She’s back from a sweeping Asian tour. She’s an unapologetic diva with a strong LGBT following. She’s got a new video for her hit single, “You Make Me Wanna Dance” that’s burning up screens of all sizes just the way the audio track did on dance floors from New York to Hong Kong and Manila to Helsinki. She’s No. 1 Billboard dance sensation Erika Jayne, and she slowed down just long enough after shooting her new video to chat with San Diego LGBT Weekly.
As a fan and promoter of Jayne recently said, “You know you’re a success when every single song you’ve released skyrockets to No. 1 and you accomplish all that without a major label machine behind you.”
In fact, Erika Jayne is only one of six artists who can claim the mantel of having every song they’ve ever released go to Billboard’s top spot.
She emerged on the dance-music scene with 2007’s “Rollercoaster.” That track quickly hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play. Jayne’s first chart-topping success was by an encore No. 1 “Stars,” followed by “Give You Everything,” then “Pretty Mess.” Next was “One Hot Pleasure.”
In June 2010, “Pretty Mess” moved ahead of Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro,” Usher featuring will.i.am’s “OMG,” and the Black Eyed Peas’ “Rock That Body.” Jayne’s last hit, 2011’s “One Hot Pleasure,” even clocked in before Katy Perry’s “Peacock” and Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In The World).” All of the aforementioned tracks were released on Jayne’s own Pretty Mess Records label.
Before going to Asia, Erika Jayne “crisscrossed America several times, including headlining the nation’s hottest clubs and festivals.” LGBT Weekly’s exclusive interview with Jayne comes after she captured the attention of Cosmopolitan, Life & Style, the New York Post, and Billboard magazine.
Prophetically, her latest release “Painkillr” just became her seventh No. 1 on the Billboard dance chart. It was released early last month.
“This has exceeded my expectations wildly,” the Atlanta-bred, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter says with all the charm one expects of a Southern girl. “You dream of that, but you don’t imagine it actually happening. It’s beyond flattering. And it’s so satisfying to know that I did it on my own with my own record label. And it just makes me want to push it further and keep evolving and developing as an artist.”
Jayne says she is influenced by Madonna, Michael Jackson and Prince. Music was an early attraction to her.
“My mom was a young mom – 18 – so she would always have the latest music on in the car, but she was also a classically trained pianist who taught lessons in our home,” she recalls. “Music was always playing in the house, which was cool. At 3 years old, I would go in the closet; ask my mom to introduce me; and pop out to put on a show for my family.”
Following is our Q&A with dance’s undisputed rebel diva.
San Diego LGBT Weekly: What cities did you perform in Asia?
Erika Jayne: All over! I just returned from Manila, Philippines where I shot a music video for my song “You Make Me Wanna Dance.”
How do fans, as groups or individuals, differ and compare similarly among the various Asian countries you visited?
Music is a universal language, which brings all people together. There is nothing better than seeing people smiling, singing and dancing to your song no matter what language they speak.
You’ve been noted for independence as both a musician and as a businesswoman – yet you’ve also sought greater “mainstream” appeal. How do you reconcile your independent – heck, let’s call it your rebellious streak – with simultaneously appealing to wider audiences?
Everyone knows I am independent and rebellious but every now and then there is nothing wrong with being a little mainstream. My fans, thankfully, follow me no matter where I go.
Tell us about working with some of the famous producers, musicians and technical artists you’ve been able to gain the interest of through the years?
Making this new record I had the great experience of working with Scott Storch, Aaron Pearce, Justin Tranter and Chris Rodriguez (Semi-Precious Weapons). I had so much fun with these guys and I think we made amazing music together; I can’t wait for you to hear it!
Is there a special connection for you and your gay male fans that goes deeper than other specific demographics among your fan base, or are all fans created equal in your eyes?
All fans are not created equal and I believe that my gay male fans honor and recognize my inner bad girl. So I really whore it up for them on stage.
You’ve said you’re a show girl at heart. Your sense of style is sleek and glamorous – yet somehow never over-the-top. Is that by design or by default?
I tend to wear what I really like but there is always planning involved.
You’ve had several – seven, in fact – No. 1 dance hits. Does the thrill of being at the very top of the dance charts wear off after the first couple of times?
Never. No. 1 is No. 1.
We understand you’re in the studio working on an EP. As has been pointed out, you’ve recently been evolving from your signature dance anthems into an adventurous, brassier 1930s esthetic. Any nervousness about the risks of taking this somewhat sophisticated new turn?
Sure, but it has proven to be great.
How much influence does having been raised by a classically trained musician impact your own artistry?
It has made me somewhat of a prude.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with Flo Rida and your relationship with the funk sound?
I enjoyed working with Flo Rida. He is not only a nice guy, but a great artist. With regard to funk, who doesn’t like funk?
Any tour dates to announce?
We’re planning. So make sure to check out my Web site so you can catch me in a city near you.
What can fans expect from your upcoming EP?
A darker, grittier Erika Jayne.
Anything you’d like to add?
It feels so good to continue making music and performing. I hope you enjoy the new material and come to a show if you get a chance.
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Friday, Oct. 3., Erika Jayne will perform her hits “Painkillr” and “Party People” at Rich’s, 1051 University Ave. Doors open 10 p.m.
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Look out for Erika Jayne’s new EP which is due out this fall, and will debut with the single “Crazy,” produced by Scott Storch. For more information on Erika Jayne and forthcoming tour dates visit erikajayne.com
