May 3

I am back in Edmonton, after a whirlwind of experiences (or in this case worldwind -- you know I love my puns ;). It was such an awesome experience to be gone for 2 months and live in the moment, without any expectations other than finding joyful moments. As much as I love music, I loved not having to think about music at all. I'm sure songs will come out of the experience later on, but other than an impromptu concert at a children's home in Cambodia (which was a definite highlight) and singing for a wedding, the rest of the trip was just exploring life. I did, end up writing a song at a cafe with two random women I met, because I was listening to them write while I read my book beside them, and finally decided to pipe up and ask to join. So many cool things happened because I was alone...and I learned so much. Mostly, just about trying to find peace where you are. I still feel that way even though I'm back at home (which is honestly a pretty good place to be). On returning back, my producer, Mike Lent, who was touring with Jann Arden during my travel patch,  told me that a great opportunity came up for him in Ottawa and that he was moving in a few days. This was particularly sad for me because I loved working with him, and was so excited to get this record finally finished and "shareable". However, we both agreed to involve Russell Broom (an awesome producer, player, writer, and lots of other cool things) in finishing things off. He has played on most of the tracks already, and I think in the end, this is two great sets of ears and ideas, and I'm pretty lucky and excited to work with him! So....I'm hoping by the end of the summer things will be done. But I've also given up on trying to control the project, and have decided to let it be born when it wants to. I know - that sounds kinda hippy. I've got a little hippy inside though, so it makes sense :)
In the meantime, I presented at the Edmonton Music Awards, which was a ton of fun - great to see so much local support for our music scene. And this weekend, I'm so excited to have two of my songs chosen as finalists in the Calgary Folk Festival Songwriter competition. I'll be playing at the Ship & Anchor Pub if you want to come check it out!

A few more dates included this month. I'm especially excited to open for Chris Trapper -- I love the movie August Rush (even the sappy bit! Surprise ;), so it's an honour to play with him! Tickets for his shows always sell out, so be sure to get yours! Hope to see you at a show this month. And I'm happy to say: the hiatus is over :)

Smiles,
Erica

Feb 23

So you may be wondering where I've disappeared to, and why I haven't updated in awhile. Well...I write this post from a little cafe in Sydney, Australia. A dear friend of mine got married in New Zealand a few weeks ago, and I excitedly decided to join her for the wedding (and was even asked to do a little singing!) It was an awesome time filled with laughter and great amounts of catching up. Seeing that I was all the way over here -- I decided to make a trip out of it. So a little of Australia, and then SE Asia were added to the bill. For the first time in a long time I get to travel without plans, and for the first time ever, without anyone else! It was been both very exciting and yet a little bit daunting, but I've enjoyed the sights, the people watching, and the sunshine....and am looking forward to getting back to finishing my album and adding some show dates when I return home. Until then,
Big smiles,
Erica :)

Dec 22

Well, just when I thought I was almost done my new album....we decided to add a few more songs, and make a few changes. This means waiting a little longer to be able to share it, but I'm really excited about finally getting to do that. I'm thinking it might be a few months more. Christmas is in the air, and we enjoyed playing a fundraiser for the Food Bank, and also hearing a lot of local artists support various causes around the City of Edmonton. I'll be here for Christmas this year (although visions of warmer places keep popping into my head) and celebrating with family and friends.

Wanted to wish all of you a VERY VERY Merry Christmas. Thanks for the encouragement, support, kind words, and feedback...those are the greatest gifts ever to me! Enjoy the next few weeks, and have an extra piece of Christmas cake :)

Erica :)

Oct 28

Thanks Avenue Magazine Edmonton for taking this little video interview!

