Artist Spotlight
ERIC RYAN: HOW THE RISING STAR IS CONTRIBUTING A FRESH TAKE TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Eric Ryan is a 25 year old recording artist from Toronto, Canada. Eric’s artistry embodies new sounds mixing R&B, Neo-soul, Lo-fi & Alternative influences all into one; diving into & connecting his experiences in love, life hardships & self thought.
Hello Eric Ryan, Thanks for coming to Honk Magazine to talk about your career.
Tell us a little more about when you first got into music?
I grew up listening to a lot of music; my mom introduced me to a lot of rock… like Green Day & Fall Out Boy when I was like 10. I used to fall asleep to the American Idiot album when I’d go to sleep hahaha. My dad on the other hand put me onto Boyz 2 Men, D’Angelo, Usher & a bunch of R&B legends while singing his heart out in the car when he would pick me up for the weekends. I think that had an influence on me cause when I would get home I’d often find myself practicing singing in my moms closet and recording myself via voice memo.
As for writing my own music I was a late bloomer… I think the idea sparked in 2017 when I heard Get You by Daniel Caesar for the first time. I remember listening to it and having tears in my eyes cause it was so beautiful hahaha! I was like “man… if I could write music, I’d want to make stuff that made people feel the way this song made me feel” Fast forward to 2018, I was downtown Toronto watching some of my friends performing their own music at a dive bar and it just hit me… “maybe I should try making my own music. These guys are having so much fun up there on stage, imagine if I could do that”. Fast forward a little more to fall of 2019; I started writing my own songs in my moms basement (they were pretty trash hahaha). However, one thing led to another and eventually I ended up building enough confidence to put some of my songs out into the world. It gained some traction & showed me that there were people out there that actually liked to listen to my stuff, so I felt that I should keep going… I guess that brings us to today 🙂
If you could describe your sound/style in one word, what would it be and why?
Feels. All of my writing comes from the crazy feelings/emotions I felt while going through life/past relationships in ways I didn’t know how to describe at the time.
What would you say to any aspiring recording artists who look up to your work?
If I had the chance to tell Frank Ocean & Daniel Caesar something I’d probably say “Thank you for blessing the world with your art & thank you for saving my life” hahaha
What quote or mantra do you live by?
All Love Always.
What is your hobby outside of music?
I recently started skateboarding again… I find it similar to music as my mind loses track of time when I’m doing it which is pretty cool.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Honestly I have no clue… Just taking it day by day. If I could live comfortably off my music career that would be more than enough. Just making dope music with the homies & spreading love through art around the world is a dream come true. It would also be nice to have a tour or two under my belt…
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why.
Get out of your head. I found that often when writing I’d get overwhelmed/quit cause I’d constantly be over judging my music at every step of the creating process. I learned that you just gotta put it all on the table and worry about making the finer details later once the foundations are laid out.
Dont be afraid to experiment. Whether it’s trying a different style of writing, collaborating, different beats, etc. You might surprise yourself/learn new things in the process. When I was writing Shine, my producer Bryan said “why don’t we try adding strings?” At first, I was reluctant to this idea but then said why not… adding it ended up making the whole song feel way more full/cinematic, making me love the song even more.
Write everything down. Your thoughts, stories you remember, cool sayings you heard in a conversation, movie, etc. They could make for great lyrics/song ideas… Soleil was partly inspired by a story Shqdel shared with me about this relationship she was in at the time… saying that she felt warm everytime she was around him, like how when the sun feels on your skin on a hot summer day.
Don’t compare, You’re on your own journey. Early on, I often compared myself to others and put myself down when I wasn’t achieving the same amount of progress as them… To which I now know is really toxic to the mind. Since realizing that everybody has their own path and I should just focus on my own, it’s taken a ton of weight off my back thinking about my own career.
Never forget why you started. I find that a lot of artists (including myself) often get stressed/distracted by progress, how many streams you have, how much content you’re putting out, etc… and although it is important, sometimes it just gets overwhelming and I’d feel lost at times. Sitting here now, I think it’s just as equally if not more important to remember why you’re here in the first place: for the love of music & creating art that’s true to you.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Honestly I’d say to read the five points i’d listed earlier, hahaha! But if i were to focus on burning out, I’d say don’t compare yourself to others, & focus on creating music for love/fun of it & expressing yourself. I’d also say its important to live your life outside of music… (go on an adventure, learn a skill, fall in love, get your heart broken, etc.) all these life experiences are things you can write about more clearly once you’ve experienced them first hand.
Do you have anything new or upcoming we can expect to see from you?
