An Interview with EROS
Today, we’re diving into the creative world of EROS, an emerging electronic music producer based in Philadelphia, PA. At just 21, EROS brings an old soul’s wisdom to his craft, blending his love for various genres into a unique electronic sound. His journey began in 2021, and since then, he’s been refining his skills and carving a niche in the EDM scene. In this exclusive interview, EROS opens up about his inspirations, challenges, and the deeply personal journey behind his first official LP, “Purple.” Join us as we explore the mind and music of this intriguing young artist.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, my name is EROS… I’m from Wilmington, DE but I’m currently located in Philadelphia, PA. I’m 21 years old, about to turn 22 next February, however, don’t let the age fool you, I am an old soul. I’m an electronic music producer who started producing for fun back in 2021 but I just started taking it more seriously this year. Although I’ve been a fan of hip-hop, pop, and whatever other genre, EDM is something that stood out to me. My earliest memory of when it comes to electronic music is when I was showing my family this mix I found on YouTube and my sister pointed out to me that I was super into that genre while my mom just thought the thumbnail was a bit dark. Funny, but this memory stayed with me for a while and it says a lot about who I am today.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
The desire to start making music has always been an innate feeling on the inside yet a collaborative one when it comes to others. I’ve always felt the need to make art, become famous, have so many people dancing to my songs, or enjoy my artwork but it wasn’t until I surrounded myself with other musicians and people who had such a say in my life that I took it seriously. I started making music because I was bored back in the Summer of 2021 (although it was trash) but seeing my favorite artists be in music videos, perform live, have photoshoots, and be such a big deal made me want it all.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
My biggest challenge as an artist has to be the lack of attention and praise I am getting from the internet which doesn’t contribute well to my depression/mental illnesses. My mood and vibration are extremely dependent on how others feel about me, interact with me, or at least how much they do these things. The issue is… as a new artist… these things don’t exist just yet and they have to be an effort that you make yourself. I’m all for it but when it comes to how much I have to battle the things that go on inside of my mind, it can be a bit challenging. That’s why one day, I hope to be a big advocate for mental health, you know? The lack of knowledge and help is what’s stopping people from reaching their potential.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
My favorite project has to be my first official LP that dropped on 11/11/23 named “Purple.” With Purple, I wanted to take my friends, family, and fans on a journey through my mind… getting to the nitty and gritty of what I’ve been feeling good or bad. It was only nine tracks, however, I thought that as a body of artwork, it shouldn’t be overdone or lacking anything. On “MAD,” you get my declaration of insanity followed by my sick version of love on the next track, “STAINS.” On “MAGENTA” and “SICK” you get somewhat of a verbal moment of silence while encountering a lot of feelings. Yet on “TOO BLUE” you get a soft and catchy love song. Believe it or not, it was made in only a couple of weeks and written while I didn’t have my phone in rehab. It was a big moment for me and my artistic self-esteem and I’m extremely glad that it happened.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
My biggest inspirations have to be Kanye West, 2hollis, Grimes, Magdalena Bay, Snow Strippers, SZA, Future, Virgil Abloh, and Playboi Carti. My hip-hop influences are what motivated me to be creative and experimental while my electronic influences have inspired my sound and how I present myself as an artist. I threw in Virgil Abloh because although he was a fashion designer, he was also a DJ. That’s a dream life to me… he got to do work with two of my favorite things and make them both a success. RIP Virgil Abloh.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
The process behind working on a song can change from song to song but honestly, there are some common themes. For one, finding the motivation to make the song is a big part of it… I ask myself why do I need to create it. So then I answer myself, open up my laptop, boot FL Studio, and start to address how I’m feeling. A lot of time, whether or not I’m thinking, I can hear how I’m feeling once I start to make the lead melody or bass line. Oftentimes, I’ll complete the song and listen to it but I’ve grown to learn that how I feel about it then is bound to change the next morning. Either I like it or I dislike it and if I dislike it, it’s just motivation to try again.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
My next project, an LP, is called “s0ulmate” and it will be released towards the beginning of the year next year. The idea of s0ulmate is to show an abundance of love to someone who I was with previously. Nowadays, I can’t be with them due to personal issues, however, there is no doubt in my mind that we’ll be together again one day because I truly believe they are my soulmate. Of course, it is an EDM album… but if you listen to it, that won’t stop you from feeling the joy or feelings of love that I’m feeling. The main goals of this LP are to tell someone that I’m still with them and to make people dance and feel good when I see them live but there’s something so fulfilling about it that makes me excited to share it with the world.
What are your plans for 2024?
In 2024, I seriously hope to develop a bigger fanbase than I have already. I wanna be able to connect with them through social media, live sets, merch, and many other things that’ll bring me closer to them. If you don’t see me now then I want you to see me later. 2023 was a rough year but if I have the collective heart of the people who support my brand and artistry and everything that I’m about, then 2024 will surely be the opposite.
Have any shoutouts?
If I were to shout anyone out, it would have to be my family and friends, especially the ones that were around me while I made “Purple.” These were probably the most supportive people when it came to that album release. My friends that I’ve made in LA (in general) are extremely supportive and I hope they feel the love back.
As our conversation with EROS comes to a close, it’s evident that his passion for music and artistry runs deep. From his introspective first LP “Purple” to his upcoming project “s0ulmate,” EROS continues to push the boundaries of electronic music. His journey is a blend of creative experimentation and personal evolution, marked by a commitment to mental health advocacy and a deep connection with his audience. With plans to expand his fanbase and deepen his impact in 2024, EROS is an artist to watch, poised to leave a lasting imprint on the music world. Tune in to his music on Spotify or wherever you listen to music online.