Oct 27

Thanks so much for the incredible amount of support and excitement these last few days. Wanted to share with you a sneak peak song we've been working on for my upcoming album (hopefully out by December this year!). Stay tuned for the CD Release date and party, and enjoy, share, smile!
Erica :)

Oct 26

Well after a few months of having to keep a big secret (which is hard!!) I'm happy to finally be able to say that I'm part of Avenue Magazine Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40 and the November cover! Pick up a copy if you see one around town...there are some truly great stories in there. What a great honour to be on a list with some amazing people. Just hearing all the stories presented tonight made me really proud to live in Edmonton - with amazing people so dedicated to doing things for our city. It also made me so grateful for the friends and family (Mom, Dad and Wayne...I love how excited you are!! :) who have been so encouraging of my music, my work, and all the things that make me smile!!

Recording is still trucking along, and I'm cutting back on shows for the next month or two to get the album off and finished, but I'm looking forward to a big release show soon, and can't wait to finally share what we've been working away on! SNEAK PEAK SONG should be on the site in a few days, so check back :)

Smiles,
Erica

http://avenueedmonton.com/top-40-under-40/erica-viegas (Here's the article if you wanna read it before you pick up a copy ;)

Oct 11

There is this crazy feeling while making a record....having noises in your head you are trying to articulate with words to people around you, so that they understand you, and can help you create. Sometimes it all comes together exactly the way you had planned and it feels so good! Sometimes it all comes together in ways you had never planned and it sounds better than you ever thought. Sometimes....you don't know. Kind of like a relationship you can't quite define: Am I not feeling it because I'm overthinking things? Am I just used to hearing it another way and not used to these new sounds? or Does it really just not feel right? Luckily, most moments lately have been fitting into a good feeling pocket. But there are days when it's harder to articulate things perfectly, or where that little shadow "doubt" decides to come in for a visit.

I've been walking around, driving around, and enjoying the colors of fall....the leaves on the ground, the crunchy sound they make beneath my feet. And I've been thinking: isn't it amazing how life just knows how to unravel all on its own? The leaves don't demand to stay green and resist changing, they just do....and when the time and season is right, they change again. Why is it that as people we (and by we, I mean me ;) have a hard time with this? Why do we grab and grasp at consistency, trying to resist the seasons changing in our lives? As much fun as I've been having recording this summer....part of me realizes I'm getting to end of it all. Sure, there is still work to do for a little while, but the bulk of it is over. That also means the exhiliaration of sharing something new....and also the fear of releasing hard work out there to opinions - likely both applause and criticism, since nothing is ever all black or white. It also means getting to watch one of my favorite things: seeing my stories become other people's stories. This to me is exciting, but scary, and I have to remind myself it's ok to let go when that voice inside me wants to hold on to these little songs and keep them from speculation. Or when part of me wants to hold on to the fun of recording and creating something that's still a secret for the mostpart.

Thanks for reading, being part of my journey, and all the supportive words about this new album. I'm so lucky to be working with the team I am. They are supportive, have great ideas, and make creating fun. I'm also looking forward to playing a little more, and travelling a little more.....Pretty soon, the seasons will change, and creation time on this project will wrap up. And I, will have to sit back and watch the rest unravel as it will...

Erica :)

PS: Attached is the article from Edmontonians "Sizzling 20 Under 30"

Sept 29

The last post was the day after my birthday, this one is the day after the birthday of my brother Wayne, who just turned 23. Most of you who have come to shows will recognize him...he's the guitar play in my band, and usually my right hand person on stage! He helps me with arranging songs, moving gear, driving long distances, and putting up with my crazy ideas and tired moods (only on occasion of course! :), and is such a big part of what "my music" really is, but also who I am! So here's to wishing him the bestest year ever, and a big thank you for all he puts into the shows, and the music behind (and in front) of the scenes :)

I was really honoured to accept an award this week as one of Edmontonian Magazine's "Sizzling Twenty Under Thirty", and felt great to receive this along with some other truly outstanding people. To read an online copy of the edition click here:

http://issuu.com/edmontoniansmagazine/docs/edmontonians_fall_11_web#download

Still spending lots of time in the studio getting some new music ready to be born :) Hoping to focus a little more on getting that finished, and slowing down on performing until that's ready to go! Looking forward to sharing it soon!
 

