Unstoppable: Ericka Guitron on Touring With Jason Derulo (Episode 73)

You learned how to make music. Nobody taught you how to make a living making music.

Ericka Guitron toured the world as the featured female singer in Jason Derulo's show. Before that, she was signed, shelved and eventually dropped from a deal. She did not let any of it define her limits. Now she is building her solo career on her own terms.

In Episode 73 of The Career Musician, the LA native talks about the business lessons she learned the hard way, how she landed the Derulo tour, and why every independent artist needs a clear vision. Here is what stood out.

From stage fright to center stage

Ericka taught herself piano at eight on her brother's keyboard, and discovered singing at the same age. She hid it. She was shy, timid and had stage fright. Her parents found out in her senior year of high school, when she won the talent show singing Etta James' "At Last."

A performance class in college, almost three years of it, transformed her. She started posting cover videos on YouTube and was discovered by producer RedOne, who was hot at the time from his work with Lady Gaga. She dropped out of college to write and make music full time.

Learn the business before you sign

She was 19 and, in her words, a naive girl who didn't know anything about the business. She got a lawyer through a friend, signed a 360 deal, and then took on a manager who actually worked for the producer. Nomad called it what it is: a complete conflict of interest.

"You've got to find a lawyer who's actually invested and passionate about you."

Ericka Guitron, 9:02

Almost five years later, she had one single to show for it. She also wrote a song that landed in a movie, was not credited, and never received money from it. That is where she learned what a PRO was.

Nomad broke it down. A performing rights organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC registers you as a writer and gives you an IPI number. When your song is used on TV, in film or online, that use gets reported, and that is how you get paid. If you write, sign up with one. Which one? Do your due diligence. Ericka is with ASCAP now.

Her attitude about it all is the lesson: she doesn't regret the deal. She kept the writers, producers and industry contacts she met, and they introduced her to more people. Make Music Your Business, even when the business teaches you the hard way.

Write by day, gig by night

After the deal ended, she wrote during the day and gigged Thursday through Sunday nights. Her first gig was a weekly residency at a Filipino restaurant. That led to more restaurant gigs, then a wedding and corporate agency, then a musician network app that got her two tours.

The way to learn who you are as an artist, she says, is trial and error. Go in the studio. Get on the stage. Find your vibe, your voice and your message by doing it.

The audition that built her confidence

The Derulo audition came from a post looking for background vocalists. About 50 singers sat in a small room, with Jason, the MD and others at a table, and each singer performed in front of everyone. Ericka was sure she wouldn't get it. She even stopped for a full second mid-song. She found out that day that she got the gig.

"I think he just saw in me what I struggled to see in myself."

Ericka Guitron, 18:55

She also learned it is not only about talent. The industry looks for a look, a style and a vibe that stands out. As Nomad put it, it is called show business for a reason. Everything you do is an audition.

To prepare for her first world tour, she played the songs over and over until they were in her bones, so she could focus on confidence, stage presence and connecting. Her road tips: Europe has different outlets, so pack adapters. Bring cold remedies. Build a good rapport with the tour manager.

And take care of your health. She came home from the tour seriously run down, after months of stress, catering food and alcohol flowing everywhere, and says it nearly cost her one of her biggest gigs. Plan for your health before you go.

Time is a different kind of currency

Singing backup on that tour gave Ericka a taste of what she really wanted: to be the one headlining. She came home, rolled up her sleeves and locked in her vision.

Nomad's view: decide early whether you are a side person or an artist. You can make a good living backing others, but if you are an artist, other gigs can distract you until years have passed. Ericka agreed, and put it perfectly.

"You're not looking at the money, you're looking at time, because that's a different kind of currency. Money you could get back. Time you can't."

Ericka Guitron, 32:28

Know your end goal so you know what to say no to. As Nomad says, you are not really negotiating unless you are willing to say no.

The takeaway

Ericka was shelved, dropped and uncredited, and she kept going anyway, with a plan for her music, videos and marketing instead of just putting songs out. Learn the business, take every lesson, know who you are and guard your time. If an audition is in your future, prepare with the free Audition Secrets guide.

Get the gig. Keep the gig. Build the career.

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