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Want to ask Erica a question? The most interesting will be posted here! Fire them at her through the contact page
Q. You've already accomplished quite a lot for a 25 year old. Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now? Also, I love your style! It's very 40s with a rock chick edge to it... - who's style do you admire and why? - Amanda.
A. "I think I can speak for most musicians when I say that no matter how much you've already achieved in your career, you always look for the next big thing. You could be striving to write the next big song that will live on forever or you might be about to play the biggest gig in the world, a musician will always say afterwards "alright, what's next then?". There's something of a Holy Grail aspect to a musicians life. I have a list of 'dream session work'. If in ten years time I've ticked off half of the following artists I can die a happy fiddler. Bowie, Devin Townsend, Nine Inch Nails, Def Leppard, Marilyn Manson, etc…it's actually quite a big list! As far as how I like dress is concerned, I do have a different style though I'm not going out of my way to look individual. I genuinely hate high street shopping, being much more comfortable snooping in charity shops or digging around in vintage stores. I'd be horrified if I was to walk down the street and passed someone who was dresses identically to me."
Q. What music did you listen to growing up? Also, what was the best gig you have been to recently? - Steve, North Yorkshire
A. "A Strange mixture of Vivaldi, Pet Shop Boys, Holst, Roxy Music and latterly Marilyn Manson could be found on my teenage bedroom hi-fi. This could perhaps explain a few things today... Best gig recently has to be Nine Inch Nails at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on my 24th Birthday. We heard someone's post gig review in the pub… "That wasn't a gig, that was a bloody art installation!" An accurate description."
Q. Chocolate or cheese?! - Jane, South London
A. "Cheese! Blue cheeses, smoked cheeses and mature cheddars that burn the roof of your mouth! I would eat chocolate it there was nothing else left in the house. I'm not your typical girl where this is concerned."
Q. Why the violin? Was it something your parents encouraged you to take up or were you inspired by a specific violinist? - David Mercer, Bristol.
A. "My father, Martin Nockalls is a classical guitarist. He initially tried to convince me to take up the guitar over the violin (perhaps to save money on paying for lessons!) but he soon realised that I wasn't interested. After being inspired by Nigel Kennedy's rendition of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, I pestered my folks for a violin and my wish was granted on my 7th birthday. My parents didn't push me into playing the instrument and I thank them for the endless support they've given to me. When a violin is first presented to a child, it doesn't really sound any good until about 10 years in. I have a VERY patient family."
Q. How would I make those sweet potato chips you were telling me about? - Helen, South Wales.
A. "Par boil the potatoes for around 4-5 minutes. Tip them into a tray of hot olive oil (3 tbsp) and a handful of mustard seeds. Dust with vegetable stock powder and add soy sauce and Tabasco to taste. Cook in a preheated oven at 200C for 45 mins - 1 hour turning once half way through. Violinist and chef, Erica Nockalls."
Q. Will you play any Wonder Stuff songs at the Red Bank gig in New Jersey on August 14th with Miles? - Joe, New Jersey.
A. "I'm sure we will! Miles and I play generally play a mixture of our own duo material, his solo work and some favourite Wonder Stuff songs when we take the stage together. Depending on how jovial/drunk we're feeling we sometimes add one or two cover versions to the mix for fun. You'll have to come and see!"
