Community Spotlight: Erika Stormm

Erika Stormm creates music for the versions of ourselves still learning how to heal. Through vulnerable songwriting, emotional honesty, and messages of perseverance, the Latina singer-songwriter transforms personal pain into hopeful, deeply human storytelling that reminds listeners better days are still possible.

What kind of creative are you? (musician, designer, model, photographer, etc.)

I’m a singer/songwriter, musician, performer, host and event organizer.

How would you describe your work to someone discovering you for the first time?

Erika Stormm is an artist, dreamer, and storyteller who creates music for anyone navigating the space between where they are and where they hope to be. Her songs speak to perseverance, healing, courage, and the belief that better days are always within reach. Drawing from real-life experiences, she connects with listeners through vulnerable lyrics and uplifting messages that remind them they are capable of more than they realize.

 

What inspired you to start creating?

Honestly being raised in a low income community where depression, poverty, and abuse is normal to a certain degree and being raised as a first generation Latina. I had to chase something bigger and be a voice for the moments hardest to speak about that’d happen within our communities such as Injustices, drugs, a sense of community and so much more.

What are you currently working on right now?

I’m currently working on a 5 track EP that is set to release this Saturday June 6! The tracks are about choosing courage over fear, always seeking to improve yourself, and having hope. I’ve never been happier. I’ve grown my music style so much that I feel confident now more than ever and can’t wait to continue to grow in it.

 

What’s been the hardest part of building your creative career?

The hardest part has been the economy, honestly. I grieve all the art not made due to it but I’ve been blessed with amazing friends who are helping me on this journey in collaboration and it’s benefited everyone so much which is so beautiful. Other than that, I’d say public relations. As crazy as it sounds, some people just aren’t fans of my work and will be rude to me, disrespectful, etc. Hate is such a strange thing but I just have to pray for people like that.

What is one thing you're proud of that people don’t know?

I’m really proud of how strong I am, it’s been hard to navigate how to share my story without it being way too personal but I admit it is a very important factor for people to understand as it did fuel my journey. I didn’t grow up in a household that held me the way I deserved to be. I dealt with physical abuse, was exposed to street knowledge way too young (drugs,sex work,etc), substance abuse, experienced s/a, dealt with bullying at school for wearing affordable clothing, and more. As I got older, I understood that everything that had happened to me, happened because of the circumstances and systems we live in. That doesn’t mean, I’ve minimized my trauma, but I’ve definitely healed from these things and that alone is something I’m the most proud of every single day. The memories no longer hold me back, my body doesn’t tremble at the touch of another human, and most importantly, I’m not afraid to express love in a world where people are afraid to out of self defense.

 

Who or what are your biggest creative influences?

My biggest creative influences are artists like Alessia Cara, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Jenni Rivera, as well as my local peers, Alex Infinity, Miz Clover, Indigo Universe and so much more.

Shoutout anyone you want to highlight (collaborators, team, community, etc.)

I’d love to highlight my good friend Alex Infinity who worked on my Better Days EP project with me. We made the whole project in a matter of two to three weeks and magic was in the booth ya’ll! Alex and I have known each other since 2019 and that was around the time we both publicly started sharing our music. To say the least, we have a solid friendship and will always support each other throughout this music journey, not to mention, our music chemistry is great! I absolutely can’t wait for you guys to hear it!

What does “Milk Room” mean to you?

Milk Room to me represents Independent Businesses, community oriented safe space, and a brand creatives should be proud to represent. Thank you guys for all that you do because you’re not just a clothing store, you are a symbol of inspiration. Thank you.

Keep with with Erika 

https://linktr.ee/erikastormm

@iamerikastormm