Getting To Know… Eric Redd

f: Hi Eric, it’s a pleasure to chat with you today, how are you?

Eric Redd: Nice to chat, I’m very well, thank you for asking.

f: Please tell us where you’re from and how you got into making music?

Eric Reed: I am originally from Inglewood, California. My early beginnings of song writing started while in the musical ‘Cats’ in Germany. A producer asked if I would come in to make a demo. The song was in disarray but had a catchy melody. I wrote a few lyrics, and we recorded it. Later, that song would be key to my first record deal.

f: You’ve been quite the vibrant career as a dancer on the US TV hit show Soul Train, a world class ballet dancer and a performer on London’s West End shows. How did the transition from dancer to recording artist come about?

Eric: Once I started writing, I loved the way a song went from idea to recording. Like dance, it seemed to have a choreographic structure. I’ve always loved to sing, and in musical theatre, the two are the perfect marriage. Eventually, once my own stories took the lead I found dance didn’t have the same spark it once did. Dance music was my modern-day Soul Train, so it was a natural fit.

f: Who did you listen to growing up, and do they influence your music career at all today?

Eric: As a Soul Train dancer, I listened to most RnB and Disco artists of that time. Lots of those musical artists are reflected in my writing style. But one artist influenced me the most: Diana Ross. Her career has been the ultimate chameleon. Group Singers, Solo Artists, Pop/Disco/Jazz, Actresses, T.V. stars, the list goes on. I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer, not just a singer or dancer.

f: How would you describe your sound?

Eric: Electronic Soul.

f: What was your first release? 

Eric: ’50 Ways to Leave Your Lover’ – a cover of a Paul Simon classic (Jive Records).

f: Which of your own tracks was the biggest labour of love to create?

Eric: ‘Tears Don’t Cry’ – At the time, I had massive personal life changes coupled with the realisation it was time to take my career into my own hands. My mental and physical voice was changing, and this producer recognized it. An amazing producer and crazy genius, Tommy (Bisdee), re-produced the song every time he heard it. Getting the song out of his computer and released took years. It went through a million hands to be released because I wanted it to be in my artistic universe. It was my story and needed to be told.

f: And what has been your biggest release so far?

Eric: ‘Push’, written and recorded in Panama. It was my personal conversation with myself about moving on. All I needed was a little Push from me.

f: You’ve just released your new single ‘Where There’s Life’, what’s it all about?

Eric: After years of performing, travelling and living in America, I knew time was up, and I needed to move on. I started my recording career in Europe, and it was calling me back. I didn’t know what location, but I felt it all through my veins when the time was now. The refrain, “Won’t you tell me where there’s a life for me…” is my heart begging life to point me in the right direction.

f: The single was produced by David Anthony, who has worked with Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys. and Yolanda Adams, among others. How did you guys get together?

Eric: David was the remixer on 2 of my previous singles, 54 and Push. In fact, the breakout charting remix of Push that led to its success was David’s. As well as David being an amazing producer and remixer, his melodies as a pianist give voice to a million ideas for me. He has the magic touch.

f: You’ve released five albums to date, including most of the recent ‘Tears Don’t Cry’ (2022) and ‘Life….with Subtitles’ (2023). Have you any plans to make a new one?

Eric: I am writing a new album as we speak. Hopefully to be released later this year (2025).

f: Having been making music since 2010, how has your sound grown and changed over the years?

Eric: Gratitude. In the beginning, I really wanted to be heard and recognized as a singer. My ego was raging. I wanted hits. I sang loudly and made big choruses. As time has passed, the songs have more meaning. The beats and melodies have more colours, and my gratitude for being able to share my ideas is paramount in the creation. I am now humbled by the opportunity to touch people through my art.

f: Who or what inspires your songs?

Eric: Life, the love of movement, dancing, people, gratitude, the future. sounds – all sounds and grooves.

f: You’re also a live performer, what can we expect from an Eric Redd live show?

Eric: A journey. You will watch, listen and participate. You will let yourself go and be in the moment. You will sing, you will dance and even get close. You will make noise. You will go home smiling.

f: What’s been your favourite gig so far this year, and where are you most looking forward to playing next?

Eric: Well, we are early in the year… My favourite so far has been at the Velvet Room in Barcelona, Spain. A small, intimate jazz club where I mix singing jazz, soul and RnB. The audience never knows what’s coming, so the response has been amazing. I always look forward to playing Ibiza (Spain) in the summer for a house music crowd that is always ready to party.

f: Have you any pearls of wisdom to offer artists who are just starting out?

Eric: Try your best not to compare yourself to others. Each gift you are given in this life is unique. You should develop it as a singular, beautiful part of yourself. Love yourself. In all the highs and lows, you are your own best friend and best cheerleader. To stay in this business, you will be the one to save yourself from any heartache and disappointment to keep moving forward.

f: Which dance track holds the most precious memories for you? 

Eric: ‘Spring Affair’ by Donna Summer. As a young dancer, when Donna started making records, I began hearing dance rhythms differently. The electronics blew my mind. I was entering dance contests with my T.V. partner (Cheryl Song) to her music, and we were on fire. It began a relationship with dance and disco music that changed how I felt about dancing, writing lyrics and creating songs forever. 

f: Who are your top 3 current producers?  

Eric: Miguel Migs, David Anthony and Dr. Packer.

f: What else is in the pipeline for Eric?

Eric: First up is a dance music EP/Album for summer 2025. Then straight into summer tour dates coinciding with the beginning of a new Electronic dance flavoured Christmas album that I’ve been wanting to create for years. Busy days ahead. Exciting!!

Eric Redd’s ‘Where There’s Life’ will be released on Traxsource Promo on February 9th / Full release on February 24th 2025, on Electronic Soul Records.