Music video by Eric Vargas featuring Basement 51 performing “Show Stopper (Basement 51 Remix)”. (C) 2011 Axyal Node, LLC.
Catching Up With Eric Vargas
We recently caught up with our friend Eric Vargas to discuss everything from his upbringing as a singer, his latest single “Show Stopper”, plus his upcoming album. Check out our exclusive interview with Eric below-
HS: First and foremost please tell our readers a little about yourself.
Eric: My name is Eric Vargas and I’m from Watsonville, California. Ever since I can remember, I have been surrounded by music. I was raised listening to my father, Javier Vargas, sing with his mariachi at family party’s, weddings, performances and at home while he would practice. He had and still has a strong work ethic to always improve his voice. I grew up observing the amazing talent my father had, not only to sing, but to also entertain. Those memories remain very clear to me still today. I’ve also been blessed to have an older brother, Andy Vargas, who is a professional singer. He is the lead singer for Carlos Santana and has been in the band for over ten years now. My brother is a spiritual driven individual and he shares many insights with me about the ever changing music industry. Through him, I’ve had the opportunity to observe the dynamics of a major tour and all those experiences were fun and valuable.
HS: How long have you been singing?
Eric: Like I said before, I grew up with music all around me so I have been singing since I started talking. My dad always reminds me about the times I would sing when I was about 5 at family parties and how he knew since then them music was in me. I did a few school plays here and there but I didn’t become serious about music until I graduated from college. I remember recording a song with my brother in LA at his home studio and saying to myself that I wanted to make it more than just a hobby. A few years later, here I am…just completed my first EP, and recently released a music video and couldn’t be happier.
HS: Speaking of your music video, the song “Show Stopper”, how did all that come about?
Eric: Show Stopper was a song that I wrote to describe a night out with your boys. One of those nights when you guys get to the club or party and you notice this girl that kind of “stops the show” haha…you know every one has had a few of those. I felt like it was something that many people could relate to and just went with it.
HS: You teamed up with the Chicago group, Basement 51, for this song. How was it working with them?
Eric: Working with Basement 51 was a blast. The guys are amazingly talented. They make songs that will resonate in your head for days after and you like it. I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to work with Darrious, Rhapid and Vo (Basemant 51) and hope this is just one of many future projects we will be working on together.
HS: What kind of preparation do you do to be at the top of your game?
Eric: I eat a strict no carb diet haha, no….I think the main thing I try to focus on is keeping what I am doing with music fun. Music has always been a release for me and as long as that stays true everything else just falls into place. Training my voice and ear is always key to growing as a vocalist. I try to challenge myself when I practice to get out of any comfort zones. I also have a little home studio at my house that I write and record new music on for future projects.
HS: Who’s the people you look up to in the music industry?
Eric: If there is anybody I look up to in the music industry it would have to be my brother. He not only has a great voice but he has the drive and energy to keep growing as a vocalist, artist and person. The music industry can be a cut throat business and I have seen my brother handle some difficult situations and turn them into learning opportunities. He has been through so many experiences and seen so many places but yet still has the ability to remain grounded and true to himself. He has the respect of so many people in the LA music scene, not solely for the position he holds in the band, but for who he is.
HS: What do you like to do in your leisure time for fun?
Eric: I play in a few Rec basketball leagues and try to get out on the golf course as often as possible. More than anything though, I enjoy just hanging out with a few buddies drinking a cold one and playing some poker or barbecuing.
HS: Any upcoming projects or plans that your fans should look out for?
Eric: Well on April 2nd I have my first single “Show Stopper” (Basement 51 Remix) that will be released on Itunes. I’m also going to be releasing my EP, entitled “Turning Point” in April. Each track from the EP will be released for free download on my website.
HS: What’s the website where your fans can go find these tracks?
Eric: EricVargas.com. It also has links to my Facebook and Twitter page.
HS: Any quick shout-outs you want to give?
Eric: Yeah, I want to thank my label, Axyal Node, for allowing the opportunity to share my passion for music. I feel very very blessed.
HS: Thanks for stopping by, we wish you the best with the upcoming album.
Eric: Thanks!
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