Aug 23

Well, yesterday I turned 27 and spent some time reflecting on a really great year: the people, experiences, and moments that have been amazing. Thanks to everyone who shared the evening at d'Lish. I was commenting to a friend that every show feels like a big birthday party! It's always a suprise to me who will end up being there, and it's always fun to catch up with people and make new friends! Wanted to share a little interview I recently did with the lovely Kari Skelton on TelusTV (among the other things she is actively working on in Edmonton!). Hope you enjoy :)

July 25

Recording...and wanted to let you know things have been going really really well. I was saying to a friend the other day....when we really take the time to analyze songs we've listened to a million times, we often find layers of instruments, drums, flutes...things we never noticed. We usually remember the song is "catchy" or "sad" but rarely all the instrumentation...which, of course is what is helping to create that mood. So...in trying to create my new music, it's this little adventure in using enough sounds, and space, and noise to create a feeling....but not too much that it takes away from the song. Needless to say, I've been listening to the radio differently these last few days and trying to hear what "works" and what doesnt. Sometimes I'm in awe...sometimes it all just makes my head hurt thinking so much! Nonetheless it's been a fun experience so far...getting to see songs start to grow and come into their own. I spent the last week in Edmonton:The Musical, and had a lot of fun backstage being a goofball with over 20 local bands. A few of my favorite musical friends were there too, and so many laughs were had. The sun is finally starting to shine in time for my favorite festival: The Edmonton Folk Fest...which should hopefully be a nice chance to catch up with friends and listen to inspiring performers. Will be doing a show at d'Lish Wine Bar on Aug 18th that I'm really looking forward to (combining my two loves of food and song ;), and gearing up for the Open Sky Festival as well! Really looking forward to seeing what adventures the rest of the summer brings, and hope I get to see you at some of them :)


 

July 4

I was thinking this weekend, as I played the lovely Works Festival in Edmonton to a great and responsive crowd: It truly is the greatest priveledge that people, many of whom I've never met, actually take time out of their weekend to come and hear me do something that I love. I'm fully aware that there are a million things going on in the summer time, from weddings, parties, festivals, and just relaxing in the sun. It never ceases to make me feel really lucky to look out into a crowd of people intently listening to words coming straight from my heart, and smiling back at me with understanding! It really is the coolest feeling. So thank you to everyone who continues to come and enjoy live music in the city, and for the encouragement, and the time you are putting into supporting music. That energy really does come back to the performer...it's not just something we say :)

I had the honour of playing the wedding of a good friend from High School this weekend too....and catching up with people I rarely get to see. It was a fun trip down memory lane (although some of high school's memories are best forgotten ;) and then got to have what I like to call a "staycation" at my parents' place just relaxing and chatting. It was a great Canada Day Long Weekend, especially after travelling so much in the last little while, seeing the conditions so many people in the world have to live in, I really do feel so fortunate to call Canada home!

AND....I'm especially excited because this marks the first week back in the studio to record a new album! I am really looking forward to this...it's been a long time coming and planning in my head :) Opening for Craig Cardiff this weekend should also be a blast and I hope to see some of you there :)

In July (the 21-24th) I'm looking forward to being a part of Edmonton: The Musical a new play about dating in the city, featuring over 20 local bands. Tickets are selling fast, and can be purchased through http://www.yeglive.ca I think this will be a great chance to check out some local music, and I'm definately excited about being a part of it!

