For at least the last twenty years, Europe and the United States haven't shared a similar opinion of popular music. While European music is predominately club music, synthetic beats and dance music, American popular music has always been about pop/rock, country hip/hop rap and boy bands. Currently, excusing the few outliers such as the return of boy bands for the younger generation, the music in the UK, France and America are starting to sound a lot more similar with the sudden phenomenon in the states over dubstep.
Arguably made mainstream by Sonny Moore, stage name Skrillex, this kind of music is inspiring musicians everywhere in the states to take up this kind of music. To talk about the rapid success of EDM (electronic dance music) we spoke with Ericka Hunter, who many may know as the star of Broadway's "Rock of Ages" in New York City. She is a native of Canada who moved to the States and got caught up in the EDM revolution. Whether it is brief stint of time or a genre she might return in who knows - but her new song sounds fantastic!
Hunter recently collaborated with famed French DJ Morgan Nagoya, also featuring EDM rising stars Jonny Rose and Chris Reeder on a song called "Promised Land" that released in France. Hunter sheds light on how the two met, her excitement of being involved in a phenomenon that has seemingly taken over the global airwaves and helps explain the obsession with EDM.
ON RECORDING WITH FAMED DJ MORGAN NAGOYA:
Recording "Promised Land" with Morgan was a really fun experience. We met for the first time in NY when he was visiting from Paris. We instantly got along and had a great connection. He's got a really clear vision of what he wants and goes for it.
ON THE EXCITEMENT OF PERFORMING THE TRACK LIVE:
This record is so fun to perform! What I love the most about collaborating is that it's such a team effort. I love performing with Morgan, Jonny and Chris. The energy just quadruples immediately and we have a blast.
ON THE STORY BEHIND THE PROMISED LAND:
The idea of Promised Land is just that. A place where you are carefree and just living your life with the person you want to live it with. In many ways it's a fantasy because we don't live in a perfect world. But who says we can't fantasize! It can also be that high you feel when you are totally head over heels for someone, even if it's just for a moment! It's open to interpretation!
ON BIGGEST DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSIC IN FRANCE / THE UK AND
AMERICA?
You know, I used to think there was a big difference between music in America as compared to music in the UK and France. I have a much different opinion now. EDM has become this universal language that have caught the entire world by storm. I think that musically, the nations have never been more synchronized in terms of music.
ON WORKING WITH NAGOYA AGAIN:
YES! I would love to and we've definitely talked about it!