In this high-energy episode of The Travel Brats, we hit the road (and the beach!) with international country-rock and Trop Rock sensation Erica Sunshine Lee—a Georgia-born firecracker with a passport full of stamps and a guitar full of stories. Known as the “hardest working woman in country music,” Erica shares how she built her music career from the ground up—touring 20+ countries, releasing 10 albums, and writing over 1,800 songs. We dive into her wildest tour stories, weirdest fan encounters, favorite tropical destinations, and the real-life moments that inspired hits like “Same Ship, Different Day.” From house concerts in backyards to floating stages in the Bahamas, Erica’s life is one wild, musical ride—and she brings the sunshine to every moment. Whether you're a travel lover, music fan, or dream-chaser, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and a whole lotta heart.
Q: Erica, would you kick us off by telling us more about yourself? Where did you grow up, and how did you become the country star you are today?
A: I grew up in a small town called Elberton, Georgia, population 5,000, the granite capital of the world. I loved my small-town upbringing, where you know everybody, and people are genuinely there for you. I was raised on '90s country, '90s rock, and R&B, so music’s just always been in my soul. But it wasn’t until after college that I really dove into it full-time. I sold everything I had and started touring—literally living out of my car and playing all over the globe!
Q: You perform for big venues and small! What does a year typically look like for you?
A: It’s nonstop! I average about 250 shows a year, from major festivals to intimate house concerts. Typically, I start out in Florida. March has been Texas and Colorado, then Europe in April. In May, I go back to the Keys, then my summer tour goes from Georgia to northern Wisconsin, Seattle to San Diego, and back across the US. I end up in Key West for the winter! I love to travel and perform for all types of audiences across the world, seeing mountaintops to oceans, and meeting people from all walks of life who relate to my music.
Q: For those who don’t know, what exactly is a house show?
A: It’s like your own personal concert—folks host me in their backyard stages, incredible venues where people can come to a listening room environment and hear the intimate stories behind the songs in their beautiful properties, living rooms, barns, or even boats. It’s intimate, interactive, and honestly, some of my favorite performances.
Q: You’ve performed in over 20 countries! What are some of your favorite destinations?
A: Italy, Australia, and New Zealand are high up there. The people are warm, and the views are just breathtaking. Love the connection with my Australian and Kiwi peeps since I toured down under there 6 years, and I’m obsessed with the Italian culture, food, history, all the wonderful country line dancers, and all the amazing people!
Q: Do you have a favorite international audience?
A: Aussies and Kiwis really get into it—they love country and storytelling. Italy too—surprisingly huge country music fans!
Q: What’s the weirdest or most memorable venue you’ve played?
A: Definitely the nudist colony in Northern California!!! That one took the cake!
Q: With hundreds of shows a year, how do you keep your energy up?
A: Coffee, adrenaline, and pure love for what I do. And sleep whenever I can get it!!!!
Q: Travel must-pack item that fans wouldn’t expect?
A: A mini portable blender—I gotta have my smoothies!
Q: Craziest travel experience while on tour?
A: My car once got robbed completely in Orlando, Florida. I lost everything—guitars, clothes, merch. But I made the show, and after I bought a new guitar! But 7 years later, they caught the girl who robbed me, and she had to pay me back! That’s just the crazy life on the road!!!!
Q: You’ve written over 1800 songs and released 11 albums. Where do you find the fuel to keep creating?
A: Heartbreak, joy, travel, life on the road—it’s all songwriting material. I journal constantly and write songs almost daily!
Q: Do you write songs while traveling? Any examples?
A: Absolutely! “Single for the Summer” came to me while I was lounging on a dock in Stock Island, “Champagne” was inspired after I survived my first hurricane, and I wrote “Hearts Still Beat” the night I evacuated Hurricane Irma and arrived at my folks' house in Georgia. A lot of my songs are postcards from my life.
Q: How did your unique blend of country, pop, and tropical rock come about?
A: I grew up on classic country, then fell in love with Classic Rock when I started singing in the Rodeo Clowns band in Northern California. I write from real life, so my travels from Costa Rica to the South Pacific and down the southeast beaches have been responsible for many beach days, surf trips, and many memories made that have inspired my tropical rock side. I love the mountains too, but the beach vibe is so fun, happy, and makes people feel good!! I just combined what I loved, and it’s honest to who I am.
Q: “Same Ship, Different Day” has those beachy country-rock vibes. Where should we be listening to that album?
A: Definitely on a boat or a coast with a cold drink in hand—or driving with the windows down on a road trip to a warm tropical escape!!!!
Q: What’s one of your favorite songs that you’ve written for someone else?
