Country Roads & Island Vibes: Erica Sunshine Lee on Music, Travel & Trop Rock Dreams

The Travel Brats Q&A with Erica Sunshine Lee Meet the Georgia GypsyQ: Erica, would you kick us off by telling us more about yourself? Where did you grow up, and how did you become the country star you are today?A: I grew up in a small town called Elberton, Georgia, population 5,000, the granite capital of the world. I loved my small-town upbringing, where you know everybody, and people are genuinely there for you. I was raised on '90s country, '90s rock, and R&B, so music’s just always been in my soul. But it wasn’t until after college that I really dove into it full-time. I sold everything I had and started touring—literally living out of my car and playing all over the globe! Travels + Touring LifeQ: You perform for big venues and small! What does a year typically look like for you?A: It’s nonstop! I average about 250 shows a year, from major festivals to intimate house concerts. Typically, I start out in Florida. March has been Texas and Colorado, then Europe in April. In May, I go back to the Keys, then my summer tour goes from Georgia to northern Wisconsin, Seattle to San Diego, and back across the US. I end up in Key West for the winter! I love to travel and perform for all types of audiences across the world, seeing mountaintops to oceans, and meeting people from all walks of life who relate to my music.Q: For those who don’t know, what exactly is a house show?A: It’s like your own personal concert—folks host me in their backyard stages, incredible venues where people can come to a listening room environment and hear the intimate stories behind the songs in their beautiful properties, living rooms, barns, or even boats. It’s intimate, interactive, and honestly, some of my favorite performances.Q: You’ve performed in over 20 countries! What are some of your favorite destinations?A: Italy, Australia, and New Zealand are high up there. The people are warm, and the views are just breathtaking. Love the connection with my Australian and Kiwi peeps since I toured down under there 6 years, and I’m obsessed with the Italian culture, food, history, all the wonderful country line dancers, and all the amazing people!Q: Do you have a favorite international audience?A: Aussies and Kiwis really get into it—they love country and storytelling. Italy too—surprisingly huge country music fans!Q: What’s the weirdest or most memorable venue you’ve played?A: Definitely the nudist colony in Northern California!!! That one took the cake!Q: With hundreds of shows a year, how do you keep your energy up?A: Coffee, adrenaline, and pure love for what I do. And sleep whenever I can get it!!!!Q: Travel must-pack item that fans wouldn’t expect?A: A mini portable blender—I gotta have my smoothies!Q: Craziest travel experience while on tour?A: My car once got robbed completely in Orlando, Florida. I lost everything—guitars, clothes, merch. But I made the show, and after I bought a new guitar! But 7 years later, they caught the girl who robbed me, and she had to pay me back! That’s just the crazy life on the road!!!! Music + SunshineQ: You’ve written over 1800 songs and released 11 albums. Where do you find the fuel to keep creating?A: Heartbreak, joy, travel, life on the road—it’s all songwriting material. I journal constantly and write songs almost daily! Q: Do you write songs while traveling? Any examples?A: Absolutely! “Single for the Summer” came to me while I was lounging on a dock in Stock Island, “Champagne” was inspired after I survived my first hurricane, and I wrote “Hearts Still Beat” the night I evacuated Hurricane Irma and arrived at my folks' house in Georgia. A lot of my songs are postcards from my life.Q: How did your unique blend of country, pop, and tropical rock come about?A: I grew up on classic country, then fell in love with Classic Rock when I started singing in the Rodeo Clowns band in Northern California. I write from real life, so my travels from Costa Rica to the South Pacific and down the southeast beaches have been responsible for many beach days, surf trips, and many memories made that have inspired my tropical rock side. I love the mountains too, but the beach vibe is so fun, happy, and makes people feel good!! I just combined what I loved, and it’s honest to who I am.Q: “Same Ship, Different Day” has those beachy country-rock vibes. Where should we be listening to that album?A: Definitely on a boat or a coast with a cold drink in hand—or driving with the windows down on a road trip to a warm tropical escape!!!! Q: What’s one of your favorite songs that you’ve written for someone else?A: “Healing” by Justin Touchette was really special for me because it’s his actual story, and it’s a powerful reminder that suicide should never be an option for anybody. It’s a strong encouragement to tell people, especially veterans suffering from PTSD, never to give up! No matter how bad things get or how alone you ...