many ways you can help.

Since this song is in Spanish, I have included the lyrics translated into English for those of us who aren’t fluent. Enjoy.

 

Chayanne – Qué me has hecho (English translation)

Artist: Chayanne

Featuring artist: Wisin

Song: Qué me has hecho 

English translation:

What have you done to me
I had to climb the entire Nevado del Ruiz

Jump over the walls of Cartagena

Just for you, baby

when passing through the costums even If I had to lie

but I don’t deny you It was worth it

that was really worth it
To steal you a kiss en the harbor of San Juan

(everything is perfect with you)

like a thief that at midnight

risks it all without thinking (done)

I still see the photo that I have on Instagram

your first night en Puerto Rico

(Let’s go Chayanne)

you’re not going to forget it

 

Ref

oh… what have you done to me?

that I even lost my reason

today I’ve come to tell you

how good it feels to love you

oh… what have you done to me?

that I already have no control,

It’s like a tsunami of love

that goes straight to my heart

 

oh, oh, that goes straight to my heart

oh, oh, that goes straight to my heart

(double)

 

I just want your kisses on the blessed food

you control every move

the eighth wonder

nobody can get her out of the chair

when she comes to the club she’s what shines the most

(come,come) I know that you’re like this yes

the most beautiful one in the world I knew it when I saw you (yes, yes, yes) I already understood you, kiss me , I’m here

you want the moon I will seek it for you oh……

 

Ref

what have you done to me?

that I even lost my reason

today I’ve come to tell you

how good it feels to love you

oh…. what have you done to me?

that I have no control anymore,

It’s like a tsunami of love

that goes straight to my heart

 

I feel that this love is too big

strong as the wall of China

and higher than the Andes

I feel that this love is too good

so perfect as the same sky

and sweet as a Caramel (Baby It’s you)

 

I know that you also feel like me

that I can touch the sun

with a touch of your skin

till the morning drinking I was caught,

we’re one instead of two

to your kisses I remain faithful

 

Ref

oh…. what have you done to me?

that I even lost my reason

today I’ve come to tell you

how good it feels to love you

oh…. what have you done to me

that I no longer have control

It’s like a tsunami of love

that goes straight to my heart

(powerful gathering)

 

oh, oh, that goes straight to my heart

oh, oh, that goes straight to my heart

(hahaha) actually It’s so beautiful

energy of the good (hahaha)