Artists In Residency

2017's artists are; Chris Burke, Darren Cinque, Matthew Huff, Antonio Rullez, Max Merseny, Steven Feifke, and Yeho!

Exclusive Interviews!

"The Beat!" has the very best artists speaking to us exclusively like; Eric Alán, Cristobal, Ryan Adames, Deirdre, Guy Scheiman, Richie Arci, Eddy Barrena, Darren Cinque, Jesse Johnson, Max Merseny, Breaux Gargano, Sean O’Reilly, Luca Savazzi, Alex Serra, and MORE!

Rick Astley is on fire with "50!"

"Rick Astley is selling out tour dates globally with his timeless classics and new hits!

The Song: "Don't Cry For Me Argentina!"

"The Beat!" has a brand new series entitled; "The Song." This series features the best of songs/the singers/stories and how they became to be.

Barry Conrad is "Dancing On My Own!"

"The Beat! is featuring the hot Aussie dancer, actor and dancer in an exclusive interview!

Holidays Jennifer Paige Style!







Holidays Jennifer Paige Style!

Jennifer Paige this year has released her very first holiday album entitled: "Holiday" Collaborations with her brother Chance Scoggins who produced tracks and also sang on the album with many other very talented producers and artists.

The newly formed duo "Paige & Palermo" with Jennifer and Coury Palermo do one of my favorites on the album: "Silent Night."

What is so fantastic about this holiday album is that there are newly penned songs written by Jennifer who also did new arrangements on tradictional songs. The way you know this was executed wonderfully is that each newly penned and traditional track flow together and sound fresh. Jennifer did a great job blending new and classic favorites together and making them all sound like new songs sung by her. Lovely new sounds make this holdiay album a must!

A few of the lovely tracks captured in this album include: "Silent Night" "Happy, Happy Holidays To You" "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" "Jingle Bells" "Miss You Most At Christmastime" "What Child Is This" and many more.






























Katherine Jenkins: "This Is Christmas!"


 
 
Katherine Jenkins: "This Is Christmas"

This holiday season the mezzo-soprano Welsh star Katherine Jenkins releases her ninth studio album entitled: "This Is Christmas." Katherine has sold over 7 million albums world-wide and this album holds true classics versions of: " "Away In A Manger," "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," "Deck The Halls," and, "The Christmas Song."

Track Listing for "This Is Christmas"

1. O Come O Come Emmanuel
2. In Dulci Jubilo
3. Away In a manger
4. The Christmas (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
5. Santa Baby
6. Deck the Halls
7. Sleep Quietly
8. I Wish You Christmas
9. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
10. Come What May (featuring Placido Domingo)
















 
 



















Fan Focus: DJ Chris Colby



 
FAN FOCUS: DJ Chris Colby
 
 
"Let The Beat Hit You!" is proud to have our second article for our "Fan Focus" series. Our second artist that is on spotlight is the DJ Chris Colby. Chris Colby is a hot DJ that since 1985 spinning and making his original beats. In this article DJ Chris Colby takes all of his fans questions and responds to them in this intimate and no holds barred manner.
 
"If you are already a fan or find that you want to be a fan and keep up to date with what I am doing in my life and musically feel free to friend me on facebook Chris Colby and like my facebook fan page DJ Chris Colby you can also visit DJ Chris Colby Dance Evolution Podcast site at http://www.podomatic.com/profile/djchriscolby and coming soon a revamped www.djchriscolby.com. Also I stated earlier on Sobel Nation Radio on the net at ( http://sobelnationradio.org/stations/sobel-nation-radio1 ) every Friday night at 10:00 - 11:00 PM.  I am always looking to meet new people and make new friends so whether you are a fan or someone looking for a DJ for your club, event or private party feel free to contact me." ~ Chris Colby



Q. How long has Chris been DJing?

I have been DJing since approximately 1985. The days of 2 or more MK 1200 and bringing new beats to the dance floors. Many times that was the only way to get extended club mixes of songs was to mix them ourselves. 