Smiles,
Erica
 

June 11

Summer is festival time, and that makes me so happy! Last weekend I spent some time downtown Edmonton playing the Heart of the City Festival, which is always a lot of fun....and just came home from the drive to Grande Cache with my brother to play their 3rd annual music festival! What a gorgeous little town right in the middle of the moutains...everyone was so welcoming and warm. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to live somewhere far away from everything in the middle of nature like that....no malls or huge buildings, but such a wonderful sense of community. My brother left for China the day I returned from India, and so we haven't gotten to spend much time with each other lately. The long drive was a good chance to catch up and hear his stories, as well as laugh at some old CD's we found that we couldn't believe we used to listen to and like!!! It's hilarious how after years have passed you can still remember all the goofy lyrics to the songs you listened to in Junior High! Also...finally taking some strides to get in the studio and record some new songs and I can't wait to share those!! Looking forward to seeing some of you this summer....at a show, a festival, a patio...the sunshine??

 

May 15

The last month has been absolutely crazy, but wonderful! I played a fantastic show with Jeff Morris and Erin Faught on March 31st...I'm such big fans of both of their music (and just them in general) that it was a lot of fun! Thanks to everyone who came out to watch. It was an especially nice show for me because I left for 5 weeks in India the very next day. To say it was amazing, frustrating, eye opening, happy, crazy, unbearable and inspiring wouldn't even come close to summing it up. A big highlight for me was getting to go back to the school in India where I volunteered four years ago and seeing all the same faces (although they looked a little bit more grown up!). It meant a lot to spend time with the kids at One! International in Mumbai and see their progress. It was also the first time I have ever visited Mumbai without my grandparents (they unfortunately both passed away last year)…and so being there felt a bit bittersweet. Nonetheless…I finally got to see the country as a tourist and visited  North India with two lovely Canadian friends. I ended the trip in Goa (where my family is originally from) with my friend Meredith who has been traveling all over South Asia. It is a beautiful and hectic country…between the amazing architecture, the 40+ temperatures, the heartbreaking poverty, and the one billion people, at times I had trouble coping with it all. Song ideas definitely popped into my head, but part of me feels like I’m processing a lot more of it now that I’m actually back home. And it does feel amazing to be back…I’m in the process of booking lots of great shows, enjoying the fact that I skipped over the last parts of snow and came back to sun and smiles, and am getting to mull over a lot of song ideas and recording concepts that came to mind while I was away. So….stay tuned. I have a really good feeling about this summer ☺

Thanks again for the support!!
Erica

    

March 28    

Just wanted to say a really big Thank YOU to everyone who has taken the time to be so supportive. I'm really excited to say that I won an Edmonton Music Award last night for "Artist to Watch" which was pretty great alongside the others nominated. It's been a really crazy last little while and the opportunity to perform (along with my little brother) at the show was really a lot of fun! I'm going to take about a month off to do some travelling and volunteering that I've been wanting to get to for awhile! Hopefully it spurs on some new music, but also just some good moments and memories. I feel really lucky lately to have so many people come out of the woodwork to be super encouraging to me! Life always has it's ups and downs and it's great to feel like people care during all of those times. I sooo appreciate it! Excited to share some of my stories soon ;)
Erica

March 4

Tomorrow will mark a year since my EP, Where My Heart Goes, was released! Almost 800 copies of it have been sold, and the last year has been filled with countless experiences that I had just dreamed of 'til now (true, cheesy I know....but hey, I've accepted I'm a little cheesy sometimes ;) I don’t think it will ever stop being really exciting to hear that something I wrote meant something to someone, or that it made it made them think, feel, laugh, cry, or get through a tough day. Hearing some of these stories this past year has really been the greatest gift ever. You never know when you put something out how it will really be perceived by other people, and music is so subjective. You put your thoughts down on paper, and then on record, and hope that somewhere, someone feels the same way you do. Hearing their stories and experiences back is the coolest feeling in the world. 

The last few months have been huge growing months for me as a person, which I suppose translates into “artist me” as well. I’ve taken a bit of time to reflect on my life, and the things that bring me joy….and made a conscious effort to actually take the time to follow some of those things and uncover what they really are. That can be super scary….but also really rewarding. When you are forced to spend time in reflection you sometimes uncover things about yourself that you love, and things that you don’t….and while mentally (especially if you over analyze like I do ;)) that can be exhausting, it can also be wonderful. I really like some of the songs that have come out of it too, and can’t wait to share them.

