Currently based in LA, but natural from the Bay Area, Erika Karina is delivering all the pure soulful pop vibes 2022 was asking for. In 2021, Erika was invited to feature in the ravishing song “I Miss You” with Ivan B. The track begins with an impactful progression played by the acoustic guitar that is joined by a fluid echoing beat and a vibrant assured rap. Erika’s vocals turn the chorus more impactful and cohesive, the duo creates an exquisite unison with their voices complementing each other’s. There is also a final variation in a more middle register, with beautiful melodic designs. 

In January 2022, Erika released her debut single “23”. The song is an honest and emotional journey through the singers suffering after losing her mother. It begins with a raw guitar that leaves us expectant, then it is joined by another guitar that builds the interesting initial melody present on the verse. The track carries a simple instrumental, allowing the listener to get lost in the power of the lyrics and on the hurt tone of the singers voice. Erika demonstrates a great vocal control in slightly higher pitched sections, displaying a clear natural syllabic singing.

Later, in March, we were gifted with the inspiring single “Older”. The track starts with a strident sneaky guitar with reverb, followed by a faint beat that is filled by the stunning backing vocals. “Older” has a more dreamy atmosphere, exposing the artists diverse vocal range with a more aspirated and sensual singing. The song fits a more slowed style, with a more diversified instrumental accompaniment and longer phrases that contain twists and details that add color to the song. Erika Karina has teased us with these exceptional singles, full of heartfelt lyrics and solid skilled melodies. The year is long to be over, so let’s hope Erika has a lot more to give us cause let me tell you, we are hopefully waiting for more  transcendent and emotionally rich songs.