Erika Soto

Raised in the Monterey Peninsula, Erika Soto’s passion for music became very clear when she started getting involved at church. “There were tons of guitar players and all were guys, and there were tons of women, who could sing, but they didn’t play any instruments, I was so baffled by that. It motivated me to be more than just a girl singer; I always respected female musicians, especially ones that wrote their own songs.” A friend gave her a guitar and she taught herself unto the night. “I would stay up till 3 in the morning, at the time I was living with my mom in a studio in the back, she would yell out “Erika time for bed!”. I just remembered my fingers being raw, but so alive.” Music has always been a passion for Erika. She has been writing and singing since she was young….er younger. At 23 she has already gained a successfully local indie career in music as well as a faithful fan base. She is involved in just about everything one can get her hands in from coaching varsity soccer, Younglife, FCA, to working with the youth group at her church. “I like to be busy, like involved in as many things as I can, I don’t know I find more energy in feeling accomplished at the end of the day.” It has paid off. At local shows and venues Erika can brings on average 20-30 fans. “It’s nice to do things that you can put your all into and know that you get back all you give.” The biggest sacrifice she has made has been with her husband Josh being away overseas in the Us Army. In which the song dubbed “1,000 goodbyes” was written. “It’s been hard, but I know there is a reason and a purpose.” They were married in May 2007 and Josh was deployed in July of the same year. “I have faith and I hope my music speaks that for itself.”

Erika recently was in Fresno, CA recording a demo with Joel Piper at Joel Piper Recordings. “It was a blast! Joel taught me so much and he rocked my music!”

Erika’s latest project “wonderfully made ep” is availiable now. You can check her music out at: www.myspace.com/erikasotomusic.