Q+A with singer Erika June Christina Laing of rock band Working Breed on writing about relationships, opening for Jefferson Starship, and performing with wings
Looking for a unique show? Check out Working Breed. The art rock quartet’s high energy set features costume changes, high kicks, and singer Erika June Christina Laing wearing giant blue light up wings. They are currently writing a follow up album to their successful sophomore LP, “Gaslighter.” The band has played Pittsburgh’s prime venues, including an opening slot for Jefferson Starship.
Over a phone interview, I talked with singer Erika June Christina Laing about songwriting, opening for Jefferson Starship, and wearing light up wings onstage.
Band members: Erika June Christina Laing (Lead vocals, musical saw, trombone, synths), Michael Dugan (Lead guitar, backing vocals), Jake Churton (Bass guitar), and Tim College (Drums).
Starting Out
Josh: When did you start playing music?
Erika: I started trombone in 6th grade, I worked really hard in that capacity. My dad was a big time rock and roller guy. I saw it in my life, growing up it was part of something that seemed really cool to me, being in a band and writing songs.
Josh: When did the Working Breed originate?
E: In 2014, I met Mike Dugan, who is the guitarist in Working Breed. From the first rehearsal, we just were like, “Oh, this is a band project.”
Live shows
Josh: Any memorable shows?
E: We opened for Jefferson Starship at South Park Amphitheater. Yeah, it was pretty cool. There were like 6,000 people there.
Josh: That’s amazing. What’s a Working Breed show like?
E: I think it’s definitely hallmarked by energy. There’s an eclectic nature to it. I wear a big cape that hides my outfit and then at the beginning of the first song I reveal it. Dugan’s running around and doing all these crazy jumps while he’s playing guitar. Jake Churton plays the bass with us and the two of them really run around a lot behind me. It’s very intense and chaotic. But we’re really tight at the same time.
Josh: Fans are getting entertained all over the stage.
E: Exactly. If you’re gonna come spend some money or even just your time with us, I wanna give you a f*****g great experience. I want you to have dinner and a show.
Creating and performing at the No Doubt “Tragic Kingdom” anniversary show
Josh: Last year you created the No Doubt “Tragic Kingdom” anniversary show.
E: Yeah thanks for writing about that.
Josh: What was it like playing that show?
E: We knocked it out of the park. We had so much fun. Everybody there knew all the words. I’d look in the audience and someone would be losing their mind with happiness. I had 6 costumes.
Original songs
Josh: The song “Deep End” really sticks out. Was there any type of inspiration behind that one?
E: That song is actually the shortest song we ever wrote. It’s this fun inclusivity kind of song. Let’s get crazy together. Let’s lose our minds together. Jake Hanner is the person we recorded it with. I was doing these vocal takes and he said every time to do it more snarkier and bring out the inner cheerleader in me.
Josh: Your inner Gwen Stefani came out.
E: (laughs) My inner Gwen.
Josh: For “Break Free,” did you write the lyrics or music first to that one?
E: I think the music came first. I remember very distinctly writing the lyrics to this album. I just sat down and wrote 3 or 4 of those songs all at once. I was going through a breakup. The real point of “Break Free” is that sometimes our suffering in life comes from things breaking apart. You’re trying to hold it together. It’s like a flower that’s blooming and you’re trying to keep it closed like a bud, it has to bloom and then the petals have to fall off. It’s just how life works and you can’t hold it together. It’s gonna hurt you to do that. You have to break free and let it go. You have to sing your song. The world wants your voice in it, you know, the world’s incomplete without your voice.
Josh: Do you have any favorites to play live?
E: So when we play “Crow’s Nest,” I put on these light up wings. And then I do this whole dance. The breakdown goes way longer and I run into the crowd with these blue light up wings. I bring people inside the wings and close them up.
Josh: You say this nonchalantly, like, ‘You know, I just bring them in with the wings.’
E: (laughs) I do. I’ve done it so many times, it does feel a bit nonchalant. I actually get a lot of really amazing feedback from that. It’s special and intimate in a way. I pick different people to get in the wings every time.
Up next
Josh: What’s next for the band?
E: It’s time to put out a new album. We’ve been working on new material and we’re booking gigs. I hope we’ll be in the studio by the end of the year.
Josh: That’s exciting.
E: There’s nothing really better than writing music. I mean, playing it is such an honor. I love performing. I am in the moment more than any other time. I’m a conduit of the universe and it’s just happening. The magic is happening and it’s so exciting. In terms of music by itself, if for some reason I could never perform ever again, I’d still want to be writing music because doing that is just so unique and special.
Check out music by Working Breed on streaming platforms and keep up with their upcoming shows by following along on Instagram and Facebook.
Upcoming shows
- April 27: Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Opening for Babes Against the Machine
- May 1: Poetry Lounge – With Evan Dean Band and Nino Albanese Trio
Check out last month’s artist of the month here!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