I’ve got a new single coming out October 14th called Everytime 🙂 Aside from that I’ve been cooking up a bunch of songs this summer so expect to see more releases soon!
What is the inspiration behind your latest song?
When writing Everytime, it made me reminisce about a past relationship I had with this girl… where the love was so toxic but it felt so good to be around her, almost like an addiction.
How can our readers follow you online?
Instagram: ericryanpascual
Twitter: ericryanpascual
Tiktok: ericryanofficial
Youtube: Here
Soundcloud: ericryanpascual
Spotify: Here
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google NewsArtist Spotlight
Nix Dadry unleashes the vulnerable soul of love with “Kiss The Dirt”
Nix Dadry, a solo rock artist, has recently released a new single, “Kiss The Dirt.” This soul-stirring ballad explores the fundamental essence of human connection and creates an emotional journey that resonates with universal themes of love and devotion. The song features John Joe Gaskin’s rhythmic drumbeats and Cici Powell’s soulful bass and vocals. Combining these elements results in a captivating auditory experience showcasing Dadry’s artistic prowess.
The song unfolds like a delicate tapestry, blending Americana, blues, and folk elements adorned with epic grandeur of piano and soaring guitar string arrangements. Dadry’s emotive vocals seamlessly intertwine, invoking a deep sense of emotion and sincerity. They guide listeners through the tumultuous terrain of love despite hardships.
Produced by Mercury Prize nominee Ed Harcourt at Wolf Cabin Studios, “Kiss The Dirt” radiates vulnerability that exudes a timeless quality reminiscent of classic rock ballads while maintaining a contemporary edge. Each note is carefully crafted, and Dadry’s lyrics and instrumentation are intimate and heartfelt, infused with profound meaning, creating a hauntingly beautiful sonic landscape that resonates deeply with the listener’s soul.
Thematically, “Kiss The Dirt” delves into the depths of romantic relationships, portraying the resilience and strength of the unbreakable bond between two individuals who have nothing but each other. It’s a universal tale of love’s triumph over adversity, told with an authenticity that pierces the heart, transcending musical boundaries.
With its evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Kiss The Dirt” is a visceral experience that provides a glimpse into the tender intricacies of the human heart, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s soul. If you appreciate soul-stirring music, “Kiss The Dirt” is a must-listen. It’s an undeniable emotional adventure through the highs and lows of love, making it a valuable addition to any playlist.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Nix Dadry’s “Kiss The Dirt“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Nix Dadry | Instagram | Twitter |
Artist Spotlight
Love Ghost echoes a timeless charm with its new single, “Time Travel”
Love Ghost, the ethereal musical entity hailing from the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, presents their latest sonic masterpiece, “Time Travel,” a poignant fusion of Alternative, Trap, and Emo. In a world teetering on the brink of chaos, Love Ghost fearlessly dives into the depths of human emotion, delivering lyrics that are as haunting as they are captivating.
“Time Travel” beckons listeners into a realm where past and present collide, weaving a narrative of a troubled soul yearning to rewrite history and escape the shackles of trauma. Collaborating with the visionary Mexican artist Yung Dupe and backed by the masterful production of Shantra, Love Ghost crafts a sonic landscape that is both mesmerizing and cathartic.
The song’s ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics serve as a mirror, reflecting the universal longing for redemption and solace. As the haunting vocals intertwine with hypnotic beats, “Time Travel” transcends mere music, becoming a transcendent journey through the corridors of time and consciousness.
The discography of Love Ghost is distinguished for its collaborative efforts with esteemed musicians and its willingness to push the boundaries of musical expression. Love Ghost’s commitment to innovation and authenticity is a defining characteristic of their artistic pursuits, as this particular song demonstrates. This track has garnered significant admiration from enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, earning it a highly-regarded position in their playlists.
The melody “Time Travel” is a charming masterpiece that offers solace to those navigating tumultuous currents. It is an insane sonic odyssey that transcends time and space. Dive into the depths of this song and embark on an unforgettable expedition.
For more information about Love Ghost, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Love Ghost’s “Time Travel“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Love Ghost | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |
-
Artist Spotlight23 hours ago
Ari Fraser Unveils the Sheriff of Sanity in New Track “#insane”
-
Artist Spotlight19 hours ago
LA NEED MACHINE breathes life-reviving wisdom with its new single, “These Old Jeans”
-
Artist Spotlight24 hours ago
Wildstreet delivers intriguing rock’s heartland with “The Road”
-
Artist Spotlight3 hours ago
Love Ghost echoes a timeless charm with its new single, “Time Travel”
-
Artist Spotlight59 mins ago
Nix Dadry unleashes the vulnerable soul of love with “Kiss The Dirt”