Ewreckage is a fresh artist with a path few had when they started out. As a totally indie songwriter-musician his second album hit the charts high and his artistic evolution took a new turn. After releasing the album “Ruby” we took the time to talk about music, life and how to make and live success.
And while you are at it, listen to the new remix of “Ocean” by Ewreckage, it’s a good one!
Music Authentic: Welcome to Music Authentic! Let’s begin with our site-traditional question: How did you sleep last night?
Ewreckage: I slept well. Thanks for asking.
Music Authentic: Your new album “Ruby” got into charts, got into ears. Did you think when you decided to start this adventure you would get here?
Ewreckage: When I first started making music in 2018, I was a self-managed college student, with no expectations and a very limited budget. The music industry is very tough, so I never imagined reaching this level of success years ago.
Music Authentic: Before we dive into the album, what was the drive to start and what is the drive to go on?
Ewreckage: I think, I should start with my origin story first. I released my debut single, “Ocean”, nearly two and a half years ago for fun. It started as a new hobby, but once “Ocean” started to gain some momentum, I decided to keep the ball rolling. What drives me to keep making music is the desire to share my art with the world.
Music Authentic: That’s a nice thought, indeed, I like it! Now, how was your last one and half year? Could you channel your emotions into your music?
Ewreckage: The global pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone, but I’ve been fortunate with everything else that’s happened in the last year and a half. I started writing as a contributor for The Dream Shake, SB Nation’s official blog for the Houston Rockets. I also recently graduated from Bridgewater State University with my BA in English and Secondary Education. However, the most uplifting part of this new decade was meeting my girlfriend, who I’ve dated for nearly a year now. I definitely use music as an outlet to express my emotions, with “Ruby” rooted from these bright times in my life.
Music Authentic: In 2020 you released “Eccentric” with a quite an eclectic range of songs, centred on love and relationships. The high-concept “Thanks for Nothing” and the stripped down “You and I” are next to the party hit “Ocean”. Your recent chart topping “Ruby” album has a more unequivocal sound. Do you think it is because of your artistic evolution or you’ve found the right team to work with?
Ewreckage: I’d credit it as my artistic evolution. As you mentioned, “Eccentric” is centred on love and relationships, but, in reality, I hadn’t met that special person yet. Rather, I was writing about the idea of being in love. This is why so much of my early discography focuses on heartbreak. I really channel this in “Thanks For Nothing”, “Figure It Out”, and “Shivers”. In comparison, “Ruby” discusses a more authentic feeling of love. This is seen in songs “Currents” and “Right For Me”. Various artists go through their own eras and that’s what my albums should be interpreted as, the “Eccentric” era and the “Ruby” era.
Music Authentic: “Keep My Cool” is a radio song, the new version of “Ocean” is a party mix, “Right For Me” is an R’n’b for lovers, “When Our Eyes Meet” is like from a series OST, and “Guilt” feels the most personal. Was it intentional to have a bit in your album for every direction where your audience might be or it was more of an instinct?
Ewreckage: I did intentionally direct “Ruby” in different directions. My goal is to have at least one song off the album personally connect with my listeners. Since music taste is so diverse from one person to the next, I don’t like to confine myself to one distinct sound.
Music Authentic: That’s a wise decision. Now, that for many the restrictions are over, do you plan to perform live?
Ewreckage: This a question I get asked quite often. A common misconception is that I’m the vocalist on my tracks, but I’m not. For that reason, performing at venues isn’t very practical. What I consider myself to be is a musical artist. I take a blank canvas and use my artistic direction to create new music. More specifically, I write song lyrics and produce instrumentals in a non-traditional sense. To bring my visions to life, I then commission various musicians from around the world. I usually compare myself to DJ Khaled or Benny Blanco when explaining exactly what I do. It’s complicated. I would be open to performing live in the future though.
Music Authentic: That’s a really honest way to put it! After so much pain and grief people need positive energy. Where are you charging up yourself these days?
Ewreckage: Outside. It gets very cold here in New England during the winter, so I’m really appreciating the mid July warmth. Whether it’s sitting in your backyard or at the beach, I think basking in the sunlight is great way to mentally recharge.
Music Authentic: You have day job as a teacher and now you have a career in the music industry. How long do you think you can balance it before you need to make a big decision?
Ewreckage: Hypothetically, I think I could balance it for a very long time. Summers would be perfect for any future releases, since it wouldn’t interfere with my teaching duties.
