The predominant influence of Rhythm and Blues, a music genre coined and abbreviated “RnB” or “R&B”by Billboard Magazine’s Jerry Wexter in 1948, undeniably opened a great opportunity for aspiring singers and songwriters one of which is fast-rising Fil-Am singer-songwriter-producer Eric G. Garzon, more popularly known as Eric G.
A multi-faceted artist with diverse talents is literally a one-man band…actually, to put it bluntly, a jack of all trades and a master of everything related to his craft.
Born in Caloocan City, Philippines on September 17 to a Kapampangan mother, June and an Ilocano father, Cesar Garzon, Eric is the second among four siblings of three boys and a girl. Brought to the US when he was barely 10 years old, young Eric got easily adjusted to his new-found environment having had schooled at the Clark High School and SUNY at Stonybrook where he obtained his Business in Economics degree.
Endowed with an enviable physique as a result of regular gym regimen and a keen determination to succeed in every undertaking he gets into, this potential music celebrity started singing at three when he would mimic the sounds of Hagibis, Rico J. Puno, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and other artists of that generation. Their hard-to-resist influences stuck in Eric’s system and constantly developed (him) to be somebody potentially like them.
Writing his own songs turned out to be as easy as reciting his nursery rhymes. Eric merely deals on the diverse realities of life…human emotions expressed through poetic lyrics and catchy melodies. Being a keen observer and innately emotional gave him the privilege to interpret day to day events into meaningful music pieces.
Despite the formal education he acquired and the availability of job opportunities, the call of music remains stronger and irreplaceable. He was invincibly moved and out-rightly driven way beyond to the realization of his dream. He knew for sure that music is his life and performing undoubtedly sustains it.
Eric, in his august desire to succeed could defy all odds, uncomplainingly sail against the tide, and even search abysmal depths if only to discover what it takes to find the key that could open doors for the attainment of what he aims for. Time was when life has to endure rough sailing like bitter pills to swallow.
“Every failure in my life is a challenge that keeps me driven to strive even more.” Eric confidently opens up when asked about how he faces trials. “After my first major frustration which was to be a basketball player, I didn’t lose hope. I may be deprived of something but I always find a way to achieve an option. I neither easily give up nor get daunted by trials. The more challenges I encounter along my way, the tighter I kept holding unto the very last stitch of hope that I could muster. I still believe that my luck will come…just got to be in the right place at the right time!”
“But when Mr. Opportunity knocks, I see to it that I welcome him in for If I bid him wait, he might leave only to find him knocking on the next door.” He opines with conviction. “I am a very positive and optimistic person who always looks at the brighter side of life. With hard work and sincere intentions I know I could weather any storm.”
After having been employed at the Sony Records Corporation in 2002 where he learned the rudiments in recording and producing, Eric, in time, gathered enough resources to be able to come up with what he has toiled for years. Aware that it costs an arm and a leg to produce, he mustered enough guts and unregrettingly produced his own label to uphold his self-confidence when others failed to recognize his capability.
Motown Records definitely played a pivotal role in the development and progression of RnB into a mainstream genre currently building even a much bigger following.
In 2010, Eric’s journey saw the light at the end of the tunnel when he was able to write, compose, record, and produce his first album, “Move,” a compilation of gospel hymns in ten cuts.
Eric G’s kind of music has that distinct resolute sound and appealing beat that inevitably entices and effortlessly magnetizes even first time listeners. His is a rich fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythmic style coupled with a predominance of gospel and soul music enhanced with catchy and bouncy beats that sets him apart from his peers in the same genre. Unmistakably, there is a strong consistency of vocals interlaced with his sultry voice and profusely written lyrics.
When performing, Eric G is emotionally involved not only with the melody but more so with its lyrics to be able to send across the very message he wants to relay. Smooth, at times sensual and arresting, Eric’s singing style becomes enticingly sexier due to his audible deep breathing and emotional sighs that blend with his intense body locomotion. There is always an electrifying stage presence and stimulating aura enveloping his total persona while unleashing that mystic power from within when on center stage doing what he does best—entertaining his audience.
“I’m not particular with my audience. I don’t mind performing before a small crowd for as long as I know they’re there to listen and watch me deliver what’s expected of me. No one ever knows if from that small group there’s one influential person who might be instrumental in making a difference in my life and my career, who knows?
What would be Eric’s limitation in singing?
The Pop-RnB singer-composer releases a quaint smile and says:” Nothing. I don’t limit myself with the songs I write and compose. I always think of the endless possibilities out there that my mind could fathom and comprehend. As long as I give my all… my heart and soul in my every music, everything comes out well.”
What actually keeps this prolific singer-songwriter consistently on the right track is the inspiring energy he derived from the voluminous awards and recognitions neatly stashed under his sleeves: the overwhelming fulfillment he got from the nomination of his 2010 debut album, “Move,” for “Best R&B /Gospel Album of the Year from Atlanta-based YGEAC (Young Gifted Entertainment Award Committee; when he was named as one of the Top Ten Independent Artists of 2010 by TMG (Tate Music Group) in Atlanta, Georgia; his well-viewed appearances on the Cable shows of Bronxnet’s Open and Dave Brodsky’s Rhythm of New York; the media exposures in TFC’s Balitang America and GMA’s Kapuso Abroad Magazine; his being featured in Kabayan LA 2009; and his much raved-about performances in various Filipino-American events and local radio airplay throughout the tri-state area.
Eric G has had the opportunity to perform on the same stage with international singing sensations Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda, and other upcoming homegrown artists like Arnel Arcedo, Alyssa Jade Shoemaker, Gail Banawis, Sounds of Manila, and Tiffany Viray.
If there’s but one magnificent obsession keeping his fingers consistently crossed that would be to perform at the most celebrated New York City New Year’s eve event at Times Square.
“I’m always fascinated every time I watch the ball drops amid a hugely-televised merriment…imagine if I were one of the entertainers featured there and being watched worldwide, that would be awesome!”
To date, Eric G feels fulfilled after having had completely built a recording studio in the basement of his residence where he could rehearse, record, edit, and attain fulfillment of his every musical obsession…aside, of course, from refresher practices on piano and saxophone. Yes, this superbly talented virtuoso can expertly play the piano either by ear or with notes.
Catch up Eric G’s special performance on Friday, January 31 at Bronxnet, a community TV Channel on the Cable Vision and Verizon Fios Systems.
On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, another significant event will unfold in Eric’s life…the much-awaited release of his second album aptly titled “Dreams.” “Beautiful” which Eric sung when he opened for Arnel Pineda and “Smile” which debuted on Rhythms of New York are just but two interesting ditties in the album. Composed of all original feel-good songs, “Dreams” will be available for download from Itunes and Amazon or simply visit www.ericgsounds.com.FFForor EEMAIL: [email protected]
“I’m mighty proud of this album. Aside from its contents, I also did the concept and cover design. This is really the purest product of what and who I am. I could only wish for nationwide city tours and mainstream performances to fully promote it.”
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