Meet Erika! She is a beautiful and talented Mass Media major with a passion for music and film. You may see Erika around in the Mass Media building going to class or maybe putting in some work for her new blog, The Eclectic Listener! Here’s a little bit more information on Erika and how she plans on pursuing her dreams!
Full Name: Erika Anderson
Age: 20
Classification: Junior
Major: Mass Media & French
Hometown: Powder Springs, Georgia
HC: What organizations are you involved in at VSU?
EA: National French Honor Society, French Club, also the PR for The Essence of Beauty Dance Team.
HC: Tell me more about The Eclectic Listener!
EA: The Eclectic Listener is a blog that shows how genres influence artist from all over the world. Bringing things to light like neo-soul music being made in the heart of Denmark to rapping Parisians. I take things beyond the song and expose the history behind the track or artist. I like to discover where a TV show theme song came from or what song a certain artist sampled. Some might identify a song with one of their personal favorites or find something they never knew existed. The Eclectic Listener showcases my personal favorites and tracks, albums, and artist that I discover along my journey.
HC: What inspired you to start your blog?
EA: Music has been a huge part of my life since I was little. There is not a day that goes by that I’m not consuming music. My mother would drive me to school playing anything from Hip Hop to Classic Rock. I’ve never been a fan of just listening to one type of genre. There is so much beauty in all types of music. I enjoy sharing my love for music with others and whenever I’m hanging out with friends they always ask me, “Hey, what’s this song?” or “Can you text me this song title?” Some people that I have come across are shocked that I’m interested in metal or fond of dub-step. So, I came up with this idea to show people what I listen to and have discovered over the years. I want people go through the experience that I do daily. It’s exciting to find a new songs, and it’s even better when there is a whole story behind it
HC: How do you feel about what you’ve accomplished so far?
EA: I’m proud of what I have done so far. I came up with this dream of mine to show people what I love doing–listening and exploring music and made it come true. This summer I made a goal to give The Eclectic Listener life and I take pride in where this might head. It’s a working progress and I’m excited to see my blog grow and improve!
HC: What is your main goal for your blog?
EA: I want The Eclectic Listener to expand to something that people from all over the world can use. One of my main goals is to start debuting artists’ singles or albums. I want artist to send me their music because they know I will do it justice. Not only will their fans see it but people from different nationalities and backgrounds will too. It’s a great way to get music out for more and more people to see daily!
HC: Who or what inspires you the most?
EA: Music isn’t the only thing I love. I also enjoy traveling, fashion, music production and writing scripts. Many people cannot relate to him but Tyler, The Creator is someone who inspires me to be great. He is only a few years older than I am but he has accomplished so much. He didn’t care what people thought about him or his music. He set out to make a name for himself. He directed all of his music videos, came up with a creative clothing line, and even has his own TV show on Adult Swim. These are things that I want for myself and Tyler, The Creator shows me that anything is possible with dedication and dream.
HC: What do you plan on pursuing after you graduate?
EA: My goal after graduation is to work in the film industry as a music supervisor. A music supervisor is the person who assigns music to a film, television episode or commercial. They must have an extensive taste in music. I feel like this is the perfect job for me because between my love for music and film I would be doing what I love every day. I also would like to write and direct my own films and short films making them into modern musicals and music videos.
HC: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
EA: I see myself doing several things in 10 years. I first see myself traveling the world but untimely settling down in France working in their film industry. I see myself working as music supervisor creating scores and soundtracks for the hottest films. I want to see the films I make shown at the Sundance and Cannes film festivals. I hope to win best U.S and International film and get Oscars for my scores. I see kids all the way out in Tokyo following my website weekly looking up new stuff. I see myself starting that clothing line that me and my best friend have been talking about for years and marrying someone who is just as much in love with music as I am. 10 years? I think I can do it!
HC: How do you practice time management? Any tips?
EA: Every Sunday I write a list of goals of want to accomplish and assignments I have due for the week. As the week goes on things are added to the list and I assess which duties are more important and which ones can wait till the weekend. For example, I write how many post I want to feature on my blog or what test and quizzes I have coming up. During free blocks between classes I try a check off at least 3 things from the list daily. After classes I do homework and study. With the rest of my time I seek out new music and write new post. It’s wise to have goals all the time because without them you are just going through the motions and it’s not really helping you get anywhere in life. Whether it is with school, work, or your future after school you have to have a purpose and you have to have something to work towards.
Wow, Ericka definitely has some big plans and we’re sure she will achieve all of her dreams! You can follow her on Twitter: @ErikaD_Anderson or Instagram Be sure to check out her blog here.
HCXO!