I’ve gotten to write with some great people lately, and have some amazing moments that have translated into great little songs. I’m also getting to explore bits of the world I’ve wanted to for a long time….so I am one very happy gal ☺. Firstly, thank you to everyone who bought a CD, told a friend, wrote an article, interviewed me,  had me on their show, booked me, showed their support or came out to watch me, or played me on radio (especially CKUA, CBC, and all the college stations across Canada who have been amazing!...and of course Rawlco Radio who were awesome in giving me funding to work on a new album).

We sometimes forget the things we actually have done when constantly looking ahead and trying to plan our next action steps, or feel like we haven't really done much at all as we go through the motions. When I stop to think about all the amazing people, opportunities, and experiences that presented themselves in this last year, I’m blown away. From hearing my song on the radio for the first time when driving around town on errands, finding out I was charting, to getting my first royalty cheque, reviews in papers I have always read, having my song in a movie and the theme for a military campaign, opening for Danny Michel, being nominated for an Edmonton Music Award, or getting emails from the other side of the world from people who discovered my music online…..it’s been a pretty good year of firsts.

So again, Thank YOU for making it awesome! I can’t wait for another year of firsts (and great seconds too!) and getting to share them with you! From the bottom of my heart…thanks for being a part of it and for making some of my stories your own!

Smiles,

Erica ☺

Dec 25

Merry Christmas Everyone! Just finished sitting around the tree with my family and lots of laughs and fun, and thought I would write a short little message of thanks. This past year has been a real gift to me...the support both from radio, encouraging people spreading my music to other encouraging people, amazing venues, supportive audiences, the list goes on and on and I feel so lucky. I've been busy at work writing the next album, and can't wait to share it with all of you! Wishing you all the best this Christmas....lots of love, joy, warmth, cheer, egg nog, and LOTS of turkey!
From the bottom of my heart,
Erica :)

PS: In the middle of posting new gig dates, and hopefully setting up some more shows outside Edmonton and Alberta. Stay tuned :)

Oct 12

Happy Thanksgiving everyone....here in Canada this weekend was a delicious food fest of thanks, family, friends (ohh and also a lot of turkey). It was equally special because I got to be involved in two lovely weddings, and spend some time at home with my parents and brother. It's been getting really busy lately, and that been a great feeling! I've been helping out the Kidney Foundation with their Sha Bam Festival promotion (details on the right) and have gotten to do a few TV spots and meet some amazing people. One family really touched my heart as they shared the story of how the father donated his kidney to his newborn baby son...a very cool miracle of technology!  I've also got some really cool videos I've been waiting to share for awhile...I was asked to be part of the Edmo Sessions, a series that features local musicians in the studio live and acoustic off the floor, and was especially excited to see it because my lovely friend Katie who was backing me up moved to Vancouver and I miss her too much!!! Anyway....here they are! Enjoy and thanks so much to Daelan Wood and Danny Cole for your work on this...we had a ton of fun (and didn't realize it was late evening/ the next morning already on a "school night" by the time we finished up!) The evening also featured an adventure to a very divey restaurant by Katie and me that left us both very scared, and yet so so satisfied with their nachos...mmmm but I disgress ;)

"YOU"

"THANK YOU"

"WHERE MY HEART GOES"

 

Sept 8

Hi out there :) I'm so sorry...I didn't realize I'd been slacking on these updates until I logged on to check the site today and saw the last time I wrote was July! Things have been great...just wanted to say a BIG thank you to all of you who came out to see the show at Festival Place in Sherwood Park a few weeks ago. Over 350 smiling faces, family old friends and new ones is an amazing feeling! "Thank You" has also been featured in a video for the Thank a Soldier campaign, and will also be featured in a film from India called "Upexpected" I'm very excited to have my music be able to illustrate stories and feelings! I was also part of a kids music group a few weeks ago, and boy did we have fun shakin it and making music!!! Some of the things that came out of their mouths were so precious and innocent....it made me smile all week long!

As summer comes to a close, for many people fall brings new starts: going back to school, setting new goals, letting go of the season....the last few weeks have meant saying goodbye to some amazing friends who have decided to go to school all over the country/world and trying to set some goals for the year. It's been both sad, daunting, scary, exciting and fulfilling all at the same time!! I'm continuing to write a lot, do a little co writing, and trying to buckle down a little more to really practice my instruments and my craft. I also had the fortune of spending some time with my little brother (who was out of town for work) in New York for a week....taking in the sights and sounds and music, some US Open Tennis, some Yankee Baseball (hehe which is a lot of sports for me in one week!) and enjoy spending time together. It was a good chance to take some time to think a little too....and appreciate some of the things around me!

There are some really great shows coming up soon...so stay tuned. Also, I was asked to do a promo of my "own" version of the cheer song for the University of Alberta to kick start their new contest for students. Check out my little folk version. The original 1950's version can be found at http://www.100years.ualberta.ca/history.cfm in case you want to know what it used to sound like! I had fun coming up with a new arrangement and hope you enjoy! I promise to be better at updates....and have some fun stuff to share soon! In the meantime THANK YOU again for spreading the word, telling friends, and being so wonderful to me!! 

Until next time!
Erica :)

July 20

June 25

Well to answer the question you've all been asking...SouljahFya, an amazing Edmonton reggae band was chosen to open Lilith Fair this year. While I would have loved to play, I know they will be an awesome addition to the festival! The support I received during this competition blew me away! People I hadn't spoken to in years got online to vote, and over 30,000 people got to hear my song Pictures during the month of May because of this experience. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you who spent countless hours voting and being so supportive to me! I'm a pretty firm believer that life works out the way it will and good things are always around the corner!

Now some great news...I was recently given a grant from Rawlco Radio to go towards my next full length album! Thanks so much to them....I'm so excited to get started on this project and can't wait to have some new music to share with you! The next few months will be more writing, and I'm looking forward to that :)

On June 5th I played a show at Axis Cafe with my amazing friend Lisa Nicole Grace! I was so happy to see much a packed house...with people standing all the way up the steps. This kind of support for artists is incredible...and it meant so much to both of us to that! Even more exciting were that many people I had never met were there...singing along to my songs!!!! That was such a cool feeling AND a group of my old elementary school teachers surprised me by coming out too! Lisa blew everyone away when she opened, and we even got to sing a new song we had written together! It was a wonderful evening....thanks to all who came out! :)

Lots of shows coming up this summer and looking forward to seeing lots of you out and about!

Smiles,
Erica :)

June 1

Phew! It's been quite the busy last few weeks and I want to say such a big THANK YOU!!! to everyone who voted on the Lilith Fair site, and took the time to support not only me but other wonderful local musicians who were part of the contest. While I won't find out for another week and a half who the chosen artist will be, I was told that Sarah McLachlan will be listening to the top songs, which is pretty darn exciting in itself! I know the voting process could get long, and I am so grateful for the time spent on there! I'm crossing my fingers and toes, but also trying to trust that things work out the way they are meant to :) Also a big thanks to everyone who sent "Every Sunday" around to their friends and families. I got some pretty amazing stories back from people about their own experiences going home every Sunday, including a family of three generations of women that gather at their grandmother's house every week. So cool!

I would love to see you out this Saturday, June 5th at Axis Cafe! My good friend Lisa Nicole Grace and I are doing a show together with some awesome musicians, and I'm really looking forward to it! Music starts at 8pm and details are on the side "show" panel of the site! I'll also be part of the "Heart of City Festival" Saturday morning at Giovanni Caboto Park.

