Recorded
across three continents over three years, Erika (Heynatz) has announced what is,
her stunning debut album, 'Sweeter Side'. Released on July 16, 'Sweeter Side'
is a beautiful summation of all that is treasured in the world of adult pop; a
personal, diverse and sometimes acoustic release.
'Sweeter Side' has already
spawned the single 'Kingdom' and is littered with pop gems such as the second
single 'Bullet', 'Mind Games', 'I Don't Want To Wait' and the title track.
Released
digitally, 'Bullet' has taken on a world of its own. The track, written by Chris
Braide (Cheryl Cole, Kylie Minogue) and Nikola Bedingfield (sister of Daniel and
Natasha Bedingfield) is accompanied by the visually dynamic 50's, 60's and 70's
film era inspired music video. The video sees Erika come to life though five different
exploitation movie posters ranging from a viva les femmes 50s pin up to a 70s
bad-girl biker!
As Erika explains 'Bullet', "There's something about
the attitude and playfulness of the song that I can relate to," she adds.
"It stands out on the album. It's about being struck by love, and not playing
a victim. Other songs on the album cover relationships, love, betrayal, loneliness,
separation and desire. This is a love song, but it's a light hearted warning from
a woman who doesn't want to be messed with!"
Watch the video at www.erika.com.au
'Sweeter
Side', the album, saw Erika hit the UK on a song writing mission. Erika had a
hand in almost every song on the album and took a few other tunesmiths along for
the ride.
Alongside her own efforts, which included lyrics, melodies and
even dreaming up a tune on an old Casio, Erika worked with Steve Booker (Duffy),
Phil Thornalley (Pixie Lott, Natalie Imbruglia), Chris Braide (Cheryl Cole, Kylie
Minogue) and our own Mark Sholtez.
"It's an organic record," Erika
admits, "but very much a pop record. Lyrically, it's simple and direct in
its intentions. The sentiments are pure and honest. If you listen to 'Kingdom'
there's a real open heartedness to that song, it's a joy to sing."
The
writing and recording process also took Erika to the USA, mainly Los Angeles and
Texas, working alongside Andy Zulla (Kelly Clarkson) and John Alagia (John Mayer,
Liz Phair and Ben Lee).
Erika adds, "Travelling around the world to
collaborate & create music with talented writers and musicians is something
I've dreamt about and now finally done. There have been a few tricky parts navigating
this unknown territory, but the 3 year process of writing, recording and producing
my debut album has undoubtedly been the most incredible experience I've ever had."
Fans
can now pre-order 'Sweeter Side' from Jb
Hi_Fi Online
This month also see's the Girlfriend Model Search
Tour kick off around the country which Erika will be performing tracks from 'Sweeter
Side' at each of the below dates:
- June 30 Chermside Westfield - Brisbane,
Queensland
- July 3 Southland Westfield - Melbourne, Victoria
- July 7 Chatswood
Westfield - Sydney, New South Wales
- July 10 Marion Westfield - Adelaide,
South Australia
- July 14 Carousel Westfield - Perth, Western Australia
Erika's
new single 'Bullet' and the debut album 'Sweeter Side' are available now.
