Kendra Erika Talks New Single “Dance In The Fire”

When she’s not busy reimagining classics, the fiercely talented Kendra Erika is moving bodies on dance floors around the globe. With five Billboard Top Ten dance hits, she’s been routinely delivering chart-topping bangers since stepping onto the scene—gifting listeners soul-stirring bursts of strength and hope, uniquely crafted to melt away worries. Visionary artists like Erika have set a dance-pop resurgence ablaze, as listeners lean on transportive melodies to indulge them in decadent escapes. Erika does just that—this singer, songwriter, and actress has already been recognized for her extraordinary contributions to promoting human well-being and happiness through her music. Now, as she embarks on an exciting new chapter with Empire Distribution, Erika is coming fully into her own. With club performances and remixes lined up in the coming months, she’s on a journey to refine her identity and reconnect with her roots. In other words, Kendra Erika, now a shimmering star, is coming home.

Living in LA, Kendra sought strength from the devastating LA fires that engulfed her community—but her impact extends far beyond the City of Angels. Everyone has fires blazing within, threatening to consume their dreams and desires. Rather than fall victim to the encroaching darkness, Erika leads a rallying call to “leave it all on the floor” and embrace life’s battles with courage and tenacity. Backing the spirit-lifting track is a powerhouse duo: 2024 Grammy winner Will Gitten and two-time Grammy-nominated producer Luigie “LUGO” Gonzalez, who describes crafting with Erika as “always fun, wildly creative, and uniquely energetic.” Naturally, this gusto seeps through every note. “Energizing” hardly captures the potency of its global allure—as its propulsive afro-house groove pulses beneath Erika’s assured vocals, it’s clear the party has already started. “Everyone is looking for a reason to dance through their challenges—to let their problems go up in smoke,” she explains. “This song is about finding strength in the fire and emerging unstoppable.” It’s a pulse, a movement, a sweet release—precisely what the world needs.

One thing about Erika—she dominates each of her captivating visuals. In “Dance In The Fire,” legendary Turkish dance-pop photographer Tolga Katas portrays her as an alluring protagonist in a fiery, fantastical adventure. Viewers will feel the scorch—it’s a full sensory experience, the perfect backdrop to lose oneself in the flames. Mesmerizingly cinematic, it channels the mystical essence of fantasy realms that stretch the imagination. It wouldn’t be surprising to see her—sparkling cape billowing—standing beside Raquel Welch in One Million Years B.C, roaming the deserts in Dune, or riding a dragon in Game of Thrones. But fortunately, she’s here—inviting all into a vivid world where strength and vulnerability collide. It’s simply time to move forward. Somehow, she knows “we’ll be fine.” Out here—in the desert, on the dance floor, and wherever she goes—she’s got a sparkle in her eye and a calling in her heart—beckoning fans to follow.

Growing up, did you always know you wanted to be a musician? 

I did from a very early age. I knew I wanted to perform at an early age, and the musicianship approach came along as I matured, and began plotting my way.

“Dance In The Fire” has a confident, bold feel—what was your writing process like for this track? 

Lugo had sent me the bare track just after the first of the year as something to potentially write to. When we got into the studio at the end of January, just after the fires in LA, I instantly knew I wanted to pay homage to those impacted by the disaster in a resilient way. With our heads and ideas together, meaning Lugo, myself, and Will Gittens, we penned melodies that confident, bold feel you hear today.

What makes “Dance In The Fire” stand apart from other songs in the dance/pop genre? 

It’s not so much a typical dance/pop song. It’s a level above that worldly caliber. Those tribal afro-house, global sounds, and tenacious lyrics is what sets it apart from what’s out there today.

What motivates you to work with dance-pop photographer Tolga Katas on your visuals? How do you collaboratively bring your vision to life? 

What motivates me is our constant rapport and creative understanding when it comes to making videos with him and his team. Like they say, if something ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it. I’ve worked with him on close to ten videos and photo shoots thus far, and each time is a successful process and experience. Having that synergy is very important in this industry in order for the means to match the ends. To bring any idea to life, I communicate the visions I have with him, and point A to point B is connected very effectively and innovatively.

Tell us a little bit about pulling influence from iconic sci-fi and fantasy visuals for the “Dance in the Fire” music video. 

The visual correlation between fire and desert is quite constant in that perspective amongst the creative outlook. Like in pretty much most of my videos, I always like to pull from past references, whether it be from a different generation or modern times. In this case, those references were Game of Thrones, Dune, and One Million Years, B.C. Also, because “Dance In The Fire” is such a global dance song, invoking some of those desert-like festival elements was relevant to do for that broader reach.

“Dance In The Fire” is a song of encouragement—how important is it for you as an artist to uplift audiences with your music? 

As a figurehead, you have a responsibility to help impact and uplift society in the most healing and resolving of ways. More of that mentality and intention is found from an older generation, and I’d love to be able to bring that back in today’s world, where most are focused on creating around their inward matters, rather than prioritizing that connectability with more resolve and a larger internal gain.

You have club performances coming up soon. What do you enjoy about performing your tracks for an audience? 

I enjoy the fact that it’s fun to do, and it’s a chance to let loose and put me in a good and energized state to move forward towards the next performance and projects.

How do you plan to reconnect with your roots in your upcoming projects? What should fans get ready to see next from Kendra Erika? 

A lady never reveals her cards too soon, so stay up to date with what’s next in store!

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