We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erisa Nicole a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

My life always consisted of music from conception. My Father was a musician and he played the trumpet, piano, and organ. My Dad had a strong love for James Brown and he would often play the funky sounds of James Brown in our house. Although, my Dad had a love for James Brown he was a church musician and the music he had to play at church was Gospel music, therefore, Gospel music was the music he instilled in me at a very young age. I started my musical journey at the age of six. My dad would teach me gospel songs on the piano. The first song I Iearned on piano was “Oh Happy Day.” I progressed very quickly and I began playing the piano for the choir at my church. I played for several years and I knew I wanted to go further with music and learn a woodwind instrument. I asked my Mom for a clarinet and she bought a clarinet and enrolled me into private lessons. I progressed very quickly, however, I became bored with the clarinet. I was inspired to learn the saxophone after seeing a female saxophonist Angella Christie at a gospel concert. I immediately begged my parents for a saxophone for Christmas and of course they bought it for me. I was really excited to learn the saxophone, however, this was my senior year in high school and I had a lot of catching up to do. I practiced really hard to get into the Jazz Ensemble, however, I was told I wasn’t good enough. I did not let that stop me I kept practicing and I eventually was good enough to try out for “Showtime At The Apollo.” I competed at the famous Apollo theater in New York and since I did not get booed off the stage I knew I had to keep going.

Looking back, I wish I would have gotten an earlier start with playing the saxophone. I am very grateful for all of my accomplishments, however, I believe I would be much further along in my artistry. I have to work so much harder to play catch up to where most of my peers are at. I am dedicated to keep perfecting my craft and I will keep working hard.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In her brief career, Erisa Nicole is emerging as one of the most distinctive and innovative musicians on the Smooth Jazz scene. Erisa Nicole is a 2x Billboard charting smooth jazz artist. Even though Erisa Nicole is new to the Smooth Jazz scene, she continues to wow audiences nationwide. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds have been charmed by her riveting performances. Her background in gospel music has also contributed to the fact that she is loved by her fans, who seem to always want more out of her when she performs live. Erisa Nicole will be releasing her newest Smooth Jazz single entitled “Fresh” on 2/24/23 produced by Adam Hawley and co-written by herself and her husband.

There are a number of venues and stages where Erisa Nicole has performed and appeared, including
It’s Showtime at the Apollo
Long Beach Jazz Festival
Oxnard Jazz Festival
Juneteenth Celebration w/ Con Funk Shun
Solo & Hill Jazz Fest w/ Adam Hawley
San Diego County Fair w/ Nathan East
Thornton Winery Jazz Concert Series w/ Nathan East
Humphrey’s by the Bay
And many more!!

She has shared the stage with the likes of Jazz in Pink, Élan Trotman, J.J. Sansaverino, Reggie Codrington, Daryl Williams, Donald Hayes, Nathan East, Adam Hawley and notable Gospel artists, Erica Campbell, DeWayne Woods, and John P. Kee. Erisa Nicole is a formidable smooth jazz artist you do not want to miss!

Erisa Nicole holds a B.A. in Music Education from Point Loma Nazarene University and is working on obtaining her Master’s degree in Music

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I absolutely love being an artist because I love spreading joy and happiness. I believe music is a universal language and it can penetrate the hearts of everyone. I get chills when I see people dancing, laughing, and smiling while I play; it is a feeling that never gets old.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have one goal and that is to spread the love of Christ to everyone. I have love in my heart for everyone and I believe my music can touch every background, nationality, race, age, demographic, etc. essentially EVERYONE!!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.erisanicole.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/erisanicole
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/erisanicole
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/erisanicole

Image Credits
The Blackmon Mountain Company