Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Whitney.
Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Erica Whitney was born and raised in Brookings, South Dakota. She began playing piano at the age of five—where she still composes and performs her songs today—and also studied violin for nine years. Erica started writing the music that would become her debut album, FACE THE MUSIC, as early as age 13, and began producing it during her sophomore year of high school.
On August 14, 2025, Erica released her second album, Tunnel Vision, now available on all streaming platforms, her website, and her Linktree. Her third record is already complete and awaiting the perfect release date in 2026, while her fourth album is currently being written.
Eager to share her music, Erica often says: “My favorite songs and artists have impacted my life in big ways, and since I have the capability, I want to do that for someone too. Creating community and the sense of empathy and belonging is what writing and performing is all about for me.”
Erica’s sound and tone are often described as unique, setting her apart from the typical “Nashville” style. She can belt the house down with her powerful voice, but just as easily draw listeners in with her delicate, emotional delivery.
In early 2026, Erica will expand her creative work into podcasting with the launch of: Mic Check with Erica Whitney, a conversational show highlighting Nashville’s creative community. The podcast features musicians, photographers, designers, writers, influencers, and other creatives who are building something authentic. At its core, Mic Check with Erica Whitney is about community, honest dialogue, and celebrating creativity in all its forms.
Currently available on all platforms are her albums FACE THE MUSIC, FACE THE MUSIC (Deluxe Edition), and Tunnel Vision, along with nine additional singles released outside of those projects.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Erica’s path as an independent artist has been shaped as much by perseverance as by passion. One of her earliest obstacles came in childhood, when recurring illness caused by oversized tonsils threatened the thing that brought her the most joy—singing. When it came time for a tonsillectomy, doctors could not assure Erica or her family that her singing voice would remain the same. For a 12-year-old who found comfort and identity in music, the uncertainty was frightening. Ultimately, the surgery proved transformative, creating more space and freedom in her throat and allowing her voice to grow stronger—capable of greater range, power, and endurance.
Growing up in South Dakota, where the music industry is not prevalent, Erica learned early what it meant to pursue an unconventional dream without a clear roadmap. With limited local opportunities, little exposure, and no built-in audiences, progress often required creating momentum from nothing—showing up, advocating for herself, and becoming the “squeaky wheel” just to secure new opportunities, many of them unpaid.
Like many modern artists, Erica has also had to navigate the constant noise and pressure of social media. From public criticism and online negativity to the exhausting expectation of constant visibility, the digital landscape has presented both opportunity and obstacle. Building an audience from the ground up—sometimes performing to small rooms, sometimes feeling unheard—requires learning not to measure success by numbers alone, but by consistency, growth, and belief in the work itself.
Along the way, Erica has faced periods of isolation and loss, including distance from family, shifting friendships, and the ongoing challenge of finding true creative community. Choosing to leave everything familiar and move almost 1,000 miles away to pursue a career in music meant starting over emotionally, socially, and professionally.
She remains deeply grateful for the support of her family and close friends. Without label backing, however, Erica has had to wear every hat herself—artist, technician, web designer, graphic designer, promoter, business manager, and more—often learning through trial and error. Breakthroughs have not come easily or quickly, but each obstacle reinforces her determination. Rather than discouraging her, these challenges are shaping Erica into a self-sufficient, resilient creator who continues to show up, evolve, and push forward in pursuit of a dream she believes in deeply.
With a persistent, patient, and positive outlook on her musical future, Erica celebrates the small victories, learns from the setbacks, and remains committed to growth—trusting that every step forward, no matter how small, is part of a much larger journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer, songwriter, and pianist, and I specialize in emotionally driven pop music that blends powerful vocals with honest, vulnerable storytelling. I began playing piano at the age of five and still write and compose at the piano today, which has deeply shaped my sound and songwriting process. My music often centers on themes of love, longing, self-reflection, and deep, human emotion, with melodies that are designed to be both intimate and impactful.
What I’m known for is my voice—its range, unique tone, and emotional versatility. I’m able to deliver big, belt-driven moments, but just as comfortably pull listeners in with softer, delicate phrasing. I take pride in using my voice as an instrument for storytelling, not just power, and in creating songs that feel personal while still being relatable.
I’m proud of building my career independently from the ground up—writing, releasing, and performing my own music as an “indie artist,” while continuing to grow as both an artist and a business owner. I’ve released my first two albums and multiple singles, taught myself many of the technical and creative skills required to sustain a modern music career, and remained committed to my vision even when progress feels slow.
What sets me apart is a combination of authenticity, work ethic, and intention. I focus on making music that is honest, relatable and rooted in real experience. Through both my songwriting and live performances, my goal is to create meaningful connection—music that helps people feel seen, understood, and not alone.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
In the words of my mother:
From the moment she was a baby, she was incredibly joyful and expressive. She smiled easily and loved making sounds—clapping her hands, using her voice, and engaging with the world around her. She had a gentle presence and a natural warmth that people immediately noticed.
As she grew into a toddler and young child, her empathy really stood out. She was nurturing and motherly with her younger sister and always wanted to help others. She loved being around and playing with other kids and had a natural ability to connect—she was inclusive, patient, and attentive to others.
She was very musical and imaginative from an early age, constantly playing with words, sounds, and puns. She had a lifelong love for animals and spent her childhood surrounded by pets, showing genuine tenderness and responsibility toward them. She was also sentimental by nature and rarely wanted to throw anything away.
She loved being with family, spending time outdoors on the swing set, and was surprisingly open to trying all kinds of foods. In school, she was diligent and genuinely enjoyed learning. She took pride in her schoolwork and often emerged as a natural leader in classrooms and clubs because she was dependable, focused, and fair-minded.
Overall, she was a joyful, curious, and loving child—creative at heart, emotionally intuitive, and deeply connected to the people and animals around her. Those qualities have only grown stronger with time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericawhitney.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericawhitneyy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericawhitneyy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricaWhitneyy
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ericawhitneyy
