Erika W. Smith

Location

Chicago, Illinois

School

Boston University

Expertise

The Beatles, Bob Dylan, 1960s pop

Erika is a lifelong music fan with a particular interest in the '60s and '70s, sparked by a teenage obsession with the Beatles and Bob Dylan.
She loves going to concerts in Chicago, where she lives.
She began playing piano at eight years old—but the classical music she studied was very different from the pop and rock music she listened to in her downtime.

Experience

Erika studied journalism in college and had some of her early pieces published by Boston.com, as well as student publications. Upon graduation, she interned at BUST magazine, kicking off a career in women's lifestyle media. After holding staff positions at BUST, Refinery29, and Cosmopolitan, she went freelance with pieces published in Vogue, PopSugar, and Consequence. Erika has interviewed Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokno, covered the reasons behind the high cost of concert tickets, discussed political activism among Swifties during the 2024 presidential election, and dissected The Beatles' history of talking about self-love. Erika joined Static Media in 2025, where she writes extensively about travel and music. Along with journalism, she has published a book, "Astrosex: How to Have the Best Sex According to Your Star Sign."

Education

Erika double-majored in magazine journalism and English literature, earning bachlor's degrees from Boston University. She spent a semester studying abroad in London.

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Focused on accuracy and ethical coverage, the Grunge editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.

Stories By Erika W. Smith

Music

Music By Erika W. Smith

High School Hits Every Teen Of The '90s Will Remember Forever

For anyone who was in high school in the '90s, certain songs stick in your memory, taking you back to a time before cell phones, social media, and skinny jeans.
By Erika W. Smith Read More
Music

Music By Erika W. Smith

5 Cover Songs That Sound Better Than The '70s Original Version

You have to admire artists who take a song beloved by fans and remake it, and some covers of '70s songs ended up even better than the original tracks.
By Erika W. Smith Read More
Classic Rock

Classic Rock By Erika W. Smith

If These 5 Classic Rock Bands From The '70s Ever Reunite, We'd Drain Our Bank Accounts In A Heartbeat

When a reunion tour goes right, it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and there are some '70s classic rock groups that many fans are hoping get back together.
By Erika W. Smith Read More
Music

Music By Erika W. Smith

'70s Flop Songs That Tanked With Critics But Soared With Rock Fans

In the 1970s, music critics didn't hold back, but they sometimes misjudged rock fans, who adored critically panned songs by legends such as Queen and Bob Dylan.
By Erika W. Smith Read More
Music

Music By Erika W. Smith

Hit Covers Of Classic Rock Songs That Fans Actually Hate

Take a hit classic rock song, give it to an A-list musician, and watch the money roll in. Job done? Not according to fans of the original, in these cases.
By Erika W. Smith Read More
Music

Music By Erika W. Smith

This Iconic Ballad Held The No. 1 Spot The Longest In 1968

The Beatles still hold the record for the most No. 1 Billboard hits, but this 1968 classic was also the song that stayed at the top the longest for them.
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Music

Music By Erika W. Smith

5 Love Songs From The '70s That Sound Even More Emotional Today

These five songs from Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, and other artists have only gotten more romantic, moving, or poignant with the passage of time.
By Erika W. Smith Read More
Music

Music By Erika W. Smith

5 Songs From 1970 That Nail The Meaning Of Life

From anti-war protests to environmental pleas and cathartic advice that would put any therapist to shame, these acclaimed songs from 1970 cut to life's core.
By Erika W. Smith Read More

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