THE STORY ALONG THE PROCESS
I want to be transparent with my music process. Here are songs, pictures, events in chronological order. A blue print for artists to learn from
NEWS & UPDATES
PRESENT
Erik is currently gearing up for his second full length project. It will feature multiple prestigious Chicago artists, laid back sounds, and a variety of topics.
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FALL 2023
Oct: Erik reached 100k views on tik tok
Set: "Count these highs" song and music video are released
Count these highs is the emotional calling to persevere. This was shot in late fall 2022 but the song was not where I wanted it to be. I take a break and finish the song in the spring.
The video is released in September with the leaves in peak fall form. The video appears as if it was released in the future.
Shot by Undeoc recs crew of course
SPRING 2023
Down Stream, Mr Benevolent released
Two cornerstone singles on the upcoming project. They give a peak to Erik's softer storytelling side in writing, and his comfort on the mic
Down Stream: music video shot in Palm Springs, CA. Erik's first music video shot, edited, directed by himself
Mr Benevolent (feat CerVon Campbell)
An emotional moment, the story of a man who looks up and find the world around him has changed
OPENING FOR WIFI'S FUNERAL
March 2023:
​I got this gig from attending multiple concerts and networking with the staff. My parents live 10 min from this venue so it was super convenient to attend
It pays to show up. Blessed to perform in front of a crowd of 150+
Photo creds: Spencer Dean
SUBTERRANEAN FREESTYLE CONTEST
After a year of regularly attending subterranean open mics, I won the Q1 2023 subterranean freestyle competition. Over 50 rappers were competing.
Rules were each week a winner of the week would be chosen and on the last week of the contests they would have a final boss battle. I won one of the weeks and then delivered when I needed to on the final stage.
The reward for winning was 8 hours of free studio time with Annyhialation, who has been a mentor to me in the process.
FALL 2022
Matinee EP: September
Left Right (feat Nito): October
Matinee: The show before the next mixtape. This EP was straight spitting over minimalist beats. No hooks, just content.
Left Right: Fun summer time song featuring the young rapper Nito from Oakland, CA
PERFORMANCE AT SUBT
Performed at the Sub t lounge as a reward for putting in the work at the open mics. 15 min set, played songs that are still unreleased to this day.
During the performance, we shot the music video for "Promises".
QUARTER LIFE CRISIS
The song video combo about turning 25 years old. Taking all hesitation and throwing it aside. This was the first video I truly felt confident in my ability
Shot by the Undoc recs crew (sami, Danny)
MOVING TO CHICAGO - JAN 2022
Previously I was living at home with my parents through covid. Very blessed to be able to live at home with them. conversely, I did not have easy access to my friends, so I used that extra time to dial in and work on my craft.
Now in Chicago, I was able to focus on the networking. Meeting other artists, friends, industry connects.
This is the importance of attending other people's shows. People will only care if you show love to them. I became familiar with the various Chicago music venues, and with every concert is an opportunity to watch the artist and study how they perform.
Being in Chicago, I met Paul Rosenberg, Tom Huddleston from the Plain White T's, Taylor Bennett etc. You cannot bet against someone who continuously shows up.
PERISCOPES: THE 1ST MIXTAPE
Released March 17th, 2021
PERISCOPES MEANING
This is about seeing the world through a view that is naive, young, but light hearted.
Cover art: Damien Baez
Mixed by: Dolapo Inc
Produced by:
Stoic
Pilot Kid
Eeryskies
GC Beats
PERISCOPES (FEAT SHAINA JONES)
The anchor of the project. Shaina is a music teacher in Chicago and we met online. The catchy, good weather feeling about being optimistic in life. Hook written by me but I cant sing like that yet lol
IF MY BOSS HEARS
The first song I ever released. About the idea of my boss finding out about my music. Coincidentally, this came true in 2022, when a coworker discovered me on tik tok.
HOO KAIRS (FEAT JUSS LAW)
This man has done so much for me. His ambition, being a father, his shield of not caring what others think.
This was a pivotal moment, he pushed me to deliver more passion in my tone, and he absolutely killed his verse on here. A song about traveling
