It was a perfect television moment. Erika Heynatz stared down the barrel of the camera, nailed the high notes on the Nilsson/Badfinger classic ‘Without You’ and was on her way to winning It Takes Two. It took guts and determination to get there; Erika had left a high profile presenting job to embark on a journey to fulfill her life long dream, music.
That passion has been realised with the release of her debut album, SweeterSide. Recorded on three continents over three years, the album is a beautiful summation of all that is treasured in the world of adult pop.
“The time we took was a real blessing,” confides the singer, “it’s given me a wonderful opportunity to refine my skill.”
Sweeter Sidehas already spawned the single ‘Kingdom’ and is littered with pop gems such as the second single ‘Bullet’, ‘Mind Games’, ‘I Don’t Want To Wait’ and the title track.
If we go back to the beginning, you’ll find a life dominated by a love of music. Like any kid in the 80s, there was the usual fixation with Madonna. Erika was drawn to the Queen Bee’s ‘style and energy’ and spent endless hours singing in her bedroom; then there were the school plays and amateur productions. Erika took it further, and, while studying design at university, joined an acapella workshop, all before hooking up with a choir full of ‘Con drop outs’. Not being able to ‘read the dots’, Erika learned by ear and spent her hard earned money on concert tickets.
A love of the creative process flourished and Erika found herself drawn to artists who had, as she calls it ‘a certain spirit’.
“There are a handful of strong iconic singers that I loved and was inspired by,” she recalls,“people like Annie Lennox who is a music and fashion icon. I’ve always really loved artists that have crossed over to other things, they’ve done films, and worked on soundtracks… somebody like Gaga looks out and invests her energy into other areas. There’s a fearlessness to the artists I admire. Likewise, I’m inspired by KD Lang, Sia and Suzanne Vega. They’re very direct and honest; I find their work raw, powerful and full of integrity. That’s what I am hoping to achieve as an artist.”
So it goes for Erika too, there’s the modelling world and her ever bourgeoning music world working in harmony.
To bring Sweeter Side to life, Erika hit the UK on a song writing mission. Erika had a hand in almost every song on the album and took a few other tunesmiths along for the ride. Alongside her own efforts, which included lyrics, melodies and even dreaming up a tune on an old Casio, Erika worked with Steve Booker (Duffy), Phil Thornalley (Pixie Lott, Natalie Imbruglia), Chris Braide (Cheryl Cole, Kylie Minogue) and our own Mark Sholtez.
With a swag of quality songs under her arm Erika then set off for the USA to record. She found herself in Los Angeles at the legendary Village Sounds recording studios. Engineers regaled her with stories of recording Fleetwood Mac in the very same space, while Paul McCartney’s drummer, Abe Laboriel Jnr, set up his kit and got to work in the engine room. Behind the control desk was John Alagia whose resume includes John Mayer, Liz Phair and Ben Lee.
“The atmosphere in that studio makes you want to roll around on the leather lounges and soak it up,” laughs the singer. “I was really keen to have a strong acoustic sound. I wanted the vocals to be strong and not too processed. I wanted the instruments to have presence.”
Next came a sojourn with producer Andy Zulla in Texas who’s previously enjoyed success with Kelly Clarkson. It was here Erika added a pop sheen to her original ‘earthy’ template.
“It’s an organic record,” Erika admits, “but very much a pop record. Lyrically, it’s simple and direct in its intentions. The sentiments are pure and honest. If you listen to ‘Kingdom’ there’s a real open heartedness to that song, it’s a joy to sing.”
And then there’s ‘Bullet’…
“There’s something about the attitude and playfulness of the song that I can relate to,” she adds.“It stands out on the album. It’s about being struck by love, and not playing a victim. Other songs on the album cover relationships, love, betrayal, loneliness, separation and desire. This is a love song, but it’s a light hearted warning from a woman who doesn’t want to be messed with!”
So there you have it, Erika has arrived. She sings up a storm and has artistic integrity to boot. Look out world…
