“music … so effortless and beautifully crafted, you would think that she’s been doing this for decades.” ~ Parents with Angst
“a modern-day troubadour — persuasive & endearing” ~ Americana Highways
“universal and yet uniquely her own” ~ Steemit
Praise for Erika Olson and “This Is How I Pray”
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“impeccable & conceived with imagination” “the musicianship & vocals are stellar” “modern-day troubadour” "tear inspiring" “Ms. Olson really should have a major label contract.”
Americana Highways - John Apice
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“universal & yet uniquely her own ... on an album that is both current & classic”
Steemit - Will Phoenix
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"This is How I Pray is a stunning debut that showcases Erika Olson’s undeniable talent as a singer, songwriter, and storyteller."
Indie Music Discovery - Leslie Sherman
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"‘This Is How I Pray’, finds [Erika] in fine voice (smoky, sultry, pick your choice)"
Americana UK - Paul Kerr
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"Her music is so effortless and beautifully crafted, you would think that she's been doing it for decades."
Parents with Angst
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"it questions the very nature of life and love, reality and perception ... And to be able to do all that with such understated music and straightforward lyrics is a real art."
Dancing About Architecture - Review of ‘As I Am’ by Dave Franklin
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"This Is How I Pray is full of surprises, as the best music is ... Erika Olson is a name I’m going to remember, and This is How I Pray is an album I’m going to keep close."
Donald Teplyske at Fervor Coulee
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“Her voice is absolutely stunning, almost like a Diana Krall meets Ingrid Michaelson. It's sure to knock you off your axis and having you put this on repeat.”
EthnoCloud - Ali Hudson review of ‘Hungry Little Bird’
Biography
Erika Olson, a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter, raises a family and writes songs in East Sussex. Heralded by Americana Highway as “a modern-day troubadour” with “impeccable musicianship and vocals,” Erika brings her unique blend of folk, pop and Americana to life with endearing artistry and a powerful connection to audiences through her live performances. Since the release of her debut album, This Is How I Pray (May 2023), Erika’s career has flourished—earning recognition as a finalist in Holler's inaugural songwriting competition, securing a coveted spot in the much-beloved Purbeck Rising Competition, and performing at festivals and venues across the UK, including the Black Deer Festival, London’s Green Note, Hastings Fat Tuesday, Elderflower Fields, Wick St, Local & Live and beyond. With a voice likened to Everything But The Girl, Emmylou Harris, and Bonnie Rait, and songwriting reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Erika weaves deeply personal narratives into universal themes. She combines timeless and timely music with a unique, authentic artistry that resonates deeply with her listeners.
Having to accept change as her constant companion, Erika learned that her power is her ability to start again. She was a feisty attorney on a mission, until her son was born premature. Life demanded she slow down. Claustrophobic in her unplanned roll as a stay at home mother, life as she knew it was over. Little did she know, her greatest adventure had just begun.
In the unsettled days of early motherhood, Erika returned to an old friend, music. She pulled out records and CDs she hadn’t listened to in years. She danced and sang with her baby, learned to play the guitar, started writing songs and eventually found her way on stage.
Six months pregnant with her third child, Erika and her family moved from Charlotte, North Carolina to London. She left family, friends, and any chance at an ordinary life behind. Erika credits the break from all things familiar as the necessary shift allowing her to settle into motherhood and music.
Erika’s family and her music have grown up side by side. Erika’s songs bear witness to the glorious and devastating moments that can only be seen when we slow down. She sings to look deeper, see clearer, and know better. Her music is here to wake us up to our precious and unique lives.