Q. What makes Chris pick this different style of club music that he plays?

I am not exactly sure what makes my style different then other DJ's. I mean we all have our own sounds, our own way of mixing and most importantly our own ears for what we feel is going to make our floors move. At least all this will fall in place as long as you do not let top 40 and music charts think for you. If you are going to do that then you might as well just get a juke box.

 Q. What is the music that you grew up playing and listening to?

Wow this is a good question as I am sure my musical past has made it so I hear the music and layering the way I do today.  As a young child I listened to classical. I am not sure what started me with that as none of the rest of my family listened to classical, my Father always had Big Band and Swing music on in the house. Then came rock & roll of the 60's and 70's followed by bluegrass and The Grateful Dead. Then 1 day I woke up and heard the club scene of the later 70's and early 80's the likes of Donna Summers, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Love & Kisses, O'Chi Brown. The list could go on forever, at that point I just kept growing with the sounds and artists which has brought us to today's EDM / House that I play today.  

Q. Where are you from have you moved in your life.

I have always lived in Pennsylvania. I was born in Montgomery County Pennsylvania and now live in Delaware County PA, I had a pit-stop in the city of Philadelphia.
 
 

Q. Is working in the music business hard...do you ever get the feeling that you want to quit?

This is a tricky question to answer. The music business is many faceted even as a Producer / DJ there are times that you want to move ahead faster or be heard somewhere. For me one of the hardest parts is not being able to do it as a full time job, unfortunately bills do not pay themselves and I have a particular life style that I like to live. At times I get disillusioned when I hear and see other DJ's who work the clubs all the time, but for many of them that is where they stop because they become a push and play DJ. They do not use their imagination to make a sound that is theirs. Is the business hard yes but would I quit never I will always keep my fingers in it one way or another because I love the music way too much to just stop.   

Q. What do you think about other djs and the music they play?

There are many excellent DJ's out there and many that are not so great. Some of the best DJ's I have heard are not ones that will make the millions of dollars a year in the music business. Others that make millions you wonder how they got there. As long as a DJ is creating music and a musical experience from the heart and their love for music and not just to put cash in their pocket the crowd can sense this and that is what makes the people dancing move as a single mass on the floor, everybody doing their own thing and having it all mesh together. A DJ that is push and play I do not think can provide the crowd with this experience.    

Q. Is the music business as cut-throat as it looks like when we read and see in papers and online?

I try not to think about the aforementioned cut-throat side of the business, I will say I have had people who I thought were friends for years that have decided to have an attitude or just not talk to me since I have started to reassert myself into the music again. That is on them I do it to bring joy and good times to those who like to listen to my music and musical choices. Then again I have also made many new friends in the business and hope we get to work together for a longtime some are Paul Rhodes of DigitalPR, Eric Alán, and Barbara Sobel who invited me to be part of a whole family at Sobel Nation Radio, she has brought me in to what many of us that work with her for Sobel Nation consider a new part of our music family. We all do it for our love of music. Currently  you can hear me on Sobel Nation Radio on the net at (  http://sobelnationradio.org/stations/sobel-nation-radio1 ) every Friday night at 10:00 - 11:00 PM est. Make sure to check out the site as she promotes many artists new and veterans as well as many DJ's.  It is a great place to showcase some of my music and share it with the world. I do believe that the Sobel Nation Radio's  tag line is stating the truth "The Future is Now" as internet radio will only get bigger in the future.

 Q. Who is your favorite artist and fellow dj?

This question is way too hard to answer, with so many great artists and DJ's out there it is almost impossible to select just one or even a couple. A few that have made large impressions on me are Donna Summer, Junior Vasquez, Coati Mundi, Lady Gaga, Eric Alán, Nicki Minaj, Liam Keegan, Whitney Houston, Peter Rauhofer, Madonna & Bimbo Jonesjust to name a few in no particular order.

I will tell you a quick story. I love Janice Robinson and have before I even knew what a wonderful person she is and all of the songs that she has written that so many of us in the Club  / EDM  music world have loved.  About 1994 I heard a song and had to have it right away. I ran out and bought multiple copies of Dreamer by Livin' Joy. I remixed this song and put it on cassette tape. I was in my truck with friends and we had it blasting, We had it up so loud we could smell my speakers burning and blew them out. I of course went out and bought new better speakers and you know what we did the same thing to those to.. Even today when we get to together we still think of the days that this happened and we all remember the song that blew out the speakers. Because of the internet and social media sites I have found that the  words and music of that song touched so many of us and left us with great memories.     

Q. I have a question for Chris Colby who is so hot he makes a blind cat see. When did you decide to become a DJ. Did your parents support you? Do they tell you to get a real job?

 

Maggie you have me blushing here with your first comment but thanks for the compliment.

 

I think I was always meant to be a DJ. As a child I always would play records in the house and introduce them like I was a radio DJ of the time. (LOL)  I am not sure if my parents ever knew how much it meant to me to bring music and joy into others lives. They knew I loved music and they supported me with all the turns I took with music, but as far as remixing and creating mix tapes I think they thought it was a great hobby.

My parents always let me know I would need to be able to support myself and I guess in some ways that is why I have a day job for bills and my music career at night because I love music and the way I can bring people together of all ages and many walks of life to have a good time while my music is the backdrop.

 





 

 

 

Fan Focus: Eric Alán

(Photography by Jeff Fusco. (If you want to go all out with credits... Shirt: Dolce Gabanna, Slacks: Zara, Accesories: Neiman Marcus, Hair & Make Up: Frankie G)
 
Fan Spotlight: Eric Alán
 
Eric Alán is a dynamic musician from penning his music, great live performances, hot music videos and is electrifying fans with every new project. "Let The Beat Hit You!" is doing it's very first fan interview where our hot artists are selected and answer all the in-depth questions that are posed by you! Eric Alán is our very first musical artist that has a large fan base which is growing by leaps and bounds. Enjoy the behind the scenes to all the latest buzz from the leading artists.
 
 
"The last few weeks I've been heavily involved in some major projects. One was filming the L.O.V. & E. video and the other a live television performance & interview on the show Talking About with JC Alvarez. The whole process was documented and will be released soon as a short 'rockumentary' called "Making L. O. V. & E.". It goes from the day we started auditions to the TV show and the actual day of shooting. It includes interviews with key people involved in the video as well as behind the scenes footage and sneak peaks into the video itself. It doesn't give away too much though. It's like a trailer for a film. You see just enough to peak your interest and make you wanna go see the actual movie! These have been my most amibitious projects to date and I'm very proud of them all."
~ Eric Alán

Eric Alán Official Website: http://www.ericalanonline.com/

What inspired you to start singing? When did you realize Ok this is it! Im gonna do this?!
Ever since I was a kid I would sing and dance around in my room; that’s how I ‘played’. I remember very vividly how my cousin and I would record ourselves singing along to our favorite songs on a boom box. We would also make our own music videos with a VHS video camera to then show it to our family; good times. I always wanted to be like the recording artists I worshipped but it seemed like such a far off dream; something unattainable in any aspect. It wasn’t until I was involved in the music making and recording process on a more professional level that I actually realized I had, an albeit small ,chance at making my dream a reality. I still have a long way to go, but I’m holding on to that chance, constantly moving forward and not looking back.
If you had the chance to work with any artist side by side on your next album, who would it be?
There are so many people I respect in the music industry; it would be an honor to work with any one of them and each for different reasons. I think on a creative level, it's more working with certain producers I would find most rewarding. There are a few I have in mind and am currently negotiating with.
How do you stay looking so hot? How often do you work out...any special diets?
Wow, I never thought I would be asked a fitness question. I will be very honest and say it's not easy; I love to eat. I literally work out everyday. My workouts vary in any combination of weight training, swimming and cardio. No matter what, I'm at the gym 7 days a week. I do watch what I eat, but I don't follow a specific diet plan. Protien shakes after my workouts however, are essential.
 


 
 
What do you do to get ready immediately before a performance? Any rituals or vocal preps? Do you meditate, have some tea, do you dance...etc...etc???
I can't say that I have a set ritual. Each situation is a little different; it depends on the setting. Generally, I like to get all involved together and do one last minute run thru of the event and give a 'good show' pep talk and thank you. After that, I do find that I like to be alone for a bit, perhaps meditating, or going over the performance in my head and remembering any last minute adjustments or changes that may have occured. It's my time to focus; the quite before the storm.
 

Eric, any chance you'll be scheduling any more performances in Texas?
Houston is where I was able to start this journey as a recording artist, so I’m very grateful to Texas for giving me that opportunity. Right now, writing and recording new material for the album as well as filming and other projects have me really busy. I don’t have any scheduled performances for Texas as of now, but definitely plan to in the future.
I love your style...who is your inspiration?
What drives and motivates you when it comes to your music?
I don’t think there is one single motivator or inspiration. The motivators and inspirations along with my own thoughts, experiences and ideas are all dancing around in my head; constantly. I take them, reinterpret them and from that I have my latest project, be it a concept, a song, a music video or whatever it is I’m working on.
If I had to put a name to some of my inspiration…artistically, I have to say that Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode and Madonna have influenced me greatly. Gahan with his haunting vocals and Madonna with her sheer, unbridled ambition. Both have amazing showmanship and talent and I can only aspire to one day achieve what they have; I’m working on it.
As far as motivation, there are too many things to list, but I have a large amount of ambition myself. I won’t and don’t settle. I always want better, bigger, more! When someone tells me ‘no’ it’s an automatic challenge for me. I want this, all of it, so I work hard to get it.
 
 
 
What are the five things you can't live without ?
This is so cheesy, but it’s true. So many things of my life, memories and attachments are tied to it so, my number one can’t live without is music. I dance to it, I sing to it, I cry and laugh to it, I live, eat and breathe it in all aspects. Simply can’t live without it. I would be nothing without those I consider my friends and family. I am truly grateful for those people and relationships in my life. Diet and exercise play a large role in what I do as far as staying fit and healthy; it can be very physically demanding at times. A place to call “home”, my phone and my laptop. Anything else comes and goes in phases.

When you are designing a show, do you think about substance versus style? Which do you give more weight to? I know it must be hard for an up and coming artist to stage elaborate shows, but there is such an expectation in that area with concerts, especially for dance music. How does someone just starting out balance stage budgets and fan expectation?
I do everything I possibly can to entertain, involve and stimulate my audience on all levels. Yes there are certain restrictions but I’ve learned to overcome them. I’ve mostly performed in smaller, nightclub type, venues . There is a lot you can do that will have a big impact in a smaller environment. I’m a control freak so EVERYTHING right down to the last detail is planned and not left to chance. It’s an enormous undertaking but I love the challenge and feel so electrified when it all comes together for a live audience.

You seem to have great style. You look awesome in all of your photos. Do you have any inspiration for your style?
As with everything else I do, inspiration comes in all forms. When it comes to style, I tend to like things that are more classic and simple but with a twist. That twist can take on many forms...sometimes it's flashy, sometimes it's edgy or grundgy; sometimes, it's all of the above! Good lighting and photographers are a great help too!!
If the world had one perception (image) of you, what would you like it to be?
I would like to the world to know and remember that I entertained them. That people found true joy and escape in my music and were able to identify with it, have fun and dance thier asses off! The music and artists I love most all did that for me so I guess it's natural for me to want to do that for others as an artist.
 
 
 

Christina Aguilera wants "Your Body!"

 
 

Christina Aguilera wants "Your Body!"

You heard it right the dynamic Christina Aguilera is back with fresh music and an up-coming album. The album entitled: "Lotus" gets released on November 13th with the first single: "Your Body" out now. The music video along with the track is tight and shows-off Christina's vocals and her brassy no holds barred additude.


iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/your-body-single/id560632035

























                                     




Trina Braxton: Party or Go Home! (hot single!)



Trina Braxton: Party or Go Home! (hot single!!)
 
 
    Trina Braxton the middle sister of the famous Braxton's is branding herself a hot solo artist and a name of her own. The spotlight has been on her eldest sister Toni Braxton but now Trina is stepping up into the musical scene. Trina's first single and hot music video is now available to buy and watch. The track: "Party or Go Home" which was co-written by the singer gives her a very catchy sound with an electronica beat and a very favorable debut for the pop charts! Keep your eyes and ears out for more hot tracks from Trina Braxton who shows that she is more than a one hit wonder along with reality star but a truly gifted recording artist!
 
 























 
 
 
 













Eric Alán is in "L.O.V.&E!" (an exclusive interview)



 
 
Eric Alán is in "L.O.V.&E!"
 
Eric Alán is taking the dance scene over by storm with his 2011 hit "Pornstar" which he signed with Blu2 Records the same year. Since then Eric has been busy with releasing a music video for the single and busy in the recording studio choosing the perfect follow-up which is being released now entitled: "L.O.V.&E!" The new single has great rhythm and is produced by Fletcher with remixes by Klubjumpers and Jeff P. Eric for his previous first single teamed up with the ever popular DJ/Producer Chris Colby where his music is being played globally for clubs and radio stations. More music and an additionally hot follow-up music video is in store for Eric's fans so now sit down and relax to the exlcusive interview with Eric Alán!
 


 
Q. Eric currently you have a hot video and single out entitled: “Pornstar” tell us about the experience filming and recording this single.
 
The single was actually recorded some time ago and never released; until I signed my record deal. The recording process for 'Pornstar' was like any other. Take after take, tweaks here, tweaks there and such. Filming a video is a whole other level. I was and still get excited over the aspects of putting a video (or show) together. You are giving your audience visusal stimulation to go with the audio version. The two play off of each other. We went thru auditions for dancers, working on choreography. rehearsals, wardrobe, makeup , securing venues to film in, extras, the filming crew, and much more. Once most of that was nailed down we were able to schedule a shoot date. The 'Pornstar' video was a two day shoot. The first day we shot all the club scenes. (Stacey Vey of Stir in Philadelphia was kind enough to let us use her bar for the shoot.) The second day we filmed all the studio set ups as well as the rooftop dance sequence. I gotta tell you it was a grueling two days but WELL worth the effort! I am sincerely grateful to the crew, dancers and extras that made it all possible. I can't wait to get things going for L.O.V. & E.'s video!!
Q. I am very excited to hear that your long awaited brand new second single: “L.O.V. & E.” which is out now. It is a very good track by the way; fill us in choosing this song for your next single.
Thank you! There were actually a few choices for the new single, L.O.V. & E. was one of them. Fletcher, of Blu 2 Records, produced the track and had his eye on it as the next single from the start. I however wasn't as convinced, at first. Fletcher and I contined working on other tracks. We were both looking for that "it" sound that would help set the tone and be a flagship for the rest of the album. We both kept coming back to L.O. V. & E and as things do, L.O.V. & E. evolved more and more and became what it is today; it was an obvious choice.
Q. Your current single has some hot remixes by klubjumpers and Jeff P, how was it collaborating with some heavy producers/djs?
 
First, I was extremely happy to have Jeff P and Klubjumpers on board for the remixes of L.O.V. & E. I've worked with Jeff P before on other projects and have been a fan of Klubjumpers for a long time so both were a natural fit. Working with other producers/DJs on remixes is like comminsioning a piece of artwork. You wouldn't expect impressionism out of Picasso nor cubism out of Monet. Having a remix done is very much the same concept. I already knew Jeff P's and Klubjumper's work and style and I asked them to put thier unique spin on on my music; you have to let go a bit and let them do their thing. I knew I wouldn't be dissapointed.


 
Q. Will we be seeing another music video in the works for your 2nd track?
 
YES! The next video is for L.O.V. & E. Like the song itself, the video will have a more minimal quality to it. Very simple, very stark but still sexy and fun amd more 'in your face'! <wink>
Q. Your fans love your current track: “Pornstar” along with the video how do you come-up with the hot beats, the sound, and concept for the music video/song?
Wheather people want to accept/admit it or not, porn has had a resurgence into maintream pop culture so I figured, lets have some fun with that! Who doesn't want to think of themselves as a mega stud or hot chic in bed? The basic idea is actually just someone wanting to be someone elses fantasy or "pornstar". The original track has a euro-dance quality to it and was produced by Spaniard, Jordi Guillem. I took him my idea for the song and some lyrics and we built everything around that. As far as the video, I wasn't looking to do anything over the top or overtly sexual. The song isn't like that and I didn't want the video to be either. There will be a remixed video of Pornstar coming out soon featuring the Gomi Remix of the song.
 
Q. You are writing currently more music for your up-coming released EP, tell us about some of these new tracks and what we can look forward to in the sounds and feel.
L.O.V & E. was carefully chosen as the next single becuase it sets the mood for the rest of the album. It's very minimal, not over-produced but still maintains a hard driving and danceable vibe. You can expect the rest of the album to be along those same lines. Very electronic, raw and edgy. I am excited to say that there will also be a ballad on the album. Not your traditional love song ballad though; this one is a little more dark and haunting and deals with growing up gay in a strict, religious household. Most of the songs though are danceable, a little naughty and of course simply fun! I'm shooting for a release date of Spring/Summer of 2013.





Q. Take us through the process when you write a song. Do you usually write from recent experiences or draw from personal stories or other areas?
 
Inspiration and song ideas come from a variety of places and in a variety of forms. Sometimes a song starts with a simple melody line or lyric. Other times it's a beat or hook. Maybe it's a poem or story I've written that gets set to music. Sometimes the idea isn't even mine, but is brought to me and worked from that point. The same can be said as far as content. It's hard to be passionate and have that passion shine thru when I'm singing about something that I don't know about or haven't experienced on some level or maybe don't like or care about. Everything I've written was derrived from personal experiences and emotions or about things that I've been around and feel passionately about. Some of it is very fun, cocky and carefree and some of it can be sad and dark. It's all based on emotions. Whle this may be evident in some songs more than others it all still has to come from within for me to believe in it to then make others believe in it and enjoy it.
Q. Eric, you are a successful artist who is a singer and songwriter what have you found is the most challenging and why?
 
Just about every aspect of what I do is a challenge, but it's a welcome challenge. It is called the music BUSINESS for a reason and there is deffinitely a business side to it all. Most artists don't like to deal with that, we just want to make our art! It's imperative and probably my biggest challenge to always be vigilant and on top of that aspect of my career. It's not the most fun or glamourous part of what I do but nessecary.
Q. 2012 is a banner year musically for you, what else will we be looking forward to from you this year?
It really has been and I'm grateful for it. Right now, the video for L.O.V. & E is my main focus. Other than that, I will be spending a lot of time in the studio writing, producing, recording and fine tuning the rest of the ablum. I plan to dedicate time to some live club performances along the way as well.
Q. Eric, you are an artist on the rise, is there another area that you would love to venture into and why?
One of the cool things about being an artist is that it gives you liberties and freedoms to call the shots on many levels; directing, costuming, staging, acting, concepts, sounds, fashion, editing. Granted, I have A LOT of help with the execution, but it's nice to have a hand in those aspects of my career, art and music. I think that satisfies me for the moment. I was cast as Bernardo in West Side Story at a theater in Galveston, Texas a few years back. Sadly, hurricane Ike came through and destroyed not only the theater, but devasted Galveston as well. West Side Story is someting close to my heart for many reasons, so if the oppurtunity to do that again came up, I would deffinitely jump at the chance.
Q. What made you get into the music industry?
Music equals power and emotions. From a very early age, I saw and felt the power music held over me and others. The power to convey emotions, feel happy, feel excited, feel sad, feel alive! I'm more interested in making people feel, period. I have such amazing memories and life experiences all tied to music. I would love to know that others could do the same with my music. In the words of Don McLean "A long long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me smile. And I knew if I had my chance that I could make those people dance and maybe they'd be happy for a while."

