Erica Nicole - A True Southern Star from Atlanta By Lindsay Oberst Published in North Georgia Leisure Magazine Erica

Nicole is the definition of the Southat least according to her idea of being Southern: Someone who is born and raised in the South, who is hospitable and loves country music. She shouts this to me over the phone as she rides on her tour bus. In the background, I hear the rushing sounds of the road and the muffled sounds of a male voice talking. Erica is a rising country music singer, who no longer lives in Atlanta, but grew up here and loves everything about this area of the country, especially the friendly culture and her family. As Ericas joyful voice talks to me about her music and her life, I realize that she is exactly what I wanted to be as a young girl. Shes even performed in and loves my hometown of Senoia, Georgiaa place that is becoming more known by country music fans since a popular country music station, 92.5 The Bear, opened a broadcast station in this city 45 minutes south of downtown Atlanta. A Dream Come True As a young child, Erica knew she wanted to be a singer. She sang in a worldrenowned children's choir and never thought about becoming anything else. When I ask what shed be if she couldnt be a singer, she says an ice cream cone girl, which is what she told her dad she wanted to be once. She admits that she cant see herself as anything other than a country singer. A true musician never has a backup plan, she says. Success Requires Focus Country music is the only thing Erica listens to, except sometimes when she works out. Her favorite song right now is Turn On The Radio by Reba Mcintire, who Erica likes because shes still producing hits, even though shes been around for a long time. What It Means to be A Georgia Country Music Artist Laid-back and welcoming is how Erica describes Georgia. Now that she lives and works in L.A., she misses the cold weather, fireplaces and marshmallows enjoyed in her hometown.

Her favorite food in Georgia is The Smiths House in Dahlonega. This restaurant serves up huge, family-style portions of delicious, home-cooked cuisine. And when shes on the road, Erica tries to eat at local restaurants, so she can experience the unique culture and food. In an interview with Spinner Magazine, Erica talked about why she loves country music: Country music is addictive. There's something about it that people just connect with. You feel the pain. You feel the happiness. You feel the tragedy. You feel the excitement. It's one of a kind. Growing up in Georgia, country music is your heart and soul. When she talked to me, she said that personal experience is what makes country music so special. Country music songs are different because people write them for and about themselves and their experiences, she says. Getting Personal With Erica Nicole Yes, Erica Nicole is single. Why? Shes too busy with her music, of course. Im very much devoted to my career, she says. I dont need any crazy boys distracting me. You wont hear any boy bashing in Ericas songs. Shes all about happy things, friendship, family and living in the moment. If she could sing a duet with anyone shed pick George Strait or Willie Nelson. Does she think this might happen? Absolutely! Gotta dream the impossible dream, she says and her voice is as bright as the smile youll see on her face when she performs.