Harvey Miedreich | Fashion and Advertising Photographer

Erica Viegas

I’m willing to bet if you frequent Edmonton coffee shops, read the Edmonton Journal, watch Global News, or are a post secondary student you’ll know all about Miss Viegas. She’s been on the front of the paper (March 4, 2010), she is featured in the March 2010 edition of Profile magazine (which can be found in coffee shops and on campuses around town) and she was the highlight of the news (March 16, 2010) all within the last month! All this attention for Edmonton’s own music star Erica Viegas! Erica just released her first CD (She gave me a copy and It’s absolutely fabulous!) which you can buy on her website (www.EricaViegas.com) , iTunes, Megatunes or  CD plus. Although, I found myself answering more of her questions than her of mine, she lives an inspiring life fulfilling lifelong dreams and following her heart. You can find more information about her at The Edmonton Journal   and watch her news clip about 44 Minutes into the video on Global’s website here. I’m sure (like many artists we have featured) you’ll be seeing more of her around town. Just a small note to highlight Erica’s humanitarian work the small print on the back Erica’s CD case states “A portion of the proceeds from this album will go to One! International Poverty Relief to support children in Mumbai, India” You can click the link to donate to a great cause. 

Who are you?

I am a singer/song writer from Edmonton and a person.

The super hero who impressed you most as a child was…

Anyone who could fly.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

India, [I asked Erica about the festival where they throw coloured powder all over the place because this festival has always facinated me and as it turned out she has actually been in India for that festival. This is how she explains it.] We went to India when I was 7, we spent 40 hours flying there and everyone was exhausted. We got into the cab and whack (colored powder hit) right on my mom’s face and she screeched “What’s going on” and then she realized what day it was. It is really fun and it’s really colourful.  

What do you do for fun besides art?

I love to hang out with my friends and eat. Music is always a big part of everything. I also do a lot of volunteering with different charities around the city.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully making music and hopefully just being really happy. 

What inspires you to create music and how do you keep motivated when things get tough?

People mostly inspire me, connections with people, friends and family and people that do inspiring things. Sometimes it’s the loss of connection that inspires me a lot too. I write about anything that touches my heart.

Describe your perfect bite…

I am the biggest foodie ever and I’ve never turned down a bite of anything. [But if you were going to die in 20 minutes and you could only have one last bite of food what would it be.] It would probably be some type of Malaysian food. Tropika is my favourite restaurant in the city.

What Genre of music do you consider your music to be?

Poppy Folky.

Who are your major influences?

Sarah Slean, Chantal Kreviazuk, Regina Spektor, Serena Ryder people who are just coming up, they aren’t huge but they have great careers and fans who really love them. Sarah Sleen, I went to one of her shows and the whole audience sings in harmony with her. They know all the words and all the harmony parts and I think that would be so cool to play a show where everyone knows your music that well.

Could you briefly describe your music making process?

Lately it’s been all over the place; usually I just sit down with my guitar or my piano and the words just kind of come out. Lately on the way to work on the LRT I’ve been having  these nice little thoughts that pop into my head so a lot of my songs have been started on the LRT and then I’ll go home and put them into music.

Where can people buy your music?

EricaViegas.com, megatunes on Whyte, cd plus in Sherwood Park or iTunes.

Where can people find out where to see you play?

My website

My Most significant moment is…

Lately my most significant moment is when someone comes up to me and says they really like my song. [When they say] it made me laugh or it made me cry , that’s the best gift you could ever have.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?

Oh, my refrigerator is gross, probably a lot of food that should be thrown away.

What advice do you have for an artist just starting out?

Just try and get in front of as many people as you can. Edmonton has so many open stages and places you can perform if you want to. Take lessons and keep at it, I’m still doing it and still learning, that’s the best way to do it.

 Erik Hornung

I can describe Erik as a talented photographer and friend who has bought me water at various coffee shop’s around town. He supports the Edmonton Humane Society by photographing all the animals that are up for adoption and by creating promotional photographs. You can often find him at a downtown Starbucks working away and if you recognize him, be sure to say hi!

Describe your perfect bite

Oh goodness.  It would have to be a good espresso. [Must be pretty strong if you’re chewing it!!]

Where’s the best place in town to get a good coffee?

In a pinch, Starbucks. If you have more time, Leva (by the university). Best place to go. It’s run by a young Italian family.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I just steal it from other people, it’s what works out best for me. I’m joking. It just comes to me. I get my ideas from people I look up to. I take stuff I don’t like and see if I can make it better.

Who do you look up to?

Big fan of Joe Buissink and Ansel Adams.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

I just got back from Hawaii I’d love to be there again so I’d like to wake up there.  A big beach McKenna (Maui).

What’s in your camera bag?

A couple Canon 5d Mark II’s, I just got a 7D  which I can’t wait to try out as a backup or main camera. I have a 50 1.2  200 2.8 some batteries and cables of some kind. I carry my laptop in it.

Favourite walk around lens?

50mm F/1.2

What do you do for fun other than photography?

I like going to the movies, I’m addicted to it. I like the whole experience, paying the overpriced  $13 dollars. Putting up with annoying people behind you, the popcorn, the pop, the smell. The whole experience is great.

Favourite movie of recent times?

Up in the air, fantastic movie I highly recommend it. It should have won some more Oscar’s.

Favourite movie of all time ?

Reality Bites.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs, hands down.

Favourite music?

I like everything, I just got the new gorillaz CD which is awesome. I’ve always been a diehard Pearl Jam fan.

Any advice for photographers just starting out?

Practice Practice Practice, you can’t shoot too much.

Don’t forget to check out Erik’s awesome work here