Q. Is there an artist on your “must list” that you would love to collaborate with?



There are so many that I would jump at the chance to work with and most of them for different reasons. I honestly cant' single just one out. There's so much I could learn from any music veteran in the business today; I would be honored to work with any one of them!

Q. What was your first gig?


I performed live for the first time at a Houston Pride festival and sang my first two songs, 'Carcel de Oro' and 'Nadie'. There is a large hispanic population in Houston, so I knew performing spanish songs wouldn't be an issue, besides music trancends all. It was June and very hot! There was an outdoor stage and dj set up. I wore all white with a large gold rosary and gold aviators. The shirt I wore had a glitery, gold sacred heart design on the back. My dancers wore all white as well. My friends all showed up to the event, wore t-shirts with my image on them, shot hundreds of pictures and cheered me on. I remember seeing everyone crowded around the stage to get the best view then looking across the street where people had ceased to walk casually by and were stopped in thier tracks engaged and actually watching and enjoying the show, bouncing to the music. I was on top of the world. It's the one and only show my estranged parents showed up to.
Q. What was your first milestone as a musical artist?
I would have to say getting signed with a label. It was like a validation that I was good enough and someone else outside my cirlce of family and friends saw that I had potential and believed in me. Funny thing is that I sat on the contract for over a month before I signed the official paper work and turned it in!




Q. What is it like getting into the music industry?

A few years ago, I was spotted dancing on a speaker in a nightclub by the manager of another dance music artist. She asked me if I was interested in being a back up dancer. Needless to say I was thrilled and took her up on it. I went to an audition the next day, met the artist and began performing with her at various club and festival gigs. It was in doing all of this that I got a little closer to the recording industry, meeting DJs, promoters and producers and other artists as well. It didn't take long for me to realize that this was something I could really do. While still back up dancing, I collaborated with some of the producers I had met along that journey thus producing my very first song 'Carcel De Oro' (Prison of Gold) and subsequently 'Nadie' (No One), both in Spanish. Those two songs alone gave me the jumpstart I needed to set out on my own and start performing and getting my own music out there. Soon after, came my first english track. With all that said I guess you can say that it was meant to happen becuase it came relatively easy to me. It was always a dream that I thought I could never acheive but before I knew it, it was all unfolding in front of me. Oppurtunities like this don't come along but once in a lifetime so I held on tight, forged ahead and never looked back. From where I am now looking forward, it seems a little more tough to STAY in the music industry and be a real player than it is to get in it. Kinda like jumping into the ocean. Anyone can jump in the ocean but can you swim and stay afloat?
Q. As an openly gay artist, did you find it to be more difficult to get your foot into the door musically?
Not really. In fact, quite the opposite. The gay community is very welcoming in many aspects. Being gay has never been an issue musically and I would even venture to say it's opened more doors for me as an artist. I've very greatful to be a part of the gay community and accepted as one of it's own
 


Q. What would you tell other young aspiring openly out musicians that are looking to get into the business?

It sounds cliche but, it's so true. DON'T GIVE UP and plan on working harder than you've ever worked before! There are many obstacles you have to hurdle and will always have to deal with personally, emotionally and in music. If you stop trying to overcome those obstacles and give up on yourself, then you've lost the game and no one will believe in you. Use those obstacles as fuel for your passion, whatever it may be. Also, educate yourself on every aspect of your craft as much as possible. Practice, practice, practice! Most importantly, be PROFESSIONAL. Speak clearly and with conviction, be on time for meetings, respect others and follow through with what you say you will do; be kind. Act with dignity and pride while still mantaining a balance of humility and integrity. Let your personality shine but save the 'show' for the stage. These things don't go unnoticed.
Q. Is there a cover from any artist that you have not done yet that you would love to record and why?
Covers are tricky; mostly because there's already such a high standard set for a particular song. They can either be really amazing, totally fall short of what the original was or simply just be dismissed as a rip off. I must admit however that I did do a demo version of one song that you wouldn't think of right away but has an 'oh yeah' moment when you hear it. It fits my style and vocal range very well. I don't want to say too much more about it becuase I'm still toying with the idea of including it on the album.
Q. When people listen to music from Eric Alan, what do you want them to remember about your music?
I want them to remember how much fun they had listening and singing along to my music while dancing thier asses off!! More importantly, I want them to feel and hear my passion; to feel as excited about the music as I am and be able to relate to it in their own way. Music has power; it heals, it has defined generations and transcends all bounderies. I am honored when my work is acknowledged and remembered in any capacity, but much more so, in the long run, I want people to remember my music as being real and a true source of joy and expression for those who listen to it.
 

