“Here I am now, a signed artist making the kind of music I want to make and I couldn’t be happier,” R&B, soul and pop singer, producer and songwriter Erin Stevenson said in an interview with The Harvard Crimson. “I’m excited for what’s next. Do not abandon.
Stevenson began his musical career singing in Girl’s Tyme – the band that would later become Destiny’s Child. After graduating from college, she worked in marketing before being asked to sing in a show.
“I haven’t looked back,” Stevenson said. “So I started singing in cover bands.” Shortly after, she was approached in California by a stranger who she later discovered was Janet Jackson’s drummer. He offered Stevenson an audition and soon after she began singing for Janet Jackson and other artists.
“You have to love what you’re doing because it involves a lot — it’s not for the faint-hearted,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson released his debut solo album ‘Naked’ in 2017. Its lead single ‘Hangin’ hit the top 10 on the UK music charts and soul charts in the US. Following this success, she released single “Making It Last Forever” topping the independent charts in 2019, and her latest singles “You Gotta Be” and “Never Too Much” set her up for a People’s Choice Indie award. Soul Award” in 2021.”
Stevenson also felt the pandemic had brought beneficial changes to his career and livelihood over the past two years.
“I was on tour and performing so much before [the pandemic] that it forced me to rest, which I had to do. But at the same time, it also forced me to just focus on myself and make myself a priority,” Stevenson said. “So that’s the most I’ve rested, but at the same time the most I’ve worked because now I have a whole other album coming out, but I’m getting my name, which is great.”
Stevenson has spent much of her career singing as a backup for other major artists, but the pandemic has allowed her to focus on promoting herself. As a result, she has a new album coming out this year. Recently signed to Individual Records, the album will be Stevenson’s first major release under a record label. Her first single under the label “Everything to Me” will be released on February 18, 2022 and will reflect her love for her husband.
Much like other artists who have used streaming services to broadcast live shows to their fans during the pandemic, Stevenson has also found these experiences to be valuable for artists as ways to continue their work during isolation. However, for Stevenson, streaming a live show still wasn’t the same as an engaging in-person experience.
“When it comes to live performance, streaming has been a lifesaver, a game changer, and a whole different learning curve. But it’s still not the same as having that energy live. with people,” Stevenson said. “I think people who weren’t in the music business still need to see some form of normalcy and loving music.
At the time, Stevenson was rehearsing for his upcoming Christmas show and was looking forward to performing to a sold-out crowd on December 10.
“Christmas music is a bit more complex than regular R&B,” Stevenson said. “These are arrangements, it is not closed. So putting together the setlist with what flowing songs that always suit me and my happy personality. I’m really excited about it because Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and because I can be happy on purpose.
Stevenson also revealed that she has some surprises for those coming to the show in December. “I have two special guests joining me,” Stevenson said.
While many of her recent performances have been online due to the pandemic, Stevenson has extensive experience preparing for shows and researching her audiences’ interests. When planning a show, she stays focused on several core elements of her audience and the performance.
“Some things that never change when it comes to show prepping are knowing your audience, your age group, and your demographics,” Stevenson said. “Don’t be the bad DJ who only plays what you want to hear. Find out what people want and give it to them, of course, while you do.
As an artist, Stevenson promotes positivity and self-love through his music and dynamic stage performances. His current musical goal is to differentiate himself and promote positivity through the obstacles that may arise.
“Forget everyone else’s opinion and listen to your own tune,” Stevenson said. “And sometimes that’s hard to do.”
