theaussieword.com catches up with Australian based artist Eros for a special interview and preview of latest single ‘Send It My Way’.
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music?
Hey! My name’s Eros – I’m an 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Sydney, and have been around the entertainment industry since the day I was born. My father is a music producer and label executive and my mother is an actress/model – so I was always surrounded by singers, songwriters, bands and music in general from a very young age. I grew up playing piano, singing, acting, performing covers of old-school R&B songs, and taking part in musical theatre. I never tried to write my own music, probably in fear of failure or critique – but something clicked when I was 16 and I swallowed all expectations for long enough to write my first song in 13 and a half minutes. That’s when I discovered that I had a natural ability to write music. Almost three years later, I have penned over 100 songs and have no intention of stopping. This frenzy of songwriting led me to release three singles on Spotify, including my latest track, “Send It My Way.” The three songs have organically amassed 250,000 streams in only 5 months during 2018 without any promotion or marketing, which definitely was a surprise to me.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
One of the most important things to me when it comes to music, is vulnerability. I never allowed myself to write because I was scared to be vulnerable. Once I let go of that, and started writing like crazy – it became a driving influence not only behind my songwriting, but behind every aspect of my career as a performer because I started to understand just how powerful it was. As an artist, one of my only wishes is for the same openness to be palpable in my performances and to my listeners, so that the messages I put out there can directly resonate without any filters.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I’m thankful that I had songwriting and music as an incredibly powerful outlet while going through some of the hardest times in my life as a teenager. I went through things that most would struggle with for years, and dealt with them in a quick 20 minute writing session. Honestly, if my music could help heal my listeners wounds and scars from years of potential torment in 3 and a half minutes of listening, my job as an artist is complete and my heart would be full to the brim.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I’ve got huge plans for 2019. I’m surrounded by some of the most incredible people in the music industry and we’re ready to start my launch as an artist with the release of my first ever singles – leading up to the release of my debut album, which I’m so ready for because the list of songs we have in the bank is growing daily and I want to use as many as I can before the choices become too hard! I’ve definitely got plans to tour, mainly in the US but also Europe. I’m beyond excited.
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?
My debut album will be released later this year. I would describe my music as Pop, but with undertones of Soul, Funk and R&B – which are the genres that I was raised on, and underpin the way I approach, write and perform music.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I believe that authenticity is the key factor – together with, being self-driven and unwavering in your vision and pursuit of passion. I think the problem these days is that people chase fame, or money, which don’t really bring or spread any kind of real happiness. They’re temporary, and that’s why this industry is filled with people who spend 5 minutes in the spotlight because they make records with the prime intent of making money rather than for the sake of making a good record and touching people. I’m looking to build something authentic, that will hopefully give me longevity. I couldn’t care less about fame, or money. As long as I’m healthy, have a piano and my voice – I’ll be happy knowing even one person is inspired while listening to one of my records.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
Sitting with my team and listening to some of the recent single masters. I remember looking around the room and feeling so incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such legendary people, that are 100% driven by my music with the purest of intentions. I think being able to say that makes me one of the luckiest teenage singers on the planet and I’m in awe of that.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I look up to so many different artists for different reasons. Two singers that I’ve always lived in awe of are Jessie J and Lady Gaga. Growing up, I watched them both transform like crazy – evolving album to album to where they are now in 2019. Vocally, they both inspire me so much because of how connected they are to their spirit when they sing – and it’s so obvious that their only intentions are to make incredible music that touches people. I admire that and would like to think I’m driven by the same intentions because of artists like them.
Any new projects in the pipeline?
Too many to count! I pitch over a dozen songs a month to my musical director and not all of them will be used by me. I will definitely be doing more work as a songwriter for other artists, as well as potentially looking at recording and producing music for film and TV.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
I tend to visualise things vividly to help manifest them into my life. I definitely see myself headlining my own shows a few years from now. However big or small doesn’t matter to me. Being able to say that people are physically coming to a venue to watch me perform is the most incredible thing to think about. I’d also like to think that a few years from now I would have potentially done some work in the film/TV world – as most of my childhood was focused on my love for acting. I don’t see a reason why I cant collide those two worlds at some stage.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.
Sia is definitely my favourite Aussie artist for too many reasons to list. Her songwriting and vocal capabilities are not from this planet and I definitely look up to her. I would love to write with her one day.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I feel like the music industry is becoming a lot less superficial, and power is being handed right back to the listeners to make their own decisions rather than doing what a label forced them to do because of heavy promo. The current industry (in my opinion) favours rawness and authenticity – as well as artists that can actually perform their records really well. I think the industry went through a phase where none of that really mattered and it was all about money, but I feel like now that’s lessened to some extent. Being able to release my music during this current landscape of authenticity excites me, and is the primary driving force behind what I do.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?
Keep an eye out for my launch in the not too distant future. Thank you for the opportunity to share myself with you guys!