Hi Eric E. Merrill! How are you?
Hi. I’m doing well, thanks.
Where are you from?
I’m from Columbus, Ohio.
How did you get into music?
Well you know, music just seemed to always be in me, since my earliest days of remembrance. When I was about 12 years old I started playing the alto saxophone, but then when I was about 16 years old I switched to the piano, which is about the time songwriting was birthed in me. Most recently, over the past 7-8 years, I’ve begun learning to play classical (nylon string) guitar. This instrument has the most beautiful sound! Most of the songs on this 1st project, The Eric E. Merrill Project – Volume 1, were written as a result of me learning to play the guitar; crazy, right!?
What is your greatest achievement as a musician?
Honestly, my greatest milestone as a musician is finishing this first project. These are stories and experiences I’ve carried with me my whole life. Reaching the point of my journey where I just knew it was time to put them to music is something special. And I’m just getting started. I am just doing my part and letting it all unfold. God has already blown my mind with the opportunities that have opened and the responses I’ve gotten from listeners so far. If I can keep making this music and it gets to the people who are meant to hear it, that will be my greatest achievement.
What are 3 words that describe your music?
Lyrical, nostalgic, and intentional.
What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?
An unrelenting desire to know, spend time with and live for the One who created them. I want these stories and melodies, which are reflections of my life, to inspire people into reflecting on their own moments that make life worth living, and allow those moments to carry them through the tough times. That’s the ultimate purpose of every note, phrase, and lyric.
Who inspires you the most musically?
Wow, I have tons of inspirational foundation…from my early days from guys that I grew up listening to (The Apostolic Clefs (Neil Scott, Steve Wicker, Ron Ryles, Frank Ross, Victor Walls, Bertram Robinson), Andrae Crouch, groups that I sang with growing up, and then so much of what I’d listen to on a daily basis (Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Michael Franks, Al Jarreau, Earth Wind, and Fire, and Earl Klugh). These days, I still listen to Earl Klugh just about every day, but Richard Bona has become an absolute “must” as well.
Who is one artist you wish you could work with?
If you will allow, may I give 2 (smile)? Earl Klugh and Richard Bona; that’s probably quite obvious (LOL). Earl Klugh’s guitar tone and his style of phrasing musically leave me kind of speechless; I’d love to do a song with him similar to the song This Time (with Al Jarreau).
Richard Bona reconnects me with my African heritage; his way of singing is SO beautiful. I’m currently writing a song that I’d love to collaborate with him on.
Tell us about any new music you have coming out? When is coming out? What is it about?
I’m currently working on The Eric E. Merrill Project, Volume 2, with a planned release sometime next summer. This one will include the continuance of story-telling through song, with the same purpose as Volume 1, leading the listener into an elevated understanding of the deeper meaning of life, and ushering them into the presence of God.
Anything else you want the audience to know about you?
I’m in search of my audience, my “Tribe” if you will, and I’d love to tell you a story; a story about life, love, and experience. Allow me to take you on a journey through time and circumstance. This is the essence of who I am musically…This is The Eric E. Merrill Project.
Keep up with Eric and his journey via his website and Instagram:
