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“Here I am now, a signed artist doing the kind of music that I want to do and I couldn’t be happier,” said Erin Stevenson, an R&B, soul, and pop singer, producer, and songwriter in an interview with The Harvard Crimson. “I’m excited about what’s next. Just don’t give up.”

Stevenson started her music career singing in Girl's Tyme — the group that would later become Destiny’s Child. After graduating college, she worked in marketing before she was asked to sing in a show.

“I didn’t look back,” Stevenson said. “So I started singing in cover bands.” Shortly after, she was approached in California by a stranger who she later found out was Janet Jackson’s drummer. He offered Stevenson an audition and shortly after, she began singing background for Janet Jackson and other artists.

“You have to love what you do because it’s a lot that comes with it — it’s not for the faint of heart,” Stevenson said.

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Stevenson released her debut solo album “Naked” in 2017. Her first single “Hangin” made the top 10 on the UK music charts and charted on the soul charts in the United States. Following this success, she released the indie-chart-topping single “Making It Last Forever” in 2019, and her latest singles “You Gotta Be” and “Never Too Much” set her up to win a 2021 “People’s Choice Indie Soul Award.”

Stevenson also felt that the pandemic brought beneficial changes to her career and livelihood during the past couple of years.

“I was touring and performing so much prior to [the pandemic] that it forced me to rest, which I needed to do. But at the same time, it also forced me to focus solely on myself and make myself a priority,” Stevenson said. “So it was the most that I rested, but at the same time the most I have worked because I now have a whole other album coming out, but I get my name, which is great.”

Stevenson has spent much of her career singing as backup for other major artists, but the pandemic allowed her to focus on promoting herself. As a result, she has a new album coming out this year. A recent signee with individual records, the album will be Stevenson’s first major release under a record label. Her first single under the label “Everything to Me” will be released on Feb. 18, 2022, and will reflect her love for her husband.

Much like other artists who utilized streaming services to broadcast live shows to their fans over the pandemic, Stevenson also found that these experiences were valuable for artists as ways to continue their work during the isolation. However, to Stevenson, streaming a live show was still not the same as an engaging, in-person experience.

“In regards to live performances, the streaming thing was a lifesaver, a game-changer, and a whole other learning curve. But, it’s still not the same as having that live energy with people,” said Stevenson.“I think people who weren’t in the music industry still need to see some form of normalcy and music in love.”

At the time, Stevenson was rehearsing for her upcoming Christmas Show and was looking forward to performing for a sold-out crowd on Dec. 10.

“Christmas music is a bit more intricate than regular R&B,” Stevenson said. “They are arrangements, it’s not looped. So bringing the setlist together with which songs that flow that still suit me and my happy personality. I’m really excited about it because Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and because I get to be happy on purpose.”

Stevenson also revealed that she has some surprises for those coming out to the show in December. “I have two special guests that are going to join me,” Stevenson said.

While many of her recent performances have been online due to the pandemic, Stevenson has vast experience preparing for shows and honing in on the interests of her audience. When planning a show, she stays focused on several fundamental elements of her audience and the performance.

“A few things that never change when it comes to preparing the show is knowing your audience, your age group, and demographics,” said Stevenson. “Don’t be the bad DJ that only plays what you want to hear. Find out what the people want and give it to them, of course, while doing you.”

As an artist, Stevenson advocates for positivity and self-love through both her music and her vibrant on-stage performances. Her current musical focus is about differentiating herself and promoting positivity throughout the obstacles that may arise.

“Forget about everyone else’s opinion and listen to your own air,” Stevenson said. “And sometimes that’s hard to do.”