Erica Cody is hoping to represent Ireland on the Eurovision stage this year.
She previously told VIP Magazine that she wants to do “Ireland proud” and “give us something international”.
We caught up with her ahead of Eurosong to see how she’s feeling about the whole thing!
Erica, you’re kicking off 2024 with a bang! Talk to us about your new music.
It’s been a long time coming. I had to take a little break last year for a few months to regroup ands where I wanted to go and Love Me Like I Do is the evolution of my sound. It’s exactly where I want be right now.
When did you first decide you wanted to represent Ireland at the Eurovision and how would it feel to do so?
Firstly, it’d be an honour. And to be the first black Irish woman to do it, would also be an honour. I’ve said it time and time again that representation is everything and to be able to represent myself as an artist and on the back of my country would be a huge honour. The Eurovision conversation had been floating around for the last couple of years and I had been approached in the past to see if I was interested in entering a song. It’s all about timing for me and I never felt like it was the right time. Eurovision is such a massive stage and such a huge opportunity and there’s so much room for longevity so I wanted to make sure that whenever I did think of doing it, that I would be in it 110% and give myself the best chance possible.
Growing up, what did you listen to?
I listened to a lot of Pop, R&B and Hip Hop. A lot of my influences are very R&B heavy, being half American especially I got a lot of my influences from the States. Like anything, I don’t like to pigeon hole myself and like to follow my creativity and see where it brings me.
Who had the biggest musical influence on your life?
Oh, I’d say my parents. They’re not signers, artists or musicians in any form, but they love and appreciate music and I grew up in a house where music was always playing – really good music too, whether it was Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Boys to Men, Aaliyah, there was such a spectrum of music. My biggest inspiration in music is Stevie Wonder.
What’s your favourite album of all time?
That’s like asking someone to pick their favourite child! It would have to be Hotter Than July by Stevie Wonder.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I’d say in recent years it would have to be Sza, it’s an incredible show. I saw her in the 3Arena.
What gig are you going to next?
Hopefully Eurovision in Sweden!
Erica’s new single Love Me Like I Do is available to stream now, and catch her try qualify for Eurovision 2024 on the Late Late Show tonight, RTE One.
