Eric Redd Talks Summer Plans and Upcoming Projects in Exclusive Interview
Eric Redd, a dynamic Artist known for his innovative fusion of House, Soul, and RnB, has continued to captivate
Eric Redd, a dynamic Artist known for his innovative fusion of House, Soul, and RnB, has continued to captivate audiences worldwide throughout his four-decade-long career. With his creative drive sustaining high momentum, Eric Redd continues to put forward his fresh creativity, delivering new collaborations, including his recent hit ‘Nobody Knows’ with Hady Tarek and exciting performances alongside his electronic band and trio.
This summer, Eric Redd is set to light up stages across Barcelona and Madrid while exploring the festival scene and preparing new releases. Eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for this talented Artist, we caught up with Eric Redd to talk more about his summer plans, upcoming collaborations, and how he hopes to spend his time outside of music. So, dive in as we explore the evolving journey of Eric Redd and the promising projects that lie on the horizon.
Hi Eric Redd, how are you?
Good, thank you for asking.
Can we start by talking through what you have planned for your summer? Are you doing any travelling?
It’s been an interesting start to summer. We released ‘Nobody Knows’ (a collab with Hady Tarek) which was met with a great reception. I worked on a few different styles in the winter and spring, so this is a welcome confirmation of stretching my wings. The first couple of shows with my band in Barcelona got my new live show out in the world, and now I’m headed back to NY for new recording sessions. More releases are coming in the later summer months. Also, more Jazz/Soul shows with my smaller trio in Europe. I’ll be back in the US in the fall.
You made the move to Spain during the last year. Tell us, how have you been finding the summer months in a new country? Have you noticed any major differences from the US?
It’s very interesting here. They really come alive in the late spring, getting ready for the summer of music. Once the festivals begin, everyone really lets their hair down. Funny enough, Europe makes American summers seem pretty tame. Never expected that at all.
Should fans prepare for another release over the next few months?
I have 2 more releases coming over the summer. I was in the process of writing another album, but because I did two albums back to back (‘Tears Don’t Cry’ and ‘Life with Subtitles’), I felt like it might be best to give myself a breather. I love making full collections and was into starting a new one when I hired a full horn section for my new band. Completely changed my writing style. Stay tuned….
Are you planning to perform anywhere during the summer? What live appearances do you have coming up?
Most of the performances this summer will be based in Barcelona and Madrid. I’m working to give my band time to get to know each other and create a sound that merges my newer work and older classics. I’m also performing regularly at a Jazz Club in Spain (“The Velvet Room”), so I have an opportunity to experiment with my writing skills. Those evenings I do House, Soul, and RnB in a swingy jazz-flavored soundtrack. My trio really challenges me to create a new way of singing on those shows.
You recently collaborated with Hady Tarek for your track ‘Nobody Knows.’ Can you share if you have any more collaborations planned?
I’m doing another two collabs with Hady. I have one upcoming with my favorites, Booker T and Graham Knox Frazier. A creative young genius, Cody Breitlinger, has been bringing some new unexpected heat. My collabs are never complete without doing a duet with one of the fabulous females out there in House music. (Barbara, Dawn, Gisele, Crystal???) Schedules are nuts for everyone but we’ll see….
Which events, festivals, or shows are you planning on attending this summer?
I did one night at Primavera Sound and will also be attending Sonar in Barcelona. Black Coffee and Honey Dijon in Ibiza are on the calendar. A few days at the Paris Olympics are on my go-to list. Much of my time is working on new material, so it’s a stretch this year to get to the airport.
How would you say the summer influences your creativity? Are you more productive or do you find yourself drawn to different hobbies?
I love performing live in the summer. It’s a great time to connect with audiences who are in a great mood. Usually, in the summer months, it’s important to enjoy my life so I have something to write about. Most of my songs are about my experiences. I spend most of my free time at the beach with my dog, Tank. Because it’s so insanely hot in August in the Mediterranean, I plan to do some beach recording with a portable studio. I love summer for creating.
With your band Electronic Soul, what are you hoping to achieve next in terms of live performance? Are there any new elements or styles that you wish to incorporate into your shows?
I created ‘Electronic Soul’ to merge the elements of Digital House Music and Electronica with the analog force of nature and musicality within Soul and Rhythm and Blues. Also including re-imagining Soul and House classics and bringing live horns, bass, and drums merged with computers. My intent is to fuse all of these together to create my own flavor in the live show format. Many artists are doing this now, including Beyonce, but because my beginnings are the sounds of “Soul Train” and my personal recording catalog is mostly House Music (and my recording work with CTA/Chicago), I have a varied taste while creating, and all of those flavors will be on display within this new project.
What are you most looking forward to as we look ahead to your summer and the rest of the year?
Evolving. I spent many years trying to fit into many different musical communities, trying to find my own way. Now I appreciate the road traveled and want to lay the groundwork for something that is singularly my own vision. I’m looking forward to taking this new project back into the US. For several years, I did my own Christmas Charity show in New York that donates clothes to the less fortunate in the cold winters. I paused that for a year because I felt like the true direction of my mission was getting lost. I’m excited to get back to that. Giving back is always what I look forward to the most.
As Eric Redd looks ahead to a summer brimming with creativity and music, his enthusiasm for pushing his artistry whilst remaining authentic to his tastes and influences appears evident. With his journey marked by a relentless pursuit of musical excellence and a deep connection with his audience, Eric Redd keeps his motivation high, continuing to be driven by a passion for music creation and ambition to innovate performance within the Electronic Music space. A talent to keep on your radar, Eric Redd is one not to miss, so keep up-to-date with his latest news and projects by following him across social media.
Eric Redd Online
