Chatting with the one and only Eric Bass of Shinedown was an absolute pleasure. It was my first-ever interview with the man, despite our countless conversations off-air. This time was special because Eric's stepping into the spotlight with something intensely personal—his solo album, "I Had a Name." So, buckle up as we dive deep into the making of a record that promises to shake up your playlist!
Freedom Inside and Outside Shinedown
When I asked Eric about the freedom Shinedown provided him to explore solo ventures, his response was a resounding YES. "Shinedown allows me to step outside the norm," he explained. Being in a band where the camaraderie is rock-solid means the support is real. In fact, it was his bandmates (and his wife!) who practically dared him to release the album. "It's been done for a while," Eric confessed. But why the wait? Well, this album was a personal journey for Eric, crafted for his ears only initially—until now.
From Tour Buses to Concept Albums
Eric shared that the album was ready back in 2020, just before diving into Shinedown's "Planet Zero." But this isn't just any album. It started as a whisper in his mind while touring Europe, eventually blooming into a full-blown graphic novel that complements the music. "It was a concept from the beginning," he said, describing how the narrative weaves through the tracks, each song a glimpse into a larger, deeply personal story.
Battling Demons Through Music
One track, "Goodnight Goodnight," hits hard with its raw honesty, reflecting Eric's own struggle with depression. "The villain in the story represents that darkness," he revealed, giving us a peek into how his personal battles have shaped this album. It's not just music; it's therapy, it's life.
The Solo Sound: Authentically Eric
What about the sound? True to his roots, Eric recorded every single instrument on this album. The drums? They weren't just played; they were redefined. "I set the kick drum on a stand and played it with my hands," he shared, aiming to infuse his DNA into every beat, every note. No programmed drums here—just pure, unadulterated Eric Bass.
What's Next?
The first single, "Mind Control Z," is already out—think Pink Floyd meets Rammstein vibes. Eric even stars as the villain in the music video, embracing the role of the complex antagonist he crafted in his songs. And with "I Had a Name" set to drop on February 28th, followed by more Shinedown magic, 2025 is looking epic.
Wrapping Up
Our chat wrapped up, but the anticipation for both Eric's solo venture and the upcoming Shinedown record is just heating up. "I Had a Name" isn't just an album; it's a statement, a piece of Eric Bass' soul, set to resonate with fans and new listeners alike.
So, mark your calendars, grab that vinyl, and get ready to experience a side of Eric Bass like never before. It's raw, it's real, and it's coming straight from the heart.
Listen to the audio-only version of Talkin' Rock with Meltdown here.
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