Erika Ji

Biography

I’m a cross-genre composer-storyteller who loves soaring melodies, dream worlds, and big passion. I’m inspired by the epic energy of nouveau cirque, the lush soundscapes of classical orchestras, the character-driven storytelling of musical theatre, the immersive power of film & game music, and the authentic heart of indie & nomad folk songs.

I'm fascinated by stories that challenge our preconceptions about what we think is true, good, right, or worth wanting. And my favorite stories make me laugh, cry, feel, and think.

My work has been featured Off-Broadway and around the world at Lincoln Center, the Public Theater, the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, and the Nadia Boulanger Institute. Current & recent projects: VISARE (concept album for an immersive circus experience, winner of the 2021 New Voices Project), Yoko's Husband's Killer's Japanese Wife, Gloria (new musical commissioned by The 5th Avenue Theatre), [untitled hat project] (tiny immersive experience at an eclectic hatmaker's studio, NYFA grant recipient), and music direction for new works like Scarlet Night.

As a conductor, pianist, and vocalist, I've performed on national TV for CBS Sunday Morning, at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco, and for house concerts across the country.

I am the proud daughter of Chinese immigrants. I grew up in California, studied computer science and philosophy at Stanford University, organized the Viennese Ball in San Francisco, and built products at Dropbox before deciding to follow the music. MFA: NYU Tisch.

The most beautiful thing in the world to me is people who care deeply.