I was also really fortunate that ACCESS TV was interested in doing a feature on me and my music, as well as the volunteering I did in India . You can watch it online at:
http://www.albertaprimetime.com/Features.aspx?FlashVars=Video%2FAS_052610.flv

So...enjoy the summer weather (hehe it's starting to feel like it some days over here in Edmonton despite some brutal rain) and enjoy the abundance of live music, festivals, and outdoor food (you know I would throw that in;) coming your way :)

Erica 
 

May 6

Mother's Day is coming up (on May 9th!) and below is a song I wrote for my Mom, that I'd love to share! Because you have been so amazingly supportive I want to give the song away as a free gift to say "thank you!" for buying the CD, visiting the site and spreading my music. If you like it you can put it on your ipod, send it to your Mom on the 9th, to your friends, or someone you think might enjoy it and let's see how far and wide we can spread it around!!!!  Mostly, I hope it just makes you smile....for all those who go home for dinner, call home, or even just think of home "Every Sunday". Click, download away, and enjoy ;)

Click to listen

 
Link to Lilith Fair Competition is:
http://www.ourstage.com/contests/3992-lilith-local-talent-search-calgary-and-edmonton

Please judge if you get the chance (the little tab beside standings will bring you to a page where you get to rate the songs) Extra points get given out to songs you give "thumbs up" to, and I know it's a process, but if you go to my profile and join my fanclub, you are guaranteed to hear "Pictures" in the first few rounds. THANKS a million!

April 20

Helllo everyone! This one is going to be pretty short, just because the next few updates will probably be longer and I want to save your attention span :) I got to be part of a really really cool project, with a super cool guy, Harvey Miedriech. He started a project for Edmontonians called the "100 People Project" featuring interesting people from the community (which...suprisingly I got to be included in!)  If anyone else would like to be a part of project, he is always looking for new Edmonton people and it was a very fun time, so get in touch with Harvey! Also...just added a media section to the website if you wanna take a peak at some of the things that have been going on...ANNND would love to see some familiar faces at some of the new upcoming gigs I've posted up here too! I was out of town working for a little while, got back, and am ready to release a new free song in about a week so stay tuned!!!! The weather here in Edmonton is gorgeous....so enjoy if you live here! And take a minute to tell the people you love that they matter to you, because I've realized this week just how important that really is!

Erica ☺

March 30

The best part of the last few weeks for me has been meeting so many people: artists, musicians, songwriters, journalists....who are SOO passionate and creative about what they do. Nothing makes me happier than getting to know people who are really joyful and doing what they love, and I feel that I'm learning so much from these amazing encounters that have been coming my way! I had the opportunity to co-wrote for the first time with my friend Lisa Nicole Grace this last weekend and had a blast trying out something new. I think we came up with a pretty good song too :) I've also been finishing up a special new song and trying to get it recorded in the next few weeks. Personally, I've been through lots of great highs, and a few lows too in the last little while...and it has definately helped to have gotten some amazing messages about my music and what emotions certain songs are bringing out. That is the coolest thing to hear, especially when you are having a day that isn't so great...I really appreciate the notes and encouragement coming my way! There has also been some crazy coincidences and funny links going on lately too (which I am loving :)! In the middle of booking some gigs which should be up soon, and doing some of the "behind the scenes" music stuff that's really important but not quite too exciting :) I was SOO happy to have my song "Pictures" ranked #7 of 569 judged songs our OurStage.com and and looking forward to keeping you updated on the site, as this is also where an Edmonton artist will be picked starting in May to play at the local Lilith Fair this year (which I don't even need to say...would be absolutely amazing!)
And it's Easter this weekend! In our family, since before I could remember, my Dad (errr the bunny) does a rhyming hunt for clues all over our house. It's actually amazing the way he puts parts of our personalities, jokes, and family belongings into the rhyme. We still do it every year, even though my younger brother is almost 22 and look forward to seeing what "bunny" comes up with! Hope you have a great long weekend filled with chocolate and happy memories :)

