Girls Rock Philly Interviews: Erica

Meet Erica, a former camper and current volunteer, in our second interview of GRP’s ongoing project to highlight the people that make our organization great. Erica’s band Jurassic Shark played our Open House last Saturday. Did you know Jurassic Shark began at camp last year?

Name: Erica Rubin   
Age: 18
Location: Philadelphia
Best Part of GRP Experience: That’s a hard question! God, it’s just so amazing. The energy is just so empowering. I could name a specific workshop I liked or a band practice, but the whole idea of camp; the whole culmination when we have the show at the end is really fun. A great energy is just flowing around. It’s inspiring. I like the whole thing…that’s what I’m trying to get at.
Is that why you’re volunteering this summer? Yeah. It’s going to be the best part of my summer. I mean, I hear that being a camper is better than being a volunteer, but I still think I’ll enjoy volunteering because I’ve been transitioning already. Last year I taught the non-traditional instrument workshop even though I was still a camper, so I feel like I’m really to be a full-fledged volunteer. I can’t wait to see the younger girls, help them out and be a band coach!
What have you learned from GRP? Besides learning how to play instruments, I have learned so much about music, feminism, and just the feeling of being able to rock out and not worry about other people and what they think.
What are your plans for the future? I’m going to Sarah Lawrence in the fall and I’ll try to come back for some events and I’ll be around every summer for camp. I might also do some stuff with the camp in New York, Willie Mae Rock Camp.
Are you going to start a band when you’re in school? Yeah! There’s already a band I might be joining because their bass player moved. The band is made up of some campers and interns from the Willie Mae.
What are you listening to now? I am really into Grass Widow. I’ve only heard a few songs off of their new album, but I’m excited to hear the rest of it. Allo Darlin’s new album is really great and lots of stuff like X-Ray Spex.
Do you have any advice for this year’s group of campers? Don’t be afraid to try things you’ve never done before. A lot of girls think they have to have some kind of experience with like bass in order to play it, but you really don’t. You can really do whatever you want and it’s really fun. Don’t be afraid to try a different instrument in your band than the one you’re doing in your lesson. Last year one girl played a banjo in her band even though they don’t offer it as an instrument.
Why do you rock? I just do! Everyone who goes to Girls Rock Philly rocks because you’re doing something really awesome that not many people do, you’re standing up to people who might say you can’t do it, and you’re making music and having fun.

Want to be a volunteer for Girls Rock Philly? E-mail volunter@girlsrockphilly.org or attend one of our information sessions in West or South Philly!

Do you know someone who should be featured on Girls Rock Philly Interviews or would you like to interviewed? E-mail laura@girlsrockphilly.org!