A: “Healing” by Justin Touchette was really special for me because it’s his actual story, and it’s a powerful reminder that suicide should never be an option for anybody. It’s a strong encouragement to tell people, especially veterans suffering from PTSD, never to give up! No matter how bad things get or how alone you feel, you are never alone.
Q: You’re a Georgia girl—how has that Southern upbringing shaped your grit and music?
A: It taught me hustle, strength, resilience, and how to be resourceful, and my parents instilled great faith and a work ethic. I grew up learning Southern manners, hard work, and storytelling. There’s a lot of Georgia, faith, and blue collar, and who I was raised to be in every song I write.
Q: You’ve opened for legends and shared stages with ZZ Top. Who’s left the biggest impression?
A: Brett Eldredge, Randy Houser, and Ashley McBryde are super cool, amazingly talented, and down-to-earth. But sharing a stage with Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top? Iconic. I just stood there thinking, “Is this seriously happening to me right now?” And singing “I Swear” with John Michael Montgomery was a life bucket list check!!!!
Q: Ever had a total fan-girl moment backstage?
A: Oh yeah—when I met Vince Gill and Amy Grant. I tried to act cool (I was actually outside in the snow the whole time watching them because the Bluebird Cafe was sold out), but they both talked to me, took pics, and felt so bad because I had been freezing for an hour. They were so nice and humble!!!
Q: You’re known as a Trop Rock queen. What draws you to the escapism and island lifestyle?
A: I love the freedom of it—sun, sand, saltwater, and that no-worries mindset. It’s a lifestyle that just fits who I am.
Q: Tell us about Key West Chick Fest—how did that start?
A: It started as a girls’ music event and grew into a whole celebration of female artists. My fans, all the ParrotHeads and locals in Key West, show up big, and the support and girl power vibes are incredible.
Q: Mojitos, margaritas, or mai tais—what’s your on-stage cocktail of choice?
A: Mojitos! Or espresso martinis with Jooicy Tits Vodka, but lately some Bourbon on the rocks has gotten me through some hoarse days!!!!
Q: What’s the strangest thing a fan has ever said or done at a show?
A: A guy once proposed to his girlfriend onstage in the middle of my set, riding by the sunset pier on a boat!!! It was so sweet, and she said yes! Another fan, Santa Dan, proposed to his now wife at my set at Kiki’s while I played “I Do!” Such a sweet and unforgettable moment!!!
Q: If you could teleport to any beach right now, where would you go?
A: Koh Tao, Thailand, yes please!!!!
Q: Go-to karaoke song?
A: “Any man of mine,” Shania, “save a horse, ride a cowboy by Big and Rich.
Q: Quick—tour bus snack: sweet or salty?
A: Sweet!!!! Trader Joe’s peanut butter cups.
Q: Country duet dream—who are you teaming up with?
A: Jason Isbell or Stevie Nicks!!!!
Q: You’ve won TRMA’s Female Artist of the Year four years in a row. What does that recognition mean to you?
A: It means the world to them to accept me into the tropical rock world. I do everything independently, so knowing fans and peers recognize the grind, travels, and connection with my fans is the ultimate reward.
Q: You’ve sold over 20,000 records independently. What’s your advice to indie artists?
A: Believe in yourself, hustle like crazy, and treat your fans like gold. They’re your label, and always be authentic!!!!
Q: What’s one “I made it” moment for you?
A: Hearing one of my songs played in a bar in Australia. That was also wild hearing my song on Orlando radio in my brother’s car.
Q: You’re also a children’s book author! What inspired “Billy the Bully” and “Butterfly”?
A: Kids need to know their worth. These stories are about standing up, believing in yourself, and spreading kindness!
Q: You’re heading to Guatemala on a mission trip—how is giving back part of your mission?
A: Music is a platform for impact. Whether I’m donating books, singing songs with kids, or raising funds and helping, I want to be sunshine for other people.
Q: As an honorary Travel Brat, what are some underrated travel gems listeners should check out?
A: Bled, Slovenia, and Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic were both magical Fairy tale towns with alpine lakes and mystical views!
Q: Favorite city to write music in?
A: Nashville for cowriting and collaborating, but also Key West. The creativity flows near the ocean, but I love writing in Montana and the north Georgia mountains as well. They are my little, serene, and scenic escapes.
Q: One bucket-list place you still want to perform?
A: Iceland. I want to sing under the Northern Lights! Or Greece!
Q: What’s your ultimate on-the-road anthem?
A: “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane. Still is my theme song, of course, “On the Road Again” by Willie is a close second!!!