Eric Redd, the talented Artist who’s been making powerful waves within the world of Electronic Music, is here with us today in this exclusive interview. Having had a varied and diverse creative career, beginning as a dancer and later developing an impressive reputation as a Vocalist, Songwriter, and Performer in Electronic Dance Music, Eric Redd is no doubt a striking force on the scene. Now, fresh from the release of ‘Life…With Subtitles’, Eric Redd joins us to share an insight into the behind-the-scenes process of his new album, giving us a glimpse into the creative journey as he dives deep into his inspirations and the collaborations featured within the album.
Hi Eric! How are you doing?
Great, thanks for asking.
Congratulations on the Grammy consideration for ‘Life… With Subtitles.’ Can you share your initial inspiration and vision for this album? What drove you to create it?
I really needed to make another album after “Tears Don’t Cry” (2022 release). “Tears” was a musical release of stuff built up inside over years of a pandemic and trying to spread my own musical wings, onstage and off. I was performing a lot in other bands and very unhappy. I love Dance Music and just wanted to hear it and sing it 24/7. So, the “Subtitles” album (hence the title) was built out of expressing all the subtitles of House music running through my heart and head. Tech House, Gospel house, Garage, Drum and Bass…. I’m kinda all over the place.
Tell us about the creative process behind selecting the tracks for ‘Life… With Subtitles.’ How did you curate the songs, and what themes or messages were you aiming to convey?
Well, I knew I wanted funkier, blacker sounding stuff. While also being, “Eric the experimenter” with new sounds. I’ve worked with Rod (Carrillo) forever, and he knows my voice. He sent over a poppy House thing (Real Love), and after one hour, it was done, bv’s and all – good sign. And that was a small touch of all the things I had to say. “Tears” was a purposeful acknowledgement of Hurts and Fears I had internally. “Subtitles” is about moving on to be able to Let go and Let God.
The album features remixes from notable artists like Booker T, Hady Tarek, and Knox. How did these collaborations come about, and how did they contribute to the album’s overall sound?
The people I work with are amazing humans. Never mind their immense talents. You will see the same names repeated on many of my works. An artist creating, experimenting and evolving….is my musical match. Booker T. had been in my sights for years. He’s an architect of where soulful House lives. DJ Czezre is my go-to songwriter and Gisele is my bestie. I’ve wanted to record a faith-based lyric for a long time, Knox takes me to higher ground, while keeping me grounded in my song creation. It’s a joy to ride the waves as the collective reveals itself.
Could you walk us through a typical day in the studio while working on the album? How did you balance creativity with the technical aspects of recording?
Well, there’s no typical day, because I record in many spaces. And many times, the remixers are even further away, while all of us are listening to mixes. Parts were done in Woodstock, New York with some of the writers in a kinda “retreat” style at my house (that encompasses a lot of eating, drinking and crap talking!). Others were done in Barcelona or London. Those ports bring a more electronic headspace for me: different city, different vibe. I record vocals alone, a lot. Most backgrounds vocals are me just vibing to the track and the words come. Once I start feeling something, I marinate over it for days, sometimes weeks, to find the way the vocals need to swing. Once we create a track, I usually need a minute to get a vocal line, then I figure out what I want to say. (Unless “Life” is doing something nutty, I need to talk about it…) The process is an interesting one…and therapeutic always.
Many artists have a favorite track on their album, is there a particular song on the album that holds a special place in your heart? If so, what makes it stand out?
There are a few this time, which is amazing to me. “Will You Move” is about following my inner voice and faith at the same time. Very personal, and to have Gisele singing makes it probably one of the most special songs I’ve ever done. I’ve sung “Give it to me baby” by request at so many events and I’ve always felt a debt of gratitude to Rick James. Booker T gave me the homage I have for so long wanted to do – makes me extremely proud. Hady Tarek’s remix of “All New” is an accurate vision of my internal quirkily futuristic self… A “Jetsons” style vocal, with funky undertones, telling you that it IS possible to re-imagine oneself. Slammin’. Put that on my tombstone, “ALL NEW”
How would you describe the sonic journey of the album to someone who hasn’t heard it yet? And how would you like people to feel when they listen to the album?
“House music…versions of.” You can dance in your head, in your heart or on the dancefloor. There is something for every spirit. This is why it’s called “with subtitles” One track will speak boldly to you, another track will make you feel inquisitive, and the one you don’t vibe at all, pushes on something… and you’ll ask why. If you dare to listen more than once, you’ll feel a head bop on the ones you connect to. That’s what I want. Your soul to Dance.
Collaboration seems to be another central theme on this album, how did working with fellow artists and remixers impact the final product of the album?
I ask everyone’s opinion. Whether I agree or not. I love collabs. It’s how the world should work in my opinion. But it doesn’t, so I make sure it does in mine. Many times (especially with Knox) someone will create a concept so far away from where the song started or what I internally hear, it changes the final outcome drastically. That’s one of the beautiful things of this craft. It forces me to keep my vision wide open. This album was totally created from the visions of all involved (including engineers and mastering people) and not myself alone.
From concept to completion, what was the most challenging aspect of creating ‘Life… With Subtitles,’ and how did you overcome it?
Believing in myself and MY vision. I have wasted so much time listening to others. Life has so much noise. I have outgrown a lot in these last years, and it’s been important to look back with grace and gratitude, then move on. My vision is the clearest it’s ever been. I’ve learned to have a larger respect for my ancestors whose struggles have created some of the greatest art on this planet. Much of that history speaks through me being blessed to experience many things firsthand, that others never will. What I have to offer is singular and deserves to be bought to fruition without worrying about the concepts of earthly needs that are so important to others.
As the album has recently been submitted for Grammy consideration in the Best Electronic/Dance Album category, could you share your initial feelings and reactions upon learning it was entered for consideration?
Gratitude for starters. A lot of warm and fuzzy. But then, challenged. I love to write. I love to tell stories and sing them. I love to interpret the work of those who have inspired me to be in the entertainment business. Having the word, “Grammy” in any association with my work brings me to a higher calling to be my best, try to speak truth to power and stand tall in representing those before me, and the artists I’m lucky enough to work beside.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of your music, and how does this album shape your artistic journey moving forward?
This album taught me it’s my duty to realize my artistic dreams. Many incredible artists I’ve worked with have not been able to continue for one reason or another. Life takes over, and sometimes it’s impossible to get back to it… Not to mention the business of it all. How I’ve been able to maintain a pace of creating this long is nothing but God’s grace laid directly on me. My true aspiration is to make people want to move their bodies, dance with each other again and express themselves unashamedly on the dancefloor (with LIVE musicians). That’s my mission. Not only have I learned I have something to say, but that people are listening and more than that…DANCING!
As we close this interview, we thank Eric Redd for his time and for sharing such a detailed glimpse into his creativity; with such a passionate drive and determination, one thing is for sure, this talented Artist is showing no signs of slowing down soon, as he promises to keep impressing his listeners with his infectiously powerful sound. So, follow him closely and keep up-to-date with him on social media, as Eric Redd is a name not to be missed.
Listen to ‘Life…. With Subtitles’ here
Eric Redd Online:
