Erica Lynn shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Erica, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly, and as out of character as this may sound, I’ve found my calling in an unexpected place: the Fire Service. Back in May of this year, I took a leap and joined our local volunteer fire department alongside my 14-year-old daughter, who’s absolutely fascinated by everything EMS-related. I thought it would be a fun bonding experience for us, but I had no clue just how much I would end up loving it.
Coming from a family with a history of firefighters—my father and sister both served—I suppose it was just my turn to carry on the legacy, even if it was with a different department. What’s incredible is that being part of this team has filled a void I didn’t even realize I had. It genuinely feels like I’ve joined a family dedicated to serving our community and making a difference.
One of the highlights for me recently was participating in ‘Shop with a Hero,’ an amazing event organized by the Pennsylvania State Police. It was such a rewarding experience. The best part? The kids get to pick their heroes for the day. I was paired with the sweetest girl, and we had an absolute blast together, connecting with fellow public servants from all corners of our county. It was a heartwarming reminder of the impact we can have when we come together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey there! I’m Erica, and I’m all about pushing boundaries. I’ve always loved to step outside the box, especially in areas where many women might hesitate to tread. Back in the day, I wasn’t just another face in the crowd; I joined ‘boys only’ sports like wrestling, football, and throwing for track and field. Little did I know, these experiences ignited my passion for first responding.
In high school, I took on the role of student athletic trainer, which kick-started my college journey. But plot twist. I switched gears and dove into criminal justice instead of medicine. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I ended up working in the legal field at the Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. Yet, my true passion has always been music!
While sports were fun, my heart belonged to singing. I was the first in my school district to blend playing an instrument with singing in the vocal ensemble. Whenever I had the chance, I snagged a solo. Once I wrapped up my high school music journey, I picked up the bass guitar. I guess I wasn’t ready for the spotlight just yet.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself fronting my current band, Storms Within, which has been rocking for over a decade now. Being a frontwoman in a rock/metal band has been a whirlwind journey of self-discovery. For a long time, I was the only woman leading an original band in our scene, but things changed after the pandemic.
With the local music scene booming, my guitarist, Tom Wurst, and I decided to highlight the incredible female musicians making waves. That’s when Eerie Siren Productions was born. What started as a simple way to book Storms shows turned into something much bigger. We created ‘Female Feature Fest,’ showcasing fantastic musical talent from several states right here in Erie, Pennsylvania. This past year alone, we hosted 18 acts from three states for a full-day fest.
We’ve also sponsored several of the area’s major original music festivals, doing our part to keep the positive momentum going in the scene. It’s been an exciting ride, and I can’t wait to see where music takes us next.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Oh wow, let me take you back to my 7th grade talent show. Picture this: I borrowed this leopard print cheetah robe. I was determined to steal the spotlight with my rendition of Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle.” I practiced day and night, belting out those high notes until I was pretty sure I was close enough.
When the big day arrived, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. I hopped on that stage, feeling like a superstar in my quirky robe, and sang my heart out. I remember that magical moment when I hit the last note, the brief pause of silence, and then—bam! The crowd erupted in applause. It was a rush like no other!
Standing there, soaking in the cheers, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. I had done it! I took a leap of faith, and it was worth every second. From that day on, I never looked back.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep your head up, things do get better. You will grow up to be a very strong, independent-bad bitch, who knows who they are and won’t back down from anything. You’ll get there.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Integrity. Staying true to your word is a principle I hold in the highest regard. I often find myself emphasizing this value more than any other. Once someone breaks that trust, I find it difficult to regard them as anything more than an acquaintance, regardless of past connections. Without your word, you have nothing. Those closest to me know that is very important to me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I honestly don’t care. I just hope my children remember me as a great mother.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stormswithinofficial.com/
- Instagram: @Stormswithin814
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StormsWithin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stormswithin5657
- Other: Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/stormswithin?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3JanBhCPARIsAJpXTx5-oIJ8_qKit2bdeDQT4HtQYUvTzIvy0ZQDbQ0UeDsl9ZSqlZpqre4aAu0PEALw_wcB
Eerie Siren Productions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087443624475
Image Credits
@Warren Anderson
@Rob Stroul
@Noah Maloney
@Nina Miller
@Justin Heckathorn