Erica ☺

March 8

What an amazing week! I am still buzzing from it! Thursday I woke up to see my face on the front cover of the Edmonton Journal, which I never expected! I was so excited....especially to share space with some great musicians from Edmonton. The link to the article is: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Good+girls+with+guitars/2640241/story.html

We received such a warm welcome at Festival Place opening for Jeff Morris that evening. His show was incredible and it was great to play in Sherwood Park (my hometown) at one of the most beautiful theatres, and see such supportive faces. Some really special friends showed up, and two little girls who inspire me so much through their volunteering work were also there with big smiles and flowers, and made my night! Thanks Taya and Harper :)

Friday night was one I've been waiting for a long time...my CD Release party. Rhea March was a lovely host, and a phenomental supporter of music! Her U22 Productions is an incredible mentorship program for emerging artists and I am constantly standing in awe of the artists on their roster! I was so excited to have Darryl Matthews opening for me, and he blew the crowd away as always with his incredible guitar style! Backing me up and sharing the night with me were some fantastic musicians. My brother Wayne Viegas was on guitar and did a fabulous job. Jered Evangelos on percussion went totally above and beyond for me this week and I can't say thank you enough to him for all his time and amazing talent. Mathias Silveira at many times stole the show with his violin and really brought that extra spark to my songs. Ryan Jacobson added that extra touch with his bass, and Katie Davey shone with her lovely voice! An extra little bit of magic was my friend and fellow singer/ songwriter Lisa Nicole Grace who came up to sing a song with me (I heard her on CBC this morning and could not be prouder!!). So many people made the night special. Thanks to Terence D'Lima for capturing it all with his photo skills and being so supportive! I could never do anything without my amazing family. This night was one I had been thinking about for such a long time, so the joy that came from sharing it with people that I love, and even making some new friends was such a great thrill to me! THANK YOU THANK YOU to all who attended from the very bottom of my heart! I am still smiling! New shows are going to be up shortly, so stay tuned.

I am having so much fun, and appreciate all the support from the depths of my heart...from my fingers to my toes!

Erica ☺
 

March 2

Life continues to be busy but great! I have been practicing up a storm for the shows this week and am really looking forward to it. It’s especially neat for me because I don’t usually play with a full band, and even on the album, in the way it was recorded (track by track) we never really got to actually play it together. I am having way too much fun enjoying the addition of all these new instruments, and rehearsing with some really great people and friends. I am so excited to play both shows this week, especially because the support from friends, family, and strangers (though not for long) has been so wonderful and especially boosting on the days when I’ve felt a little overwhelmed (as we all do from time to time!).

I’ve also been lucky enough to do some pretty great interviews in the last little while, most of them coming out this week, so stay tuned. It’s always really neat to reflect on questions you’ve never pondered before, and to chat with people who have really great careers writing and doing what they love! I was featured in Edmonton’s Profile Magazine this month, and you can take a look here: http://www.profileedmonton.com/profiles/erica-viegas  it was a lot of fun to shoot…although sooo cold that my eyes were watering between pictures! I tried to pass off like it was because I am really deep and sentimental hehe (I don’t think anyone fell for it, but thanks so much to Julian Faid and Craig Hobbs for a fun time…and some sneaky locations ☺) There is also a great article from the Sherwood Park News that went out too: http://www.sherwoodparknews.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2446153

Marc MacKenzie was kind enough to invite us to perform on his CJSR show early Saturday in the morning, and my brother and I were excited to be there. My parents were driving out of town and got to listen in…they thought it was quite neat to hear both their kids chatting on the radio as they headed out, and it was nice that Wayne got a little time to chat as well! Definitely a good reason to get up early on a Saturday morning.

Anyway…looking forward to a great week, with great shows and music… and seeing some of you soon!

Erica ☺www.thehavensocialclub.com