Irish pop and R&B riser Erica-Cody returns with her latest single ‘last man standing’, a sharp, self-aware release that marks the beginning of a bold new chapter in her evolving sound. Known for blending slick production with confident delivery and emotionally honest songwriting, she continues to cement her place as one of Ireland’s most exciting contemporary voices.
Created during a studio session with Ollie Marland and Welshy, ‘last man standing’ captures the complicated emotional space between hope and reality in modern dating. With a mix of vulnerability and wit, Erica-Cody reflects on holding onto potential rather than truth, delivering a track that feels both relatable and refreshingly candid.
With strong streaming support, growing international recognition, and her wider creative platform Rally GRL championing women-led spaces, Erica-Cody is stepping confidently into a defining phase of her career. We caught up with her to talk about the inspiration behind ‘last man standing’, the story behind the journey, and what this new era represents.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
’d been singing and dancing from the age of 4. I started songwriting very early, from the age of 7 but when my mom got diagnosed with cancer when I was 10/11 that’s when I got a guitar and it progressed from there. Writing to guitar and piano led me to producing my own music. One Christmas I got an iPod touch and started producing and recording demos on that. By the time I was 16 I did my first real gig supporting WizKid in Dublin and from that when I caught the bug of “Oh this is what I want to do!”. I come from a very sporty family, my dad was a professional american basketball player, my mom was an all ireland squash player and gymnast. So I grew up juggling music & basketball, even considering playing Division 1 college basketball in the states. By the time I turned 18 music just kept calling me back and I was starting to take it seriously on a professional level, writing, performing and releasing so I knew basketball in the states was no longer my dream. I continued playing basketball professionally in Ireland, enrolled in BIMM to study vocals and got a scholarship through the affiliate college. By the time I was 19 I tore my ACL which now I count as a blessing in disguise, and the rest is history!
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Brandy, SWV (just to name a few!). I grew up around 90’s R&B and Hip-Hop so by nature it just comes through in my music and I always try to pay homage to those that shaped me and my sound. I’m also a big lover of Pop and dance, especially Y2K so I suppose I would like to marry them all together.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
When I tore my ACL playing basketball, it really put everything into perspective. It was during a time when I was young and impressionable and finally around like minded peers while studying at BIMM and doing shows, recording & releasing. I’m a big believer in signs and it really felt like the universe was pushing me towards my purpose.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
It really depends and changes all the time. I’m constantly on my phone writing, whether it’s lyrics or melody. I find I usually find my process the easiest when life throws me a curveball and I write as I’m going through it, it helps me process different situations I may be going through. It’s like I write in blocks at a time, other times it’s usually just a fleeting moment I need to write down or record into my phone and I bring them to the studio and we go from there. As of lately though, I’ve really been going through it (breakups make great art) and I feel I’ve been writing some of my best stuff yet and haven’t been able to stop. So in this case I’ve got an album of song ideas I’ll flesh out with my producer in the studio. I always like coming into a session with an idea first, but always open to starting from complete scratch too.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Real life! My music is basically my diary that I find somewhat cathartic to share with the world lol.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
You can have it all, you can do anything you set your mind to & always lead with a good heart. It might get hurt in the process but that’s the beauty of life.
What challenges have you faced as a rising artist in the music industry?
Being an independent artist the biggest hurdle is MONEY and having to juggle a million different things just to make ends meet while still finding the mental space to stay creative. Everything costs money, shoots, shows, touring, listening parties, videos, LIVING. Add being a young woman in music too, but that’s a conversation for another day – maybe even a podcast lol
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
How my music has reached people and places beyond my wildest dreams. For me its all about the connection. I started music because it was a safe space for me to express myself and find solace. Through that I felt a sense of community, there’s no better ‘why’ then to hear your music has helped someone through a tough time.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
Again, always come back to my ‘why’ i started in the first place. To connect and dance!
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
Definitely a full length project (album), and some drops from my upcoming lifestyle clothing brand Rally Grl it’s really my baby that I think puts everything I’m doing creatively across music and fashion in one world for those who support me can enjoy. For now just a TONNE of music.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
At the Grammys.
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Listen to Erica-Cody’s new single ‘last man standing’ below.
Photo Credit: Martin O’Neill