Music Authentic: What was the greatest challenge when you started out and what was the most important lesson you learned?
Ewreckage: My greatest challenge was finding out how to navigate both the musical and promotional processes. I didn’t have any guidance when I started making music and am still entirely independent today. I just wanted to try it out and see what would happen. In terms of producing a song, anyone who comes from a true musical background is at a greater advantage than I am. This leads to my most important lesson from this experience. Don’t let anyone ever tell you, you can’t do something. Nobody expected my music to gain the traction that it did. If I stopped after my first song or never started it at all, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Music Authentic: Absolutely, that’s the way to show intergrity. How important music is these days? Is it still relevant and revolutionary or more in the background?
Ewreckage: Music is very important. It’s such a stellar feeling when I listen to a song again and reminisce on the memories connected to it. I’ll give you a quick example. When I was little, every summer, I would ride around with my family on Martha’s Vineyard, listening to 70s and 80s hits in my dad’s Bronco II. When I hear a song like “Listen To The Music” by The Doobie Brothers, it brings me back to these times. The song itself isn’t one of my all-time favorites, but I find that tons and tons of song I’ve listened to have this same role in my life. Even if it’s only background music in the moment, it will one day bring you back to that snapshot in your life. I hope that my music has this same impact on my listeners.
Music Authentic: What do you think, shall we have some fun? Let’s imagine Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk call you the same day offering you a gig in space. Would you go to Mars or rather stay in orbit?
Ewreckage: I’d rather stay in orbit. I think space travel is too new, and don’t want to risk getting stuck away from Earth. But if Musk or Bezos are willing to pay me lots of money, I don’t think I could say no.
Music Authentic: These days, people seem to adore superheroes more than ever, like an escape. Who are the real-life heroes? Are there any left?
Ewreckage: There are, yes. The greatest superheroes are the individuals who choose to face their challenges and never give up. It’s easy to give up. Giving your best effort, even if the odds are against you, is what superheroes do.
Music Authentic: Hear hear! With whom would you have a duet rather with: Adele, Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus or Britney Spears?
Ewreckage: Out of the four, I think I’d collaborate well with Adele.
Music Authentic: As a musician, as an artist it is a great opportunity and responsibility to stand up for the right things in the right way. What are the issues actual changes ought to begin with in the society?
Ewreckage: I think, the cost of living is a huge issue in our society. So many people are underpaid for their services, which is evident when looking at the rate of inflation. In terms of music, I’m a best-selling musical artist and have made nowhere near a liveable wage. I don’t make music for the money, but want to shine light on how low the profit margin is, even after a commercially successful album. Getting back to the question, working towards making life more affordable would solve lots of society’s problems.
Music Authentic: Thoughts should be on newspapers and in podcasts to debate and be talked about. Do musicians need to be afraid of AIs, algorithms or all this brand new world of streaming and virtual album are the dreams for them?
Ewreckage: I think, it’s easier than ever to become a musician, and I’m living proof. Decades ago, without the internet, it was much harder for an independent artist to build a following. However, achieving success in the industry is very difficult. Mainstream artists, powered by major record labels, are also taking advantage of this new virtual world. It’s a two-sided coin.
Music Authentic: Who are you listening to these days?
Ewreckage: My favorite artists include Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Drake, The 1975, and Vance Joy. I listen to lots more artists, of course, but these are my top 5.
Music Authentic: What can your fans expect from you next: a new music video, a new EP, collaboration?
Ewreckage: Who knows the future? My first time topping the charts was surreal, and doing it again and again is something I’m grateful for. However, after two album releases, I’m satisfied with this venture. My main talent is writing, with music serving as a secondary medium to express myself. It’s the same way how Donald Glover is professionally known as an actor, but is also acclaimed for his work as Childish Gambino. For this reason, I may choose to retire Ewreckage in the not-so-distant future. On the other hand, I didn’t plan on releasing any music after “Eccentric”, but here we are today. I’m just going to ride this wave out and see where it takes me next.
Music Authentic: Thank you for being with us today!
Ewreckage: Thanks for having me. I want to give a shout out to a few of my biggest supporters: TEG, Lord Ryan, Gaines, Mom, Tia and JP, Tia and Finn, Bigfoot, Padrinho, and Vavo.
Say Hello and listen to Ewreckage on his:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1A7e9Q0E2bKDuAMatcNFa5?si=EoF7bEX7RbaPncFR_8OMsw&dl_branch=1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ewreckage99