Welcome to The Hogpod! This week, hosts Pete Jansons, Bongo Mike, and Chris Rhodes are joined by the incredibly talented keyboardist and singer, Erika Johnston Miner, a key member of the acclaimed Guns N' Roses tribute band, Sins and Roses.Erika shares her unique journey, starting with classical piano training as a child and struggling to master the guitar as a teenager. After a long hiatus dedicated to raising her three children, she details how the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity to bring music back into her life. Hear about her first terrifying (but pre-recorded!) performance of an original song, the power of networking in the vast Chicagoland music community, and how a message from bass player Mick led her to take on the monumental task of recreating Axl Rose's iconic piano parts for Sins and Roses.It’s a great conversation about overcoming self-doubt, the importance of band chemistry, and making a comeback after finding your passion again!Key Moments:11:04 - Guest Introduction: Welcome Erika Johnston Miner13:19 - Piano Beginnings and the Challenge of Learning Guitar19:22 - Returning to Music: The Impact of COVID and Motherhood22:14 - Overcoming Doubt: Performing an Original Song in a Live Stream Fundraiser24:40 - The Power of Open Mics and Networking in the Chicagoland Scene28:11 - The Call: Joining the Guns N' Roses tribute band, Sins and Roses30:45 - Breaking down the intimidation factor and finding great band chemistryhttps://songwhip.com/erika-minerYouTube → @erikaminermusic326Facebook →   / erika.j.miner  Sins N Roses (Guns N’ Roses tribute) → https://sinsnroses.com/home | Shows → https://sinsnroses.com/showsBooked by Beth Miller – [email protected] | 708-287-3692#TheHogpod #ErikaJohnstonMiner #SinsAndRoses #GunsNRosesTribute #GNRTribute #ChicagolandMusic #ChicagoMusicScene #Keyboardist #Piano #Podcast #MusicInterview #LiveMusic #PeteJansons #BongoMike #ChrisRhodes