Erika Van Pelt

Vocalist / Producer (Rhode Island)

 [Currently competing on the 2012 Season of Fox Network's "American Idol" - Go get 'em Erika!]

Erika attended Berklee College of Music (Vocal Performance and Production Engineering). Four years in RI’s All-State Chorus and All-State Jazz Choir; Three years in New England Chorus and one of four from Rhode Island in the All-Eastern Chorus in 2003; Former member of the Chorus of Westerly; Co-Founder of the a cappella group SoundCheck; 3 years as an independent contractor with Acorn Events Productions and Kaleidoscope Kabaret.

Named Boston’s Pride Idol in 2006. Recorded her second 5-song demo with SoundBox Studios. Performed with many New England bands in addition to Boston Swing (East Side Horns, Brass Attack, Wayz & Means, The Sultans of Swing). Erika’s recent notable appearances include the national production “If You’re Irish” and the annual “Chance to Dance” shows at the Providence Performing Arts Center. She is presently working on her debut vocal album in between national performance dates.

When performing with Boston Swing her strength is in her Funk, Soul, R&B and similar genres. She charms the audience with her smile, steals their heart with her soulful presence and knocks them off their chairs with her amazing vocals.

Received the 2009 “In The Spotlight” award from Newport Blues Cafe. “Erika draws her influences anywhere from Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan, to the new sounds of singers like Joss Stone, Jill Scott, and Kim Burrell. She clearly has a passion for Rhythm and Blues and Soul music, yet her tastes take her all over the map from country, jazz, and rock to classical and beyond. Erika Van Pelt has a true appreciation for the music business and a pure passion for the art of music in every sense. Seriously blessed, her voice is soulful, precise, and yet limitless, and her stage performance is both memorable and inspirational.”

“I’ve always known that I wanted to be a singer and a professional musician, and at 23, I have already had over a decade of making that goal a reality. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the world’s greatest talents, and I look forward to each day that I get the opportunity to share my passion with others. Music is a language, and an art form, and in my eyes it’s the most powerful art of all.” Erika