We’re happy to say we got the chance to interview recording artist Eric Zayne. A few weeks back, we reviewed Eric’s latest release Between Us. His debut EP is currently on iTunes and his latest single “Neptune” is already a hit with fans. The music video for the single has already hit well over 125,000 views on YouTube.
We spoke with Eric about Between Us, his music and influences, and what fans can look forward to from him next.
Read on for our interview with Eric Zayne:
Let’s start off with the basics. What inspired you to start making music?
Eric Zayne: I feel like music chose me more than I chose it. I wasn’t planning on being a musician at all, however my dad did. He pushed for it to happen but I pushed against it. When I was 13 I got evacuated from my home town of Kinshasa, The Congo, without my family. It was so sudden that it felt like I got ripped away from everything I knew and planted in Canada. There, I suddenly started hearing music everywhere, in construction sites in conversations etc…it’s like I was picking it up from everything around. The first time it happened to me I knew this is what I was meant to do. Maybe it was a way to reconnect with my family. Who knows.
For someone who hasn’t heard your music before, how would you describe yourself and your sound?
Eric: I think every music innovator hates that question because I am always trying to blend styles to a point where it becomes hard to describe.
Imagine this. I grew up listening to Prince because of my older brother so at the core there will always be a funky groove, but add the Beatles on top of that, some Pharrell and Robin Thicke and a little Janelle Monae and some electronic influence and you might start to see a picture of my “current” sound.
Are there any musicians or artists that have influenced or inspired you?
Eric: Today, Janelle Monae, Theophilus London, Frank Ocean, Lorde. Back then, Prince, Sade, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder. I loved when my brother introduced me to all that old school stuff. Gems!!
What was the process of creating Between Us like?
Eric: It was meticulous, I knew what I was aiming for. I wanted something that varied between all the complex worlds I heard in my head while still being simple. It would be more about removing elements then adding. It was definitely a “less is more” process. I really enjoyed it! It’s the way I wanna go for future records for sure.
Your latest single “Neptune” is doing really well, especially with the recently released YouTube video. You spoke a little bit before about the premise of the video but what was your inspiration behind that song in particular?
Eric: I was listening to The Neighborhood a lot at the time and just grabbed a guitar and that came out. The theme is about reaching for something unattainable. “You’re my Neptune, glowing out far, calling me closer.” I wanted something ethereal and creepy, something that gave you a feeling of longing for something deep within.
With the success of things like your latest video, how would you say the fan reception has been?
Eric: It’s been a steady growth. I remember when I started it was hard to get a tweet back. Like talking to yourself a lot. Since the online success, everyday I get people telling me they heard and loved the record or they came to the show and loved it etc. As an artist it’s great to see this exchange.
You’ve been touring around LA lately but do you have any plans for upcoming shows around or outside of California?
Eric: Yes, I am working on a West Coast tour and a European tour early next year.
You recently celebrated your Album Release Party. Tell us a little bit about that experience. What was it like to celebrate something so awesome?
Eric: Ha! Thank you. Normally when I write songs I’m already over them by the time they’re recorded. But this was different. I am so proud of Between Us that it truly felt like something to celebrate.
What else can fans look forward to from you? What else are you working on?
Eric: I am currently working on a mixtape. I feel like I have reached a new level of artistry and have become deeply honest in my lyrics. I am so excited about what’s coming next. I have the next mixtape and next album almost written already. Can’t stop. Too much music in my head. And besides that, I want to have an amazing show, so I’m constantly playing and refining it. So get ready for an experience when you get to see one.
Lastly, seeing as we’re so close to Halloween, care to share any spooky plans you have for the holiday? How do you usually celebrate?
Eric: This weekend I finally went to Cinespia- it’s an outdoor film event hosted at the Hollywood Cemetery. I’ve never actually been in a cemetery before so it was a pretty unique experience to be watching a scary movie, drinking beers and hanging with friends where people are buried.
We’d like to thank Eric Zayne for taking the time to answer some questions for us!
Be sure to check out his latest release Between Us.
You can stay in touch with all things Eric by following him on Twitter.
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