I Am ERIC BIDDINES

Let’s get into this latest single “Railroads Down 2/Independence Day” — What’s this song all about? How did it actually come to fruition?

“Railroads Down 2/Independence Day” is a continuation of another song we released, “Railroads Down/Unfinished,” because it was so visual and the video for the first caused this nice disruption. It had my audience wanting more, immediately building a connection with the character. I mean, it is slave themed and most of America is still battling with this issue today. For me, this sequel is showcasing hope in light of being in a dark situation.

“Railroads Down 2/Independence Day” comes courtesy of planetcoffeebean 2 (Deluxe Edition) — Conceptually, what prompted your decision to title the record this?

The concept was to stay on the path directly in front of us. Going with “Railroads Down 2/Independence Day,” helped make the connection and disconnection with the original release of planetcoffeebean 2. The Deluxe needed a song like this to bring mutual ground to the project. And now, I have a mini franchise record! We may see a “Railroads Down 5″…A play even.

For the album’s packaging, you also included a 10-page booklet of your original art works — Being that you sing, rap and, as just mentioned, are an artist as well, do you have a specific preference when it comes to all three “gifts?” Or, do all these varied innate talents pretty much go hand in hand for you?

For the most part, I consider myself a “rapper” first. My brain is very visual, so if I can focus on an idea enough it’s impossible for me to not create it. I produce a lot of my music also. I’m even hands on in the mixing process and I’ve been recording my own vocals since 2009. I made the cover art by hand with construction paper, and to highlight that I’m an all around artistic creator, (so) I thought it would be interesting to make more pieces and have it included in the digital art. I can say being multi-talented can be stressful. I realize an ability as broad as mine is a rare gift and I try not to abuse it. I’m a fan of collaboration; be it videos, design, merch or production. I only bring out my additional skills when I know it will be recognized. It also makes it that much more exciting, Like, “Holy crap, you produced, recorded, mixed, arranged, sang and rapped both ‘Railroads Down’?!”

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

I didn’t know it was talent at first. I’m an ’80’s baby, so when we grew up it was all about fun. We had no idea back then this could be a business. I was one of the first rappers in my high school. When everyone wanted to be in the NFL, I was in the library searching for studios to record in. I always had confidence, but it didn’t become real…I didn’t know I had TALENT until I recorded the song “Walkin'” in 2006.

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

OutKast is a huge influence and inspiration. I would go as far as saying they saved my life; specifically Andre 3000 with the line, “No Drugs Or Alcohol So I Can Get The Signal Clear.” [see “ATLiens”] That strengthened my self control and I’ve yet, since that day, got into drugs and drinks. Outside of that moment, as I got older pieces of music I grew up on; like, Al Green, Luther Vandross and Motown still inspire me.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

My biggest advantage is ME the person. I know it can sound arrogant, but it’s not. I think more than anything, this younger generation that will essentially grow up on my music and share to their kids they want to like the artist. Love him; experience a personal connection through the music, visuals, album art and social media. People like Curren$y and Tyler, The Creator do this very well. I know just from observing myself, I have this small weird/realistic/wise/humorous personality that is very obvious, and I’m becoming more aware of that the further I travel. I have strong influence on my peers, and people trust my instinct. Who was the last artist everyone genuinely trusted? But what I will be remembered by most is not what I did, but how I did it. Plus, my music is better than everyone else on this planet and I have tangible proof! *Laughs*

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

Yes! I realized this industry is protected; there are gatekeepers and people who will not let you in no matter how good you are. I think sometimes being too good or having nice quality hurt me. I intimidated people with what I accomplished on my own. Nobody wanted to invest. I already had projects; physical and digital. I was doing shows, had radio play, shooting visuals on 40K dollar cameras and paying to be on WorldstarHipHop. Then, you meet these people and they tell you, “Man, keep doing what you’re doing! You doing it right. You don’t need my help.” They wanted somebody who they can throw a couple beats to and put on an open mic. I think in the end it did help me because you end up attracting the do-ers over the guys with the positions. That’s why it was so easy for me to work with Richie Abbott and Juggernaut Sound. We talked a few times, and a week later he put me on SXSW. It was no gimmick, no catch, he instantly did things. Then we came up with this Deluxe Album. Anyone can give advice and suggestions, I think it takes a genius to know when to not do nothing, to not mess up something even when you know you could make it better, but still for the sake of creative growth you say, “Let’s do it!”

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to get brave; I think I want to speak more to artists than anything else. I’m from a small city, Delray Beach in Florida, and I inspired so many. I go to these shows to see other artists perform and 65% of the crowd is artists wanting to be the person they see on stage. 20% is really mad wishing that was them up there. I want to inspire DIY creators, and through my music and voice I know it will happen.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

My greatest achievement was in 2012 I threw my own show; headlining it myself and we packed out the house. I made like $2,500 dollars that night. Only had like 1,200 Twitter followers at the time. Me and my team did it ourselves, and I can tell you right now that money that night felt like a million dollars! It wasn’t even about the money, because Sprint, daycare and gas got most of that. It was when I realized that people felt I was worth it. And, I’m from a county where no locals get booked.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I guess you could say I’m on a campaign to collaborate with Big K.R.I.T. Right now, Texas is loving me and since being on MTV Jams I’ve had over 100 people begging us to work together and I’m a huge fan. Living and dead, I would love to do a song, EP, tour or anything with K.R.I.T. We both produce also so…And our voice is missing from Southern music.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Meyer Ampitheater here in Palm Beach. I think our entire city will cry seeing something like that happen. We really have nothing (as) far as musical stars. So, to do a free show at a spot like that, I think that part of Florida may cave in. That would be amazing!

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

“Walkin’!” It defines my mind and creative process. And, it was my first music video ever. It’s on YouTube; search Eric Biddines “Walkin’.” I made the song so fast and I was known for it locally. Every person finds understanding in that song, no matter who you are.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

I like coffee, my favorite color is purple but I’m attracted to brown. I’m a Scorpio and I’m left handed. My older brother TJ has a chipped tooth.

Any “parting” message(s) for our readers?

Go support planetcoffeebean 2 Deluxe (Edition).

Watch all my videos on: youtube.com/ericbiddines…

Follow my twitter.com/EricBiddines and Instagram.com/EricBiddines…

Thank you to The HYPE Magazine for the opportunity!

Interviewed By: Hype Staff

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