Meet Erica Rabner | Singer/Songwriter & Showrunner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Rabner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It may sound simple or cheesy but creators create. While I sang before I could talk, I started my career as a researcher on Sesame Street. I didn’t intend to pursue music professionally but once I started songwriting I couldn’t seem to stop. Once I realized I could combine my love of kids media, children’s education, and music there was no looking back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a singer is a huge part of my identity. Singing is how I play, express myself, process emotions, and it’s also how I entertain and allow others to feel.

Beyond the musicality of it all, I’m interested in using my voice and music for good. I like writing songs for kids whether it’s a prosocial message or a curricular nugget, I like using music to educate.

On the business side, I know how to hustle, work hard, and push myself.

As a freelance creative, I juggle lots of projects and get to play and be excited by different things. Right now, I’m most excited about my climate series, “Lila Goes Viral” about a teen singer/songwriter who accidentally goes viral. If you told me 5 years ago, I’d be co-creating a climate series with Sinking Ship and Amy Friedman I wouldn’t have believed you.

As a freelance creative, some days are easy and fun and others…can be trickier! Being a one-person business means I’m never *just* the creative. I’m also the accountant, “lawyer,” agent, manager, photoshopper, editor, thumbnail artist, the list goes on. As our industry evolves, it’s important to evolve with it. I like skillbuilding and I love collaborating with people who are smarter, wiser, and have been around the block.

In terms of lessons and takeaways, when I take on new projects I like to ask myself if I’m excited about the project. i.e. Will it be fun?! Am I passionate? Am I doing good? Will I get to work with good people? Hopefully those are both true but it isn’t always the case and pragmatically, it’s important to think about the finances of it all too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a great question! I’m a total people pleaser and planner so whenever I have visitors I make a custom itinerary with options so I can guide but they can choose.

Some of my favorite places on my LA hit list are Manhattan Beach to walk along the water and look at the houses. In Culver I love the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook because it gives you a 360 layout of the city and those steps are a sneaky workout! I love hiking and LA has so many beautiful hikes so my dream day often starts with a hike. Same goes for farmers markets! I love starting my morning at RustiCoffee in Santa Monica Canyon then walking around the neighborhood and beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Amy Friedman has championed me as a creative and become both a mentor and partner. She gently guides with grace and is someone I look up to in business and life.

Website: https://www.ericarabner.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericarabnermusic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-rabner-1aa18058/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/kp8WiCohHnA