In this interview spotlight, I chat with Eric Val about the latest single Tragedy, why he is donating all proceeds to Recovery Community Connection, his motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
My name is Eric Val and I am from Williamsport, PA. Creatively what inspires me is what is going on in my life, whether it be negative or positive. Whichever emotion I am feeling at that time inspires me, whatever genre of music I am listening to,or whatever chords come through my fingers, I go with it and hold nothing back. I see no limits, no lines and I go with what fuels my fire and soul at that particular time and place. Which leads me to my style and genre that I describe as “Diverse Music With A Hard Rock Edge” or “Diverse Rock” for short. I never limit myself to one sound, tone, genre, place, thing or idea. I love all types of music and incorporate everything I feel and hear into what I create.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I honestly can’t describe or know what led me down the musical path, but the passion for music has been there as far back as I can remember. What motivates me to keep going however is a mixture of a lot of things. There is always some negative emotion that I am feeling that needs to come out. I have never been the type of person to sit there and tell my problems and feelings to you. So I take all of what I am feeling inside and turn into my own poetry and convey it to you melodically. As far as music, I know it has been said before but I truly do love all types of music. I take in everything I hear and let it inspire me. I’m always looking for a new sound and or always trying to combine sounds from as many genres as possible.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over-saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I think you said it best when it comes to the challenges faced in a digital world and that is over-saturation. There are so many artists doing so many things that it makes it harder to stand above the crowd even with a great song. At the same time it is a great thing to see so much talent, be able to show their talent to the world and can be inspiring and does give me that extra motivation to write the best songs that I can. So many lines being blurred and inspiration being used that you can’t help but let it drive you. Technology in my opinion is a great thing even though most would disagree. It enables me to try endless sounds and tones to bring my music to a new dimension. I do believe though, that it sometimes makes up for were talent left off.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
The best place to connect with me is to drive to Williamsport, PA and sit down and have a Jack and coke and conversation with me. I know no one will do that, so the best place is Facebook, Twitter, ericvalmusic.com, YouTube, Instagram, or just send me an email at ericval27@yahoo.com.
Anything else before we sign off?
I would like to add a few things about the new single Tragedy. Tragedy is inspired by the passing of my best friend due to a meth overdose. Then shortly after the opiod epidemic in many areas and all the suicides around the country led me to re-write the song you will hear. With all that, it is dedicated to the ones we’ve lost, the ones left behind and the affect it has on us. Musically, it is a combination of rock, country and classical music. The reaction towards the song and video (who Steve Gibson from Creature Feature Designs helped create) have been no words but rather tears, especially to those who have been through a situation like this. I believe the reaction will be the same for many. Either you will connect with it on a personal level and love it or you will toss it aside and hate it. Hopefully, it will inspire those who are thinking of taking drugs or committing suicide to consider their actions and think of the loved ones they will leave behind.
The reason I am donating all the proceeds from Tragedy to Recovery Community Connection is that first and foremost I cannot, in good conscious, make money off the tragedy of others. Second, they are a great organization and just starting off and need our help. They focus on the years of recovery after getting sober, and preventing a relapse. Which I believe hasn’t been looked into enough. For more information go to Recovery Community Connection on Facebook. There you can find out more information and place a donation.
There are a lot of people I would like to thank but there is not nearly enough room. So I’ll keep it as short as possible. First and foremost is Richard Rupert at Green Valley Recording, my mentor, and then my sister Sara who handles the website, photos, and promotions. Steve Gibson at Creature/Feature Design, all the fourteen musicians on My Gift, My Curse who lent their talent to this album, and my family and friends for all your support.
