Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Bisbey.
Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began playing piano and singing when I was 5 and begged my mom to let me start piano lessons. I continued lessons throughout my childhood. I started guitar lessons at age 12 and began writing songs at 13. I formed my first band with my 8th grade girl friends. We played Sister Hazel at the talent show and totally rocked it.
I started playing in original and cover bands in my 20’s. I’ve had several of my own projects which usually lean pop rock and include plenty of synth. I’ve played in various cover bands and wedding bands in China, Denver, and Spain. Last winter I worked as a musician on Norwegian Cruise Line in Hawaii and I’ll perform with Disney Cruise Line this winter. I’m currently playing solo shows as a singing pianist at restaurants, bars, weddings and events. I also play keytar with Rebel Queens, an all-female rock band based in the Twin Cities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As everyone knows, being a musician is usually a struggle financially. Like most musicians, I’ve had “day jobs” throughout my journey. I’m also an ESL teacher and really enjoy working with students. For me, it’s all about finding the right balance. I used to work as a teacher full time and squeeze in music when I could. Now that I’m a more experienced musician, I can do a lot more music work and just teach part time. Probably my biggest struggle over the years has been to trust that I can make a living as a musician. A couple of years ago I read the wonderful book The Artist’s Way and really started opening myself up to opportunities in music. The result has been incredible. I’ve played with amazing musicians, gotten to travel for music jobs, started doing solo work, and I continue to meet inspiring people who help me along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Minneapolis-based pianist, singer and songwriter. I can provide a wide range of music for venues that want to hire a one-woman show. My original music has an introspective singer-songwriter spirit which is also pop-leaning. For cover music, I select a mix of classic crowd-pleasers, new hits of today, and a few hidden gems for the true music savants. If you come see me at a local restaurant or wine bar I’ll be playing tunes by Elton John, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Bill Withers, Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra, etc. And if you see me playing keytar with Rebel Queens, that will be a very different show (Motley Crew, Guns N Roses, Joan Jett, etc.). What sets me apart from others is my ability to sing, play piano, and entertain the audience with fun stories and jokes, all at the same time. I may not be a comedian but I can elicit low-level chuckles…or at least appreciative grins.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’d say I’ve taken what others might call risks. I moved to different countries on my own, I’ve started various bands, I’ve gotten on all types of stages, I’ve accepted and quit all kinds of jobs. I believe you don’t get much of anywhere without taking some risks, but like most things, risk taking is just a habit. The more you do it, the less of a big deal it is. And for me it’s all in the name of getting closer to my “genuine self,” which does seem to be a lifelong pursuit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ericabisbey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erica_bisbey/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricaBisbey
