T.H.E Interview – Eric Redd

We present an exclusive interview that explores the multifaceted world of Eric Redd, a versatile artist who continues to take the Electronic music world by storm; in this interview we learn more about his early days as a dancer on the LA club scene, his journey becoming a celebrated singer-songwriter and performer, and more insights, memories, and experiences from this talented artist.

He shares stories of his early musical inspiration, collaborations, and the evolution of his distinctive style that fuses genres like Rock, House, and Funk. Join us as we explore the life and musical journey of Eric Redd, a true creative force who continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.

T.H.E – Hello Eric! How are you?

Eric Redd – Very good. Thank you.

T.H.E – Can you share the story of how you first fell in love with music, and what inspired you to become a Singer-Songwriter and performer?

Eric Redd – My Parents were avid music lovers. My father was a jazz aficionado. He loved the greats. I came to love Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington, Sarah and Ella through hearing them constantly in the house. He would lay on the floor in front of the speakers to hear all the nuances in the music. I thought it was weird. Now, I totally get it.

I wanted to be a performer because I grew up enamored with Diana Ross. (still am) I loved a lot of other artists, but she was a true chameleon. Continually changing, evolving and tackling new ways at her art. Always with class and style. I saw her up close as a child, actually “ON” the stage. It blew my mind. I was forever inspired.

T.H.E – Your early career saw you as one of the youngest dancers on the LA club scene. How did your background in dance influence your approach to music and performance?

Eric Redd – Growing up dancing on Soul Train, you WERE the trend. Dance trends influenced music and vice versa. It always seemed to go hand in hand. So, I knew if I ever got to make music, it would have something to do with dancing. When I’m recording, if it doesn’t move my body, it doesn’t move my soul. Even with slow songs. My band knows when the groove is right, by the way I start to dance. My internal dance spirit seems to dictate all I do.

T.H.E – You’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of artists, from k.d. Lang to Coolio and Ani DiFranco, to name a few; can you share a memorable experience or lesson learned from collaborating with such varied talents?

Eric Redd – It was always interesting watching how each artist dealt with Fame vs. Art. At a certain level of success, for many, it gets harder to create and learn within your natural rhythm. I learned you have to work hard to hold true to your inner voice. When Bowie found out I had been a ballet dancer, that’s all he wanted to talk about. He loved dance, and wished he had taken more lessons. He reminded me at his level of success how much dance makes an impact.

T.H.E – As a recording artist, you’ve explored a fusion of Rock, House, and Electronica; what attracts you to these genres, and how do you see your musical style evolving in the future?

Eric Redd – I’ve always worked against the grain. I became a ballet dancer because I was told in dance school I wasn’t the right “type” and would never get into a big company. Uhhh. No. Done. After that, I did musical theatre, sang with Rock bands and studied Opera. It’s about evolution for me. I looooove Electronic music. The possibilities seem endless. That said, I loooove Soul, RnB and Hip Hop. It’s who I am… I’m sure I will never stop creating a soup of cultures that amasses with all my experiences.

T.H.E – Could you describe a pivotal moment in your journey from a dancer to a Broadway performer and then a recording artist, and how it shaped your career?

Eric Redd – My Big Fat Ego kept me taking on new challenges. While in Ballet Companies, they felt the “brown dancer shouldn’t be the prince with a white princess”. What? Time to move on… While in “Cats” (the musical) I had to listen to the producers telling two left foot singers how well they danced, Ugh… I went straight to vocal lessons. Then, I got a deal with big record company where I was told that my musical opinions didn’t matter, I was only the singer. The “comfort zone” is artistic death. So, each step has built my confidence to find my own road, tell my own stories and dance to my own beat.

T.H.E – Beyond your music career, you’ve been involved in composing for television and working at BET. How do these experiences influence your songwriting and artistic vision?

Eric Redd – Welp… I’m very proud of this part of my career. I took a job writing background music for adult films. It was lucrative and helped my writing skills (I hired lots of singers too!) Unbeknownst to me, one of top adult film actresses worked for BET and took my songs to them. They called and hired me on the spot. For the next 3 years I did several shows and catalogs for them. I learned so much about engineering, producing and interpreting lyrics to create a visual. BUT, most importantly I learned…To stay artistically open to all, look past the immediate and share ideas freely and fervently…. Collaboration is key, as you never know what can happen.

T.H.E – Your live shows are known for their unique blend of singing, dance, and showmanship, can you walk us through your creative process in crafting these captivating performances?

Eric Redd – The most important parts of my show are how it begins and how it ends. For me, I want the shows’ journey to make your body move. I love watching people dance. Costumes and visuals are important. As is, audience participation. I love to run out in the audience so people can see you up close. Sometimes, I bring someone onstage. Each city, town, country emits a different feel and energy. I try to tap into the vibe of the room and how the band sounds in it, to decide how to get them to let loose. It’s important to welcome the unexpected and deal with it on the spot. You might find the most exciting part of the night had nothing to do with the music! Your last song, should always make them smile.

T.H.E – You’ve had the honor of opening for legendary musicians such as Paul McCartney and Dionne Warwick; what do you believe it takes to engage an audience before these iconic acts take the stage?

Eric Redd – For me, the most important is to be true to YOUR artistic expression and remember you’re there for a reason. To get the evening moving. Give them your best… and be gracious. Audiences can be amazing, even when they aren’t there specifically to see you. But you have to use patience… Many times, the opener gets to deal with a lot of crazy stuff (including fights about seating) right in the middle of your show… You have to enjoy it all… So, they do.

T.H.E – Looking back on your journey, is there a specific achievement or moment that you’re particularly proud of in your career thus far?

Eric Redd – My first record on the Billboard Dance Charts. (“Breathe”) and… I sang at the second inauguration of U.S. PRESIDENT BARAK OBAMA. We opened for Stevie Wonder. The night was surreal. When he shook my hand and said, “We were dancing while you were singing…” Time stood still. Gratitude.

T.H.E – What upcoming projects or aspirations are you excited to pursue in the near future, and how do you envision your music evolving over the years?

Eric Redd – Next, I’m going to make a worldwide touring LIVE House music show. Dancers, singers, rappers, computers, visuals… maybe orchestra? All of it. I love live musicians, and I love Electronic. I’m going to marry the two, using a lot of old school music within a new context. Time to bring some more Funk into da House music genre as well. It’s my aim to get people to put down those phones and get back to shaking dem butts again! I’m also in collaboration with an experimental classical musician to create something strange, but dancey. Stay tuned….

T.H.E – Can you share some insights into how you balance your various artistic pursuits and maintain creativity across different mediums?

Eric Redd – I think you must remember to be a sponge and no matter how the world changes to try to be receptive to new artistic views, attitudes, interpretations and themes. Sometimes with any level of success, one can become a “know it all”. Even when having one’s own style and vision, it’s important to listen to the newbies, as well as the established. Always be okay to ‘move over’ and let others in. Fashion, influences, music, influences painting, influences, travel, influences, streaming too and on and on. If you can stay true to yourself and try to not hurt anyone, there is always a beautiful artistic world to live in and be a part of.

We wrap up this interview thanking Eric for his time sharing insights into his unique artistic journey, and as he gets ready to reach new milestones and launch new projects and releases, one thing is sure, Eric Redd is a name to watch closely.