This or That with Eric Redd: Balancing Studio Magic and….
Eric Redd is a seasoned artist, known for his charismatic performances and an electrifying presence both on stage and in the studio. With a background rooted in dance and music, his ability to command an audience is unmatched, blending music with a visual flair that leaves a lasting impression. His career spans decades of collaborations, performances, and creative ventures, making him a distinctive voice in today’s Electronic music scene. To get a glimpse of Eric’s unique perspective on creativity and performance, we sat down with him for a fun “This or That” session, where he shared his preferences on various aspects of his artistic journey, to dive deeper into his creative process and see how he navigates his world in music.
Studio time or live on stage?
It’s a toss up. I probably love live on stage more because two of my favorite things are watching people dance and interacting with the audience, and wearing costumes. Nothing is more enjoyable that watching the reaction of the audience on your first entrance wearing something amazing. I’m of the belief that no one comes to see you look like ordinary person and many times someone is living vicariously through your career!
Larger stages or intimate club gigs?
Larger stages. I need room to move! And give me as many musicians as I can fit. Nothing like having a full complement of musicians, dancers, singers, crew, lights, effects and a show. Intimate clubs are great… but it pales in comparison to creating an event.
Collaborating with other artists or solo production?
Always collaborating. I love feeding off of others, and the amount of inspiration that comes in collaboration. It’s always disappointing for me something when a project is finished and everyone goes home. Many times, that’s the last time that magic will happen with that group of people. Solo can be a nice moment. (I do most of my background vocals alone) but I still miss having someone to share it with in the moment.
Lyric writing or melodic composition?
Lyric writing is what I love. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work too well in groups for me. I love working with the life I’m living and the inspiration from the day to day. Sometimes groups of writers overthink the process. I’m sure many times those situations lead to big hit records, but the process is a drag for me.
Big city energy or laid-back beach vibes for inspiration?
BEACH. All day, every day. I’m born on a California beach. I’m so grateful that is my upbringing and where I get my most positive energy, inspiration and creative fortitude. Big cities are great for vibe and energy, but as I grow in life and settle more everyday into my own artistic sights, I find bigger situations are perfect for a younger generation of artists. Once you’ve established a rhythm of life, you can be easily sidetracked by all the noise. Too hard to focus from 9 million voices saying different things.
Focus on melody or focus on rhythm?
Rhythm tends to rule my universe. Maybe that’s me being a dancer first. Many great records don’t inspire me because I don’t enjoy the rhythm. And, the rhythm of the natural voice with no instruments is one of the most beautiful things in the world for me.
Early morning studio sessions or late-night creativity?
Late night. My first demos were done overnight. I didn’t have the money for studio time, so we would work after the studio closed to the paying folks. Midnight to 6am! Then sleep all day. I have an affinity for those hours now.
Improvised performances or meticulously planned sets?
For me, no matter how much you plan, there is a spontaneous thing that happens in live performances. Good luck on a meticulously planned set. You might as well Improvise. I just plan best I can and hope it goes in that direction. Usually, the one to go off-plan is ME.
Releasing singles or full-length albums?
I believe in Albums. If you find a single on the album, great. But I always have more than one idea. And, I’m a person that likes working on several tracks at once. It gives you time to marinate on where the song is going. Many tracks come out completely different than how they started. An album can tell a story of where you are in your life. One single can be hard to capture all you may be experiencing in that time.
Radio version or extended mix?
Toss up for me. Really depends on the track. Sometimes a song is just a song. Other times, a song can really have a groove that needs room to show all its peaks and valleys. The bad side is when you get an extended version of something that really is just a nice short song with a complete story. Overkill.
Eric Redd’s deep connection to rhythm, collaboration, and live performance continues to fuel his artistry, whether he’s creating late at night in the studio or igniting a crowd on a large stage. His passion for music, movement, and the spontaneity of the live experience makes him a singular presence in the world of Electronic music. As he balances the beauty of improvisation with meticulous production work, it’s clear that Eric Redd remains a master at his craft, constantly evolving and adapting to new creative challenges.
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