When it comes to pushing yourself, your dream and your life ...fortunes smiles to bring us a creative warrior like Erik Dillard. Born in Columbus, OH Erik is the son of proud parents Deacon Lloyd and Evangelist Viola Dillard. The roots of Erik's home are saturated in Gospel, R&B and Soul Music. Erik directed many church choirs and spent time overseas in Japan as the Chief Vocal Instructor for Soul Bird Music School (founded by Hanshin Tigers).
After many years sharpening his chops as a Voice Coach and Studio Engineer, Erik was beginning to lay the foundation for his rising career in entertainment. He released independent projects entitled "Great Thing", "The Basics" and "Gold Fire" under his production company, Kelicolsa Productions (affectionately named after his three little sisters) Keli, Lisa and Nicole. His voice went abroad as he was a featured voice for Andy Holderz "Survive" and Richard Earnshaw "Good Love" in the United Kingdom. Erik's rich beginnings afforded him to move his company to Japan.
In 2006 at 26 years old, Erik earned the opportunity to travel abroad to Japan. In Japan Erik learned to speak bilingually and groomed his passion for developing vocal artists. The entertainment industry is vast. Erik's understanding of this fact, made him one of the most beloved voice instructors at the school. In 2008, Erik began his career on social media. It was here that he began creating short films which even led to a popular series of vocal tutorials, The Erik Dillard Vocal Clinic also filmed in Japan. Upon the end of this magical era in the Land of the Rising sun, Erik used his knowledge in his new thriving ground of Atlanta, GA.
Atlanta created an entire change of pace for the young artist. Erik began showing up in various indie online series shows and stage plays. His most notable production was debuted in 2019. The show was entitled F.E.M. (For Every Man). It was during this show where Erik presented the character Imani Vanzap in front of a live studio audience for the first time. Featured in the shows 3rd act, when Imani graced the screen, audiences laughed and recited her famous lines right along with her. "Fix your Shyt!" and "Because I Like It And I'm Grown". To his amazement, Erik knew he had a hit on his hands. Now, it was just a matter of getting it into the right hands to take things to the next level...!
In 2020 mass hysteria hit the Earth as mankind was ravaged by COVID-19. Such sadness filled the globe. This is when Erik knew it was time to swing his shot! Having tried nearly 8 platform by this point, he finally gave the newest social media app on the block a chance. TikTok at the time was an application not many people took seriously. The skepticism from critics created an open playfield for unique artists; in particular those with theater and performance backgrounds. Erik seized this moment and presented Imani to the world! Within a matter of months, she racked up hundreds of thousands of Followers.
This meteoric ascension sparked the eyes of Georgie Porgie, Award Winning House Producer and Owner of the longest running house music company in the world, I Am House Records. With Georgie's guidance, he and Erik crafted a beautiful journey for the character who is now a growing household name. Imani's unique way of using the "duet" feature in the app allowed the world to see how Erik had the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her most famous mantra "BECOME!" turned into a fully run merchandising company inspiring people to ignore the voice of their past and push forward. Through Imani Vanzap, a record deal and new TV show were both signed. Imani's song ,"Become" is currently topping the charts! The sky is the limit!
The newest endeavor is Erik Dillard's Social Media Masters Class. With all the success he has gained, Erik is passionate about imparting and teaching others. The Social Media Master Class is a vital element to an Artist's platform. Backed by the support of "I Am House" and Georgie Porgie, the class is sure to be a phenomenal experience to all Content Creators and Visionaries alike.