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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
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Follow on Google NewsArtist Spotlight
“Call It” by Sunset Salore stirs an anthemic tapestry of self-worth
![Sunset Salore](https://honkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/D-17-e1722025257597.jpg)
The Melbourne-based artist, singer, and songwriter Sunset Salore, known for her enchanting alternative pop sound, returns with “Call It,” a compelling declaration of self-worth that’s both a breath of fresh air and a sonic revelation. This track, the first sneak peek into her upcoming EP, ‘Love Kills the Monsters,’ draws clear inspiration from the charismatic styles of Florence & The Machine, Meg Mac, and Baker Boy musical influences. It’s a unique blend of haunting melodies and profound lyrics that addresses the frustrations and disappointments of leaving that often go unnoticed but collectively signal that it’s time to make a change or reclaim sanity.
“Call It” doesn’t tiptoe around the issue with anyone ever feeling undervalued in relationships. It dives headfirst into the micro-moments of relationship dynamics that wear down one’s spirit, capturing the decisive moment when one realizes one deserves more and demands better for oneself. Sunset Salore’s assertive vocals soar over an alternative pop soundscape, making it impossible not to feel the empowerment in her words. What makes “Call It” stand out is its ability to convey a universal sentiment through deeply personal reflections that channel vulnerability into strength.
Musically, “Call It” is a shining example of her sophisticated artistry in production. It was written during a crucial stage in Salore’s creative and introspective period, allowing her to dissect those critical life-changing moments. This makes the song relatable and impactful, enhancing the emotional journey without overshadowing the poignant message.
Sunset Salore challenges the societal tendency to shy away from labeling relationships, emphasizing that how we treat each other holds more weight than any label ever could. Her bold assertion, coupled with her enchanting vibes, make “Call It” a sonic anthem for anyone navigating the crossroads of their self-respect and relationship expectations. It simplifies the equation and raises the bar for what we should demand in our relationships and from ourselves.
For more information about Sunset Salore, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sunset Salore’s “Call It“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Sunset Salore | Instagram | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
Plasma Chasms sparks a cosmic love affair with “Interstellar Baby”
![Plasma Chasms](https://honkmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/D-4.png)
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Electric Rabbit Studios, Plasma Chasms’ masterfully crafted latest single, “Interstellar Baby,” is an auditory odyssey that flawlessly blends the timeless charm of vintage soul with modern psychedelic twists. Formed in 2020 by the dynamic duo of Australian Jane Drewett and American Adrian Guerrero, Plasma Chasms have steadily carved out a niche in the indie-pop scene with their retro, gritty, and rhythmic garage sound, and this track feels like a dream, with shimmering, otherworldly sounds a testament to their evolving artistry.
From the first note, “Interstellar Baby” envelops the audience in a cosmic embrace reminiscent of the golden era of Motown. The interplay of Jane Drewett and Guerrero’s vocals stands out, dripping with soulful intensity and complemented by lush strings and horns that evoke the spirit of Marvin Gaye. This sonic adventure through time and space, guided by the rhythmic heartbeat of Latin percussion and R&B grooves, creates a harmonious balance that’s soothing yet invigorating.
The track’s impeccable production quality allows each element to shine while maintaining a cohesive, immersive sound. The new layers of psychedelic rock subtly interwoven into the fabric of classic Soul/R&B create a familiar and refreshingly new soundscape that transports listeners on a cosmic elevator ride through each floor, revealing a different flavor of psychedelia, from blissful reverie to rhythmic euphoria.
“Interstellar Baby” is a stellar example of their innovative fusion, the third single from their much-anticipated debut album, ‘Chrysalis.’ This song promises to leave listeners eagerly anticipating what’s next, with catchy hooks and soulful delivery. Take the ride into Plasma Chasms’ world, and let “Interstellar Baby” transport you to a place where vintage soul and modern psychedelia meet in perfect harmony. By the end, you’re left humming the tune.
For more information about Plasma Chasms, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Plasma Chasms’ “Interstellar Baby“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Plasma Chasms | Instagram | Facebook |
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