Erica Lynn

Erica Lynn has been singing since fifth grade, but her path to the microphone took an unexpected route. She started as a violinist, and at her school, you couldn't play an instrument and be in chorus. Rather than choose, she became the first person in the Millcreek School District to join the Vocal Ensemble as an instrumentalist. That's where her love for singing truly ignited.

Her biggest musical influence is Freddie Mercury. "I love how he was unapologetically him," she says. "That is what I aspire to do. I have a different voice that I embrace and hope other people like it as well." That authenticity defines her approach to performance, playing both sides of her voice—the softer, sing-along melodies and the aggressive screams that cut through the mix.

Before taking the mic for Storms Within, Erica paid her dues on bass guitar in Heaven's Lost and A Bed of Razors, and lent her vocals to Immoral, Scarlet Veil, Outspoken, and Never to Suffer. It was A Bed of Razors that connected her with Tom and Ron. When that band dissolved, Tom asked her to front the new project. Storms Within took off from there.

When she's not onstage, Erica plays with fire. Her current musical obsession is Dead Poets Society, though she'll admit to a soft spot for 90s R&B that might surprise fans of her heavier work. The best live show she's ever witnessed? Ghost in Youngstown, Ohio. If she could share a stage with anyone, it would be Queen—obviously—along with Evanescence, Iron Maiden, Linkin Park with Chester, and Janis Joplin.

"This band is my baby," Erica says. "I have been through so many ups and downs with it through the years. I have played with so many amazing musicians, and it has become a family. Every person gets to add their own creativity to the project, and I love getting to make music." Her message to fans: "I appreciate every listen, stream, and view. That is what success is to me. Getting music to people's ears that I have involvement in. So, thank you."