 
Q. How would you want someone to describe an Eric Alan concert?
I've been told many, many times that I am an 'entertainer'. It's not enough for me for people to just come, watch me sing a few songs and go home. I want people to be awed at everything that's going on when an Eric Alán show is in full swing and include my audience in the action as much as possible. I'm very detailed and meticulous. That includes everything from concept to choreography, vocals, costumes, effects etc. Live perormances are a thrilling experience when months of anticipation are at a head and you have to give EVERYTHING you've got, there are no do-overs. It's imperative that everyone is prepared, rehearsed and ready to lay it all out for an audience. My goal has always been to have the audience walk away saying "wow, what a show" describing it as energetic, passionate, FUN, sexy, creative and engaging; leaving on a high note and wanting more.
Q. Who are some of your role models inside and out of the music industry and why?
Anyone who knows me personally will most likely know the answers to this question. Outside of the music industry, my aunt, 'Tia Lilia', had an inexplicably huge impact on me, my appreciation for life, my appreciation for people and cultures and my appreciation for music. She in fact is the one that encouraged my parents to get me into piano lessons at an early age. 10 years of piano lessons and recitals with punch and cookies later, I could still only play by ear, but I learned cord progressions, the components of music, how to write it, and other basic aspects that have proved invaluable to me today. She also nurtured my appreciation for music from other cultures around the world and actually exposed me to them first hand; we traveled together often. One of her favorite styles of music (as is mine) was Salsa and other latin music like Merengue and Cha Cha Cha. There is deffinitley a latin flare in my music today and I attribute that to her. She was a strong woman of great class, compassion and had a true love for the arts, especially music; a true role model for anyone. I miss her very much.
As far as inside the industry, there are too many to count. But ahead of the pack in my book is most deffinitely, Madonna. Just looking back at the span of her career she literally paved the way for so many other artists male and female alike. If it wasn't for her we wouldn't have some of the major acts we have today. Her business sense coupled with her talent and sheer determination to succeed as an artist despite dismissals, harsh critics, protests and many other obstacles set her apart. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." Madonna created herself and I want to do the same despite what odds are against me. I refuse to let someone else tell me who I am, what I can or can't do and or how I will or won't do it. That is up to me and as long as I am alive I will continue to 'do me'.
Other industry role models for me would include Dave Gahan/Depeche Mode, George Michael, and Latin Freestyle artists of the 80s/90s.
Q. What are some of the lessons that you have learned thus far in the music business?
Talk to EVERYONE and don't be affraid to ask for something. Oppurtunities are there for the taking, you just have to find them and take them! It is a tough and competitive business so I had to learn to have a thick skin from early on. Don't let rejection shut you down. Every door that closes brings you closer to the the door that will open up for you and take you further than you thought possible.
Q. Is there a dream venue for you to perform at, why?
Not so much a venue but a place. I grew up in L.A. Granada Hills, in the San Fernando valley to be exact. I have a lot of family there 99% of whom have never seen me perform. Also, I, like many others, was totally bullied and called names for most of my life in school. I did have friends but for the most part I was a total outcast and picked on a lot, mostly for being gay. Even though I myself at the time wasn't even quite sure what 'gay' was, but whatever.
Being able to perform in L.A. would be like a triumphant homecoming. What's left of my family would be able to see me perform and while no one I went to school with would even know I was performiing there, it would be a personal victory for me to go back where I was tormented, as a success, proving that I made something out of my life and others like me and cheer me on for my work as an artist and for who I am.