Erika Tham - Shhh (Official Video) + 10 Questions
LA-based pop/R&B singer-songwriter Erika Tham is making a fiery entrance into this year with the coinciding Patrick Wilcox-directed video. Co-written with GRAMMY-nominated producers Deion Gill (Kelly Rowland, Miguel, Playboi Carti, Usher) and Major Myjah (Chris Brown, J.Cole, Ty Dolla $ign), the tongue-in-cheek track demonstrates Erika’s lyrical wit and seductive flow as she puts every mansplaining fuckboy firmly in their place. Paying homage to the unapologetic female pop stars of the 90’s, “Shhh” is a loose spin-off Shania Twain’s 1997 megahit “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and laced with alluring Asian string instrumentation against a modern R&B production.
“Shhh” is the follow up to Erika Tham’s 2021 debut release “Admit It” also co-written with Deion Gill and Major Myjah. The track landed on Spotify's 'Fresh Finds: The Wave' and received positive praise from Earmilk, HollywoodLife, Noctis Magazine, Ones To Watch, Raydar Magazine, Viper Magazine, Wonderland, among others. The acoustic ballad version, which arrived with a video this past November, featured Brian Kennedy (Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson) on the piano and grabbed the attention of Teen Vogue who listed it as their "pick for Best New Music Friday."
Erika Tham sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember, but I think the turning point that made me want to pursue it as a career was when I discovered songwriting. I had moved to LA and taught myself how to write and play the piano and once that happened, music became all I wanted to do.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
In terms of artists that influence me, I’m not too sure, to be honest. I listen to almost everything and I like to keep a really open mind when I make music. But in terms of who I’d want to work with in the future, there are so many artists! I think someone that would be really cool to work with is Future. I love playing with my vocal tone and really leaning into the lighter almost whispered parts of my range, so I think his deep voice would be a really cool juxtaposition to that. Not to mention I’m just a huge fan.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the pandemic?
Sometimes not being able to be in the room with someone when working through the details of something very complex and nuanced, like a mix, for example, can really slow down the process. But thank god for zoom and screen sharing!!
4. How would you describe your sound?
Sultry and immersive.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
It might seem kind of minor, but I went live on Instagram the other day on a whim, not really thinking anything of it and was completely overwhelmed by how many people came on and shared how much they’ve been loving and listening to my music. I guess I spend so much time in what can feel kind of like a bubble - going between the studio and rehearsals etc- that I sometimes forget that there are really people out there being positively affected by the work I put out.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
The hours in the music industry can be pretty wild.. its definitely not a 9-5 job so be prepared for some all-nighters and some really early mornings. Invest in your sleep hahaha.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I’ve been listening to Ash Leone a lot lately! I think she has an incredible pen… so raw and so specific.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
That new Adele… ugh </3.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Travel and spend time with the people I love.
10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water, a big cosy sweatshirt and my phone!