Musician Erica McCauley is making a name for herself as TheARTI$t in the world of rhythm and blues. Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, this queer soul singer is becoming one to watch with a growing catalogue of new tunes.
She has acquired over 38 million streams from a loyal fanbase and her projects are getting bigger. In 2023, she released ARTchives and the following year ARTchives: The Gallery came out to resounding acclaim.
In 2025, her EP Who I Am debuted and fresh collaborations have began dropping in 2026, such as “go again” with Nate Taylorr on January 23.
The ARTI$t took a break from recording in the Windy City to talk about her artistry recently.
JN: (Jerry Nunn) Did you originally want to be a singer?
TA: (TheARTI$t) No. I was a basketball player before singing fell into my lap. I worked as a teacher for many years and I love kids. That was my last job before I started singing professionally.
JN: Does it feel good to pursue music full-time?
TA: Yes, it’s a blessing.
JN: Where does your stage name come from?
TA: It was originally Erica The Artist, but I dropped it because everything I do embodies art, so now it is TheARTI$t.
JN: I thought maybe it was an homage to Prince.
TA: A lot of people say that.
JN: What artists have inspired you?
TA: Growing up, it was Jazmine Sullivan, Justin Timberlake, Anthony Hamilton and Chris Brown. R&B has always played an important role in my life since I was a kid. It’s crazy that I am doing it now, but it makes sense from my childhood.
JN: Did your family listen to R&B music often in the house?
TA: Yes. My mom played it all the time, especially on Sundays when she was cooking and cleaning.
JN: What brings you to Chicago?
TA: I am working on my debut album. I started recording it here and I have three more days to work on it. It has been going well and I am working with other creatives. I am learning and enjoying bringing other people into my world.
JN: Is there an artist that you would like to collaborate with?
TA: The music I listen to is the artists I want to work with, like Kehlani, Usher and SZA. I will perform with anyone I can relate to and be emotionally available around.
JN: Think about how your voice could blend with SZA. On your single “the way” you worked with Hennessy, so talk about that experience.
TA: Hennessy is from Providence, Rhode Island and she is a friend of mine. We wanted to work together, so I sent the record over to her. We just shot the video a couple of days ago in New York.
JN: Where did you make the “Ghost” video?
TA: The song originated in LA, so it made sense to keep it all in Los Angeles and film the video there. ”Ghost” was a great record and allowed to me to get together with a lot of musicians.
JN: Do you like all the traveling with this job?
TA: Yes, and it looks like I will be on the road for a while. God is good and I look forward to more traveling.
JN: Is a new tour planned?
TA: Yes, my team scaled back on things because logistically it made sense. I want to make the best show possible. It will come soon, but it just depends on the timing, so when the opportunity presents itself, we will be ready to go.
JN: I saw you have an upcoming show in London on March 6. What is the Brixton Jamm?
TA: It’s a historical venue that, when an artist’s career progresses, they often play there. It is my first headlining show, so I am excited to be a part of that history.
I want to connect with another part of the world. I have been to Europe a few times, but not like this, so I am looking forward to it.
JN: How do you curate a live show?
TA: There will be a lot of sexiness going on. They are usually very diverse and filled with love. People cry sometimes and it’s a healing space. It’s a communal time for everyone and that’s how I like to make it.
JN: Where does your fashion style come from?
TA: Since I was a kid, I was always dressing up. My mom introduced me to the thrift stores at a young age. That is my go-to for clothing.
JN: Your mom must be very proud of you.
TA: She is and my whole family is proud as well. I will still have a lot of work to do…
JN: Is “On the Floor” your Valentine’s Day anthem?
TA: It’s a sensual song, but it doesn’t give away too much. I want to leave people wanting more and I had a lot of fun creating it.
It speaks to some of the situations I have been in and while it wasn’t recent, I could still tap into those feelings of wanting and yearning.
JN: How did you create your breakout track “Sober”?
TA: “Sober” came out of a sobering place where I was able to see everything that I went through in a past relationship. Normally, when a person is drunk, others will say the true emotions come out, but I think it’s the opposite. I called the song “Sober” to let the world know I was in a place of understanding and clarity where a drink or anything else would not alter me from that.
I try to be as honest as possible with my music and you never know when someone else needs to hear that. I want to help others with my songs.
JN: Have you heard from the queer community about these lyrics that resonate?
TA: I am not going to lie, the LGBTQ+ community supports me the most, whether it is at festivals or shows. I appreciate it so much. Others might try to shut us down, but they can’t stop us. We are worthy as much as anybody else.
JN: Chicago has a major Pride festival every year.
TA: That is my scene. It is beautiful to see everyone being so free. I went to my first Pride festival when I was 18 years old and I didn’t know what to expect, but I had a great time.
It all shows that we are not alone in this and we are stronger than people think.
JN: How would you describe yourself to people who haven’t heard your music yet?
TA: I would describe myself as someone who tries to be as real as possible. I am all about community. My songs are my stories, but I think of the listeners first. If someone is on their last limb and if they needed a song, I want to make a song to save their life.
If it encourages a person to walk away from a toxic relationship, then I feel accomplished. They can fall in love again with the right person for them.
That is my thing. If you are someone who believes in love and that’s what you embody, then welcome.
JN: Are you single?
TA: I am and I think my wife might be waiting for me in London. We will see what happens when I get there in March.
Follow Erica’s musical journey @thefcknartist on social media.