Eric Myers
... is a versatile and accomplished composer/songwriter with over two decades of experience in teaching, writing and performing music. He has been a co-leader of Melody of China, a San Francisco-based ensemble that showcases traditional and contemporary Chinese music, for more than 15 years. He has also founded Goldrush School of Music in 2016, a place where aspiring musicians can learn and grow. Now, Eric is focusing on his own musical vision, drawing from his classical training and rock influences. He has explored various genres, from classical to world to folk to indie rock, creating music that reflects his diverse musical tastes and talents.
He is currently working on his third album, which will showcase his skill for crafting songs that combine introspective lyrics and catchy melodies. The album will feature an indie rock sound, with instruments such as bass, drums, guitars (acoustic and electric), keyboards, synths and vocals. The album will be a testament to Eric’s ambition and creativity as a composer/songwriter.
Eric’s latest opus “Sending a Song” is a rock magnum that extols the artistry of songwriting. Gleaning inspiration from 60s luminaries like The Beatles and The Doors, Eric imbues his music with a retro nuance and a mystical essence. “Sending a Song” also exhibits Eric’s classical influences, amalgamating rock and symphony in a euphonious way.
Who is the person behind the artist Eric Myers and what’s his story?
Eric Myers is a musician, educator, composer and singer/songwriter. Eric was part of the San Francisco music scene for a number of years, composing music for and co-managing Melody of China, a Chinese chamber ensemble. In 2016, Eric founded Goldrush School of Music, a music lesson studio in Blairsville, Ga, where he teaches guitar, piano, drums, violin and voice.
Eric’s first album, Static Planet, released in 2013, is a collection of original piano pieces. His second album, Be (2021) is a meditative nature-inspired set of musical ‘moods’ or ‘images’, as he calls them. Eric is now working on his third album, of which Sending a Song is a featured track. The new album will feature original songs, complete with a full line-up of instruments (drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, vocals) written and performed by Eric.
Your release, “Sending a Song”, sounds great and is a song about the joys and pains of songwriting. What was your inspiration and what would you call the hardest part of songwriting?
The melody for Sending a Song originated as a piano piece I composed back in 2017 for a music recital at our lesson studio, Goldrush School of Music. The melody stuck with me and later, in 2021, I thought I should write words. The result was better than I expected, so I finally recorded the song in December 2022. The song is about the ups and downs of songwriting and music promotion. The hardest part of the process for me is sticking to a topic, writing lyrics and coming up with a title. After that, it’s not too difficult (usually!).
The song is also part of your upcoming album, how would you describe it for our readers?
My new album, coming out this fall, is a collection of songs I wrote that represent a variety of styles, from folk to synth pop to rock. I would describe it as a colorful patchwork of songs about love, songs about writing songs, fears and anxieties, second chances and being human.
What are some of the difficulties that you have faced by working on the album?
Being a father and small business owner, I don’t have a lot of time each day to devote to my songs. But I’m passionate about them, so I always find time. The other difficulty is knowing when the song is finished, sometimes it’s hard to stop and get it ready for release.
Do you have any plans to perform live on stage soon?
Yes, I’ve done some small local performances. I’ll be performing more songs from the album here in Northern Georgia and Western North Carolina in the coming months. I’ll be posting events on my website: https://ericmyersmusic.com/.
What are some of the things that matter most to you besides music?
Outside of music, my family is probably the most important thing, along with taking care of our pets and our home, as well as my old friends from way back. Many of them are musicians, so they know me best and I feel very much at home when I get to visit with them.
What are your goals for the future?
I love the songwriting process, so I will certainly continue writing songs. Also, I want to collaborate with other artists to co-write truly great songs - songs that will stand the test of time and get picked up and performed by other artists and music lovers.
