?UESTIONS: Eric Roberson

Soulful melodies and poetic lyrics, Eric Roberson is an independent singer-songwriter and producer. 2x Grammy nominated, he has written or produced for a number of artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Vivian Green, Jill Scott and Robert Glasper.

Honest and sincere, Eric Roberson’s musical catalogue is rich with expression and created straight from the heart. 

What impact has soul music had on your life? 

It’s been the soundtrack to my life. For every up and down I have experienced, it has been there. To me soul music covers multiple genres. So songs that fit the term soul music, changed my life. They made me a better person.

Is there an experience or event that has shaped your journey in music? 

Too many to name but I will mention a few that come to mind. Hearing J Dilla for the first time. Working at DJ Jazzy Jeff’s A Touch Of Jazz studios in the late 90’s. Going back to college after getting dropped from my record deal. So many things.

What song symbolises your life right now? 

I am part of DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Playlist Retreat and we did an album called, Chasing Goosebumps a couple years ago. On it is a song called, Die Empty. I'm at a point now where I ain’t holding onto anything creatively. If I feel it, I let it fly. Same thing with love. 

What inspires the feeling in the music you create?

Might sound cliche but life experiences really shape it mostly. I made a promise to God many years ago that if I felt something I would write about it. I don’t believe in writer’s block. Even at a traffic light, I'm watching the old man crossing the street and figuring out the song his presence is giving me. 

Do you create in the daylight or the moonlight? - does it make a difference? 

It used to make a big difference. I am a midnight marauder by nature but kids will change all of that.  Now I create whenever time allows me. Plus I’m getting older so the price is getting steeper for those all-night sessions, hahahaha.

Growing up, what artist(s) influenced you? 

Stevie Wonder, Commissioned, A Tribe Called Quest, Bill Withers, Prince, Sade, and a million others hahaha…. I listened to everybody.

What does freedom mean to you? 

Clarity. As a writer, creative freedom means everything. I can create without compromise. My artistry has grown to more compliment my life rather than control it. Having a personal definition of success is freedom to me. Yeah, clarity.

Is there a movement or person, past or present that you respect and admire? I could name so many but Bill Withers comes to mind. I loved how he carried himself on and off stage. He was about the art but didn’t let the business get the best of him. If I could sit and talk in the studio with anyone it would be him. Sadly, I never got the chance to.

Webiste: https://ericrobersonmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erro44/