ERIC LAU INTERVIEW

Work hard. No excuses. That’s producer, Eric Lau’s definition of Grindin’. Originating from a Chinese-English background, originally Lau had taken subjects in school that he describes in other interviews as ‘safe’. “Personally I wanted to do art”, he says in an “I Could Stories” interview on YouTube; keeping his parents happy, he went to university and did business marketing. But after losing his best friend, who committed suicide, what he really wanted to do with his life rang louder; he then interned at a record label called BBE (Barely Breaking Even) and set about getting his music heard in public.

Below in the interview with Grindin’, Lau explains from the beginning of his musical endeavors, he felt great support within his musical community. His production style carries Soul and boom-bap sounds; put together with a method in which he allows sounds to flow delicately; taking listeners on a beautiful journey. His sophomore album titled “One Of Many” features artists like Georgia Anne Muldrow, Oddisee, Olivier St and Rahel. Artists like Jay Electronica have been quoted saying, “When we talk about London, we talk about Eric Lau.” Currently touring Australasia, Lau will be in Sydney this February 7th and then Auckland, New Zealand, February 8th.

When you first began putting your music out to the public what set backs or criticisms did you receive?
Luckily I didn’t have that many set backs or bad criticism. The little I got never really affected me as I’m my own worst critic anyway. All my music has been made with the greatest intention and the execution just becomes more refined with experience.

How did you take them personally, and what did you resolve about them in order to keep pushing forward with your music?
I just focused on the intention behind the music. I want people to feel what I feel when I make music and if it gives them joy then my job is done.

Did you know you had something special to hold onto in that time?
Definitely, I’ve been lucky enough to meet a lot of artists that I respect and all have given me great feedback and guidance to continue to do what I do.

Where are you from?
My mother essentially, but I am a Chinese man born in England.

What’s the Hip Hop scene like there?
It’s healthy in regards of fanfare and shows however the Hip Hop music from the UK hasn’t been as exciting of late. There is however a new group called Hawk House who I’m feeling and am producing for.

If you could work with anyone who would you work with?
Russel Elevado (D’Angelo’s engineer) because he would take my sound to the level I see it in my head.

What’s the best piece of advice your mother’s ever given you and that’s helped in your music career?
Just to do my best, pretty simple really.

As a producer, what traits of a lyricist (emcee or singer) catch you, to make you want to work with them?
Rhythm, voice, content and if they can truly marry that with the music then I’m down to make some music with them.

What and who are your musical influences?
Dilla obviously, Mizell Brothers, Dego, Kaidi Tatham and loads more. Oh and life!!!

How did you get into Hip Hop and Soul music, considering you grew up in a home where Cantonese music was playing?
My sister bought “Baduizm” home one day because she was intrigued by the cover. I listened to that and was really feeling it at the time. I was also listening to all the big Hip Hop stuff like Dr Dre, Nas etc and then when I met some good friends at high school who I used to play basketball with they put me on to Tribe, Gangstarr, Pete Rock etc…

What are you most proud of with “One Of Many”?
I’m proud that I managed to bring all the artists together on the album. I believe they are some of the most gifted people in the music game and to bring them all together I feel is a great achievement. As a result the response has been incredible so I’m proud that the listeners felt what we felt when we made the record.

Where would you say you’re at so far on your artist timeline?
I’m still an infant, seriously…

When you’re making a beat what kinds of elements influence your thought process when you’re putting it together?
I look for the magic in the things, could be a sound, loop, drum pattern, chord, melody. As soon as I have one of them I just do whatever the music tells me to do.

What would you advise an up and comer wanting to get into the music production industry?
Work on the fundamentals, and the continue to work on them! Compare your stuff to see if it holds up against what’s out there in terms of your mix. Once you get that locked down then share your music, go out and network at events, work with some artists, share your music online in a respectful manner and pay your dues!

What’s your definition of Grindin’?
Working hard, no excuses.

Interview by Aleyna Martinez