Eric Ryan
Filipino R&B artist Eric Ryan reached yet another milestone when his latest song, “Close,” was featured on Spotify’s “New Music Friday Canada” playlist. The Scarborough native fell in love with music at an early age and developed his craft through watching YouTube tutorials. After mustering up the confidence, Eric released his first song, “Interlude”, in 2019. A year later, his soulful vocals are being streamed everywhere from Los Angeles to Bangkok. “Summer/Autumn” and “Soleil” were two consecutive hits for the artist, totaling more than 500,000 Spotify streams. Following his new release, Eric spoke to us about finding his way as an artist and plans for the future.
What first got you into making music?
Music has always been a part of my life. While I was growing up, my dad would always sing his heart out in the car when picking me up for the weekends. After falling in love with guitar at around 12 years old, I slowly learned to grow my taste of music through YouTube tutorials. I used to sing in my mom’s closet every day for years (I was scared of people hearing me sing at the time!). I had always wanted to make music/write on “my own" but never had the self confidence/willingness to start. I never would've thought that people would want to listen to my own stuff. It wasn't necessarily one thing that got me to start making music but a collective inspiration I had gotten from being around creative/positive friends. If I had to share one moment, it would be one summer night in 2018. I went to a friend's set for an open mic at this small bar downtown. Seeing my own friends play their music for everyone/having a great time doing it sparked that initial flame in me to at least try.
Any “bedroom” pop artist’s dream right now is to get on a major Spotify playlist. Walk us through your thoughts after getting on “New Music Friday Canada”.
It's pretty surreal, considering I record all my vocals in my basement hahaha! But honestly it's dope, I'm super thankful! I think Spotify is doing a great job at trying to help artists grow + help listeners find new music so shout out to them!!
Which artists have had the greatest impact on your work? Who would be your “dream collab”?
I find inspiration from all genres of music I've listened to throughout my life; but if I had to narrow it down to a list of people it would be (in no particular order):
Daniel Caesar
Rex Orange County
Frank Ocean
Miguel
Steve Lacy
Radiohead
John Mayer
Green Day
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Tell us about your creative process when songwriting and producing.
There's times where it happens so quickly; one night my homies Bryan, Shadel, and I were all jamming in my basement. We came up with lyrics for “Soleil” just from sharing stories and talking to each other. When it comes to producing and songwriting in general, it sounds so cliché. But if i could give any advice (and don't get me wrong, I forget too); It’s to try and not be so strict and overanalyze yourself and your work. You have to allow yourself to think “free and creatively,” if that makes sense.
“Summer/Autumn” was the first track of yours that we listened to. Take us through the process of writing the record.
For “Summer/Autumn”, I used voice memos on my phone to record some melodies/ideas over this sick YouTube beat (that was for sale). I had forgotten about the memo until months later when I stumbled across it; I heard it and thought “Damn, I should finish this!”.
You recently announced that you’re gearing up to release your first major EP. What can fans expect from this new music?
I’m super excited, the EP is still getting put together as we speak; I wanna make this EP something that I would personally listen to in the car non stop repeat. All i know is that I’m super excited for y'all to vibe out to this!
Any favorite non-music hobbies?
If I had to narrow it down to 3 things, I love snowboarding, cooking, and painting the most.
