Kendra Erika is an untouchable force of hot creative fire that’s only growing in strength and magnitude. For the last decade, Erika has been pushing the pedal to the metal, pioneering the resurgence of inventive, heavenly dance-pop. With her No. 1 Billboard Dance Club Songs chart hit “Self Control”, five Billboard Top Ten dance hits, two Hollywood Independent Music Awards, high-profile collaborations, impressive live performances, and smash hits—including her most recent, “Body Language,” which has surpassed 2 million views on YouTube and counting—she seems to have nestled nicely into her niche. But any ambitious artist knows deep down that art is ever-expanding, and there are always more avenues to explore.
Now, Erika is embarking on a journey to reconnect with her roots, realigning herself and her art with her long-held appreciation for vintage glamour. Her new style swirls with elegance and sophistication, introducing listeners to compelling musical stories entwined in history, film, and adrenaline-pumping adventure. In her artistry, she believes it’s still “cool to be classy,” a defining trait she’s doubling down on later this year with a brand new collection reimagining her favorite tracks of the James Bond franchise—placing her well on her way to embodying the iconic status of the famed Bond girls: complex, capable, and glamorous women who leave an indelible mark on every story they touch.
Erika’s latest shimmering release, “I’m Nice Till I’m Not,” harks back to a period steeped in drama and brushed with tension—a vehicle for transporting modern audiences to the glittering Golden Age of Hollywood. Capturing the tantalizing sensuality and buzzing excitement of the era, it’s as if the ghosts of a jazz ensemble lost to the Roaring 20s have returned for one final show—delivering a powerful one-two punch of class and sass. A jittering piano melody, echoing horns, and chilling whispers paint a vivid portrait of an underground hideaway where stealth, mystery, and romance flourish, paired perfectly with familiar twists of contemporary pop flair. As before, she invites viewers to hit the dance floor, only this time, with a track just as likely to have fans throwing their hands in the air as shuffling the Charleston—effortlessly blending musical styles separated by centuries. Like many stars of the time, those who had to give “their all or nothing at all,” Erika’s narrator swaggers and sways with a promiscuous flapper attitude. She may seem like a sweet, sensible, innocent girl on the surface, but step into her arena, and she will “bite just like a tiger”—surrendering to her addictive fantasies without a second thought.
Capo’s Restaurant and Speakeasy in Las Vegas—adorned with plush leather booths, eerie low ceilings, candle-lit crystal chandeliers, and even a secret entrance—is arguably the closest anyone can get to a true speakeasy in the modern day. Every detail revives an era of secrecy, a rare time when a simple night out carried the threat of real danger. So it’s only natural that in the middle of it all stands Erika, flaunting her eye-catching flapper dresses, loose pin curls, and bright red lips. She embodies the classic femme fatale, much like those brought to life in the cinematic features of the day. This alluring, mysterious woman could stand alongside unfiltered Hollywood heroines like Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, and Marilyn Monroe. She commands the room with an icy coolness, a polished composure, and seductive beauty, yet makes one thing crystal clear: one misstep could set the whole night ablaze, and there’s no telling what can happen when the claws come out.
Hey Kendra, thrilled to be chatting with you—“I’m Nice Till I’m Not” feels like it transports listeners straight into another era. What first sparked the idea to channel that Golden Age of Hollywood energy into this track?
I had been doing a transition into going back to my jazzy and classic roots for a few years now, especially with both remakes of “Phantom of the Opera” in 2019, and of “Witchcraft” in 2023, and then also the duet of the Wicked song “As Long As You’re Mine” with Constantine Maroulis in 2021. I’ve always felt compelled to want to harken that era again, because I feel our music scene needs more of that these days. Not in a caricature kind of way, but with an actual understanding of what that era represents. And, I feel we, meaning the creative team behind the song and video, achieved that very, very well.
The song has this incredible mix of flapper-era jazz textures and modern pop flair. How did you approach blending those worlds without losing the dance-pop spirit you’re known for?
Well, when you have a very talented producer like Luigie Gonzalez, that becomes very doable! I believe it comes from him having such a high liking for doing dance and pop records with me, and me having that very distinct intention on wanting to bring back the old Hollywood texture, that when you successfully conjoin the two impassioned viewpoints, you can come up with something that still holds firm to both pillars.
That “sweet on the outside, tiger on the inside” duality really comes through in the lyrics. Did you draw from your own personality when shaping that narrative voice?
I definitely drew from that kind of personality that was so entertaining to watch in those older movies. Where the different dynamics of those older stars on film were very much consisted of nice till I’m not moments. No amount of CGI today can emulate that innate talent and draw.
You worked with director Tolga Katas for the music video—what kinds of conversations did you two have about capturing that femme fatale presence on screen?
Well, whatever video we’ve ever done, Tolga has always captured that femme fatale presence with whichever character I’m going with in that particular project.
Filming at Capo’s in Vegas gave the video such an authentic speakeasy vibe. What was it like stepping into that space in full costume and bringing the story to life there?
The reason why I wanted to film there was that it possessed that authenticity from that era. It was like a recreational dream stepping into that costume, having that night in the museum moment, where the memories, the essence, and the history were awakened.
Your look in the video—flapper dresses, red lips, polished glamour—feels like a statement as much as a style. How does fashion play into your storytelling as an artist?
Fashion is so instrumental in telling that story because when you’re doing a visual representation of that record, the eyeballs ingest those images. And, if the visuals aren’t cohesive or truly representative of what you’re singing about, then you have a discrepancy. But if the visuals and the fashion are synonymous with what you want to achieve with the record, then the whole picture has an arch.
You’ve had huge success in the dance world with songs like “Self Control” and “Body Language.” How does this new vintage-glamour chapter feel different from where you’ve been before?
“Body Language” was still within those old Hollywood visuals and artifice that I was beginning to introduce. But “Self Control” was more of a restyling of an older hit. So, “I’m Nice Till I’m Not” really took it further with those Golden Age visuals and overall storytelling.
You’ve hinted at reimagining James Bond classics soon, which sounds like such a perfect fit. What draws you to that world of intrigue and sophistication as inspiration for your next project?
When I was “7”, my dad showed me my first Bond movie. I was instantly shaken and stirred about it. I’ve always been intrigued by the Bond world and that film legacy. It brought sophistication, cinematic elegance, and iconic music. Now, it’s time to bring that legacy to life by blending the glamour, intrigue, and unforgettable songs into a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
Your fans have followed you through so many exciting artistic evolutions. How do you hope they connect with this song and the glamorous, mysterious world you’re inviting them into?
I know they will connect with this song and see the timelessness of it through the true embodiment of what this era represents, and what it can elevate them to believe in again.
Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to share with your listeners as you step into this new era of your music?
Stay with me, and stay golden as we travel more into the golden age.
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