Introduction
Rising UK singer-songwriter Erica Manzoli has quickly become one of the most intriguing new voices in alt-pop, blending diaristic lyricism with a cinematic visual flair that feels entirely her own. Fresh off the release of her striking new single Dear Other Woman, she’s already turning heads. She has a confident artistic identity that reaches far beyond her years. From crafting songs in her teens to studying at the prestigious BRIT School, Erica’s path has been shaped by early ambition, personal introspection, and a love for storytelling across both sound and image.
In this candid conversation, she opens up about her creative beginnings, the inspiration behind her latest single, the making of its dreamy, moonlit video, and what fans can expect next — including her newly announced EP, First Girl On The Moon, arriving February 27, 2026.
Interview
Chris: First, Erica, I’d like to say congratulations on Dear Other Woman’s release, which I think is a fantastic single. How did you first get into music, and what made you choose to head off to the BRIT School in Croydon, UK, which I gather is not easy to get into?
Erica: Hi Chris, it’s so lovely to chat, and thank you so much for your kind words about Dear Other Woman. I’m really happy you like it. I’ve always loved singing. I’d sing in the car, put on little performances for my family, basically any chance I got. When I was about thirteen, my friend’s older brother was dating Raye, before she was famous, and she went to the BRIT School. I thought she was the coolest person ever, and it made me want to go too.
Chris: Raye?! So, ending up at a place like the BRIT School was an inevitability. At what age did you write your first song?
Erica: I think I was always making up songs when I was younger, but I probably started writing properly around sixteen. That’s when I began playing them for people at school.
Chris: What would you be doing now if it weren’t for your music career? The music video for your recent song, Suzy Loves Sam, points towards a potential directing or acting career?
Erica: Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve always loved visual media, so maybe I’d be doing something creative in that world. Directing or playing around with videography would definitely be something I’d want to explore more.
Chris: Did any particular artist help inspire Dear Other Woman? Both the song and the music video?
Erica: The song came from a really personal place, so the lyrics were inspired by my own experiences. Visually, I was inspired by those 1920s cardboard moon photo booths that used to be at country fairs. For this video, we actually built a six-foot moon out of fibreglass, and I’m sitting on it. I love it so much.
Chris: Could expand upon the song being a letter to “the other woman”?
Erica: It is a fictional letter that imagines how I might feel if someone ever crossed a line with the person I love. It is not a situation I would wish for, but it is something I have thought about. Being someone who sits on the asexual spectrum means relationships can feel a bit complicated at times, and there have been moments where I have wondered what might be easier for the person I am with, even if it would be difficult for me.
Chris: Having just released this track, what’s next for you? An EP, by year’s end?
Erica: Yes! My EP First Girl On The Moon comes out on 27 February 2026.
Chris: That’s fantastic to hear! So, off topic, and just for fun: Do you sing in the shower? If so, what songs?
Erica: Of course! I love singing Em Beihold songs. She writes such sweet and catchy pop tunes, they’re perfect for the shower.
Chris: Thanks, Erica, and for the recommendation – I’m also a shower singer! I appreciate all your time responding to these questions – wish you all the best and every success.
Closing
With a magnetic blend of vulnerability, imagination, and visual artistry, Erica Manzoli is carving out a space that feels wholly her own in today’s pop landscape. Dear Other Woman marks an exciting new chapter — one that hints at even deeper storytelling to come. As she gears up for the release of First Girl On The Moon, it’s clear she’s an artist to watch closely.
Many thanks to Erica for sharing her story and creative insights.
Chris Garrod, November 17, 2025