Erica Baxter started modeling at age 15 and built a successful career. However, she has left behind photo shoots and makeup rooms to put together a pop album. Her first single ‘I Spy’ has already had success on Australian charts and radio. Her debut album ‘Through My Eyes’ comes out Saturday, April 28th. OUT in Perth interviewed the gorgeous pop queen in waiting about modeling, music and more.

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OUTinPerth: How did you get into music?

Erica Baxter: I have always wanted to do music since I was little. About 10 years ago I started writing stuff and putting together demos. I’ve just been honing those skills. Then, I approached Sony and got the deal.

OiP: What has been the biggest challenge in becoming a singer/songwriter?

EB: I think it was learning how to translate how you feel into words. I wanted to sing, so someone suggested I write my own songs. So, I sat down and tried to learn how to write a song. How do you actually write it in 4 lines and a verse? That was challenging for me in the beginning. Now, it is easier. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

OiP: Describe the process of writing and creating the album.

EB: I sat down for 3 months with Audius, and it was literally whatever we felt that day. I was quite happy when we wrote the album, so I had to go back into the past to find experiences that I wanted to write about and get rid of. If something really bothers you and you write it, then it clears it.

OiP: How would you describe your sound?

EB: The nice thing about sitting down to write this album was that we didn’t have a style of music we had to do. We had such freedom and no restrictions… I’m hoping we have an acoustic based pop sound. I want it to be something that appeals to the general public. Most of the songs are about emotions everyone can relate to.

OiP: Do you prefer music or modeling?

EB: Music is where my heart is.

OiP: How did modeling prepare you for a music career?

EB: With modeling there are so many opportunities everyday. Some are really great jobs, and you can get down to the last 2 people and you don’t get it. For every 10 jobs you go to, you may get one. So, just keeping at it, helped a lot.

I wrote half an album before this, that wasn’t very good and quite rightly got turned down. Instead of crumbling because of rejection, I went away and did this [album], honing the skills and writing better songs.

OiP: Have you enjoyed performing live shows?

EB: I suffer from terrible nerves. So, it has actually been really hard. At first, I was singing staring at my feet with my eyes closed. It has now become a communication with the people listening and storytelling.

OiP: How do you relax before a show?

EB: Breathing. I try to do some big breaths and breathing exercises.

OiP: If you could perform with any musician past or present, who would you choose?

In a dream fantasy world, I would love to sing with Coldplay or Alanis Morissette or Tori Amos.

OiP: What has been the highlight of your music career so far?

Signing the record deal was highlight. You get a pen with your name and sign the contract and have a glass of champagne. It was like a little ceremony.

OiP: What do you hope to accomplish?

I hope that people enjoy the stories and they can relate to [my songs] in some way. I’m not exactly a Beyonce with lots of dances.

For more on Erica Baxter, visit her website.