Interview with Eric Sleeper

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I have always connected with music since a child but I found my medium when I received my first guitar at 14.  I then naturally started writing songs and developing since then.  

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love nature, hiking, exploring, and going to concerts.  

What is the story behind your new single “Magnolia”?

I like to leave it open to interpretation, but I definitely went for a melancholic indie vibe with raw lyricism. The lyrics I wrote were meant to be nostalgic in the eyes of the main character, who is personally afraid of letting go, acknowledging that some people can’t change.  

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Mac Demarco or Kurt Vile!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into a career in music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

I have no advice besides give yourself some time to develop your craft, and make mistakes, you never know where those mistakes can take your music.  

Of your songs, which one means the most to you and why?

I would probably say “Emily,” since it allowed me to showcase my songwriting abilities, and create a whole ambient sound that I still try to encapsulate in my songs now.  

Which songs are your favorite to play?

“K is for Karma” for sure, that one hits live.  

What’s one song you wish you wrote?

I wish I wrote “Make it Wit Chu” by Queens of Stone Age.  

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

Usually, it starts with some kind of riff or chords, and I write words and melodies over it and see what sticks.  I try not to pigeonhole my process to be a certain way, to allow a more freeing songwriting experience.  

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Have fun, be yourself, and stay weird!

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I want to play more shows for sure, it is so much fun, so that is on the itinerary as well as more songs of course!  Stay tuned!