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Hi Eric, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Hey 🙂 I’ve been alright, I think! Trying to hop back and forth between my artist and production and writing brains…it’s a lot. Also focused on staying sane (which I am sometimes successful with!). I hope this pandemic is treating you well!
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “I JUST NEED TO GET AWAY”?
For sure! It’s a song about life, being broke, not fitting in, rejection, and the need to get away from absolutely everything. I wrote it a while ago, pre-COVID, but it’s definitely relevant to now, so I hope it helps people!
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
Absolutely! I was broke, full of anger, and I had given up for a moment…I was trying to figure out what “steady” job I could do and be happy because I didn’t want the rest of my life to just be rejection and pain. I know that this song is a turning point for my career because I do finally feel more comfortable in my own skin.
Any plans to release any sort of video for the track?
Yessir! We got a little crazy for the video so it’ll be pretty awesome!
How was the recording and writing process?
I wrote it in one night on my acoustic guitar while imagining it on electric. The room was pitch black besides for a little light coming in from the side so I could write in my notebook.
Recording was pretty simple! I tracked my guitar and lead vocal, and then my buddy came over to program drums with me. The next day another friend overlaid guitars and bass. I was going to leave the record like that, but my other drummer friend showed me some drum samples from his rehearsal space and it was such a fantastic mess. Such a gritty sound. So he laid down a real performance and it was perfect for this song!
What was it like to work with Adam Hawkins and Chris Gehringer?
They’re both fantastic!
I love Adam because he helps me sound like me. I do a lot of processing and engineering myself previous of him getting it, but he takes the caterpillar and turns it into a butterfly! He kept it true to my sound as well which is unique. Most mixers do their own thing rather than mold to the producer.
And for Chris, he was really great because he’s such a pro, has an amazing sound, and wants to get it right for the artist. I’m so particular and both these guys exceeded any and all expectations.
How did those relationships develop?
I reached out to Adam’s manager and spoke to him about what I’m looking for, who I’ve worked with, and sent him demos. It’s really simple with mixers, most of the time. The important thing is we understand each other’s vision.
The same goes with Chris! I’ve worked with Sterling Sound since the beginning of my career. Everyone is great over there! But for this particular song, and for A LOT of what’s coming in the coming months, I love Chris’ color.
How much did they get to influence the song?
The song itself was in a pretty strong place, if you heard the rough it’s similar. But there is an essence of modernity that Adam added besides for a fantastic mix. And Chris just gave it that mastering shine it needed with respect to what the mix was.
What role does LA play in your music?
To be honest, I don’t think it plays any role in my music. I don’t follow trends. I follow my heart. If LA was playing a role I’d be making straight pop music, emo trap rock, or whatever it is that’s on playlists at the moment. I don’t want to be part of that rat race.
How has Nirvana and Everclear influenced your writing?
You know, I used to listen to them a lot. Funny enough though, they haven’t influenced artistry until now. Before I wanted to play pretty songs and sing the blues, which I’m still doing, but over the years I’ve changed as a person.
Recently, I’ve done a lot of rock covers. I’ve been writing since I was eight years old, so I’ve learned how to be a chameleon. I just wanted to write a song with an Everclear 90s feel and this is what I wrote!
Does the new single mean we can expect a new material – how’s that coming along?
I’m planning on releasing a new song every 4-6 weeks for a while. That’s the plan at least. All different styles. This is my 90s rock song and I want to do more. I thought I’d have a bunch by now, but I needed to walk away from producing for a couple months. Sometimes it’s important to take a break and focus on mental health.
Any tentative release date or title in mind?
I don’t know about the album yet. We’re in a single’s market. If something pops off, I’ll release the album. And in terms of a name for it, don’t know. I’ve had names for it, but I’m blanking…how about “Roadkill”? Because most of the songs were written when I felt like I was being hit by a car, metaphorically speaking of course.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LSj3Ml1qImE3dRHEUt1Qu?si=vV5XpTJJRXes0znaUywyIg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eric-dash/1448249838
Website: https://www.ericdash.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericdashmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericdash/?hl=en
