Welcome to our interview with Eric Redd, a versatile artist who has made a significant mark in the world of music. In this exclusive conversation, we delve into Eric’s journey from a professional dancer to a seasoned vocalist in the realm of Dance music. He shares insights into his vocal style, creative process, and the importance of vocals in the Dance music genre. Join us as we explore the artist behind the music.
Hi Eric, how are you doing?
Very well… thanks.
You started your career as a professional dancer, can you tell us when you started singing and how you begun a career as a vocalist?
I always sang in choirs in school… but once dancing hit I forgot about it. When I auditioned for the show “Cats,”I thought I went to the dancer audition, but wrong day. I was at the singers’. They auditioned me and decided to give me an understudy to 3 singing parts, as well a part in the show. That was the beginning. Within 3 years, I had a record deal.
How would you describe your vocal sound to someone who hadn’t heard you sing before?
I’m a bit of a Pop Soul singer. I think a listener can hear the inflections of the RnB American Pop style songs I grew up with in my vocal style and phrasing. Because I’ve sung with Rock bands, wedding bands and musical theater, my interpretation of lyrical content runs the gamut. But, my intention is usually, dancing, whether it be your body or your soul.
How important would you say the role of vocals are in Dance music?
For my ears, no vocal chorus, no song. Even though many brilliant Producers make wonderful choruses with instrumental tracks. I love all the variety of feels, but I believe when you’re dancing and in your own groove, that sing-a-long lyric (no matter what the track is doing) is the part that captures you, and holds on.
Can you tell us how you write melodies and the top lines for your tracks? Do you have a specific process you use every time?
It really is how the track moves me, and what I’m feeling inside. Some tracks the lyrics come on the first listen, others I need days or weeks. I love those moments when the lyric going through my head is so strong, it won’t let go. I have to sit down and write it. And this also happens with songs I never release. Even though the lyric can control my mind, it doesn’t always come together on tape like it does in your head. That’s the magic. The creative flow of giving birth to the idea in your head.
What techniques do you use when recording your vocals?
I tend to spend a lot of time deciding what I want the end feeling to be. I really like to be a vocal actor on the tracks now. When I started, I just wanted people to KNOW I had some pipes. Now, I love to create a vibe and space to let you come into my world. I’m enjoying revealing more of myself every album.
How do you like to approach vocal production, are there any processes that are part of your usual workflow?
The groove dictates the flavor of how the lyrics will flow. These days I usually start with the chorus, to make sure I can “close the deal” where the song needs to grab you. Because I love to write, I’m now learning how to be more brief with my content. I use a lot of plug-ins to create a live club feeling while recording. I tend to always want to do vocals alone. This way I can listen back a million times. Sometimes I can record a full song, and throw out most and re-build the entire project over the next 2 days.
Do you have any favourite Vocalists that you look to for inspiration?
My favorite male vocalist at the moment is Charlie Wilson. (Former lead singer of the
“Gap Band”) But I’m inspired by many, and they are all over the musical map. Early Kate Bush. Old Diana and the Supremes. Chaka (Khan) always. The South African Electronic artists are blowing my mind. I’m a Jazz head. Nancy Wilson and Dinah Washington speak to me. I’m really into House music vocalist MNEK and Obongjayar. They bring great vocals and flavors to House music. This is a short list of the many artists I really like.
Are there any new techniques or styles that you would like to incorporate into your vocals?
More rap! More Electronic sounds. Maybe some classical. Singing in a different language. It’s never ending with me. Everything brings new ideas.
What advice would you give to someone starting as a vocal producer or singer?
Do some singing lessons, so you have a real relationship with your instrument. We can hear other artists and try to follow the latest trend in vocals (runs, runs…yuk!) but its imperative to have a knowledge of your own “money” notes. Each vocalist has a sweet spot, where the voice really brings something singular… but you don’t learn that overnight. I would also say, sing live as much as you can. Learn to live and love the sound of YOUR instrument. That will save you in times of uncertainty…. And this business can bring a lot of that!
We thank Eric Redd for sharing his experiences and insights into the world of Dance music vocals. His journey from dance to singing serves as an inspiring proof to the power of artistic evolution; as he continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons, Eric Redd remains a captivating figure in the Electronic Dance music industry, and we surely look forward to following his artistic endeavors in the years to come.
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