22-year-old Alt-Rock artist Eric Jafet is back with his latest single ‘Lights Out’. Written, performed, and produced by Eric himself, the hard-hitting track takes on love and sex in the digital age.
Gritty, fast, and unyielding, Lights Out explores the discontent and alienation of a generation raised online, unable to create meaningful relationships. Equal parts unruly and angsty, the music perfectly encapsulates the feeling of millions born in the digital age as they try to navigate the age-old pitfalls of love, sex, and relationships but now with the added pressures of social media.
Taking influences from the likes of David Bowie, Nirvana, and The Rolling Stones, Eric has relentlessly been honing his craft for years, often as a way to escape from his tumultuous world fraught with depression, anxiety, and addiction. At just 14 he got the opportunity to play at the legendary Whisky A Go Go with Dizzy Reed (Guns N’ Roses) along with a later chance meeting with one of his heroes Dave Grohl. This all pushed Eric on to double down with his music, eventually releasing his debut single in 2020.
With plenty more tracks in the pipeline and a hell of a lot more to say, this won’t be the last you hear of Eric Jafet, he’ll make sure of that! Follow his socials for the latest updates.
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
I’ve been writing music my entire life, and I wrote my first song when I was seven years old. I sing and play every instrument on my music, so it took a lot of practice to be able to get to that place. I have spent untold hours alone in my room playing my guitar.
How would you describe the highs and lows of being an artist?
Each day is different, some days songs and ideas come easy, and sometimes they take a little more work. Either way, as long as you show up and do it every day, you’re bound to get something good. Emotionally it can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but I think the roughest moments make for the best art.
What’s a musical guilty pleasure of yours?
I have several, but if we’re really getting into it, I would have to say NSYNC. They were great. I’ll sing “Tearin’ Up My Heart” at the top of my lungs in front of anyone any time it comes on. I can’t quite pull off the dance moves though.
What are some sources of inspiration for you?
I mostly write about my own life, so lyrically I tend to get inspiration from my own experiences. Musically speaking, I love artists such as Prince, Nirvana, Van Halen, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and many more. Real music by real musicians.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
Without a doubt I would have to say Prince. The sheer work ethic, the amount of sounds he pioneered, mastering every instrument and writing countless amazing songs. I truly think he’s in a class of his own.
Favorite activity to blow off some steam?
Honestly, without sounding cliché, locking my door, cranking up my amplifier, and playing my guitar. After enough time goes by, I often can’t even remember what I was upset about. It forces you to stop thinking too much, and only to feel.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about.
I wrote my newest song “Lights Out” at about three in the morning, as with pretty much all of my music. The guitar and lyrics came to me first, then I added the drums, bass and synthesizer. I use drum machine samples for an 80’s kind of sound, so I kept those and the bass and synth from the original. After that I went to the studio to re- record the vocals and guitars, took it home, and put it all together there.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
Those are two separate problems but share a similar solution. If I start to feel anxious, the first thing I do is sit down and record something, anything that comes out. I figure maybe at least I can get something useful out of it. As far as creative blocks, consistency is key. You have to keep writing, it takes digging to strike gold. Sometimes though, the only answer is to step away from it for a little and go outside, or work on something else. But you can’t force the music out, you have to let the music write itself.
What’s the future looking like for you?
There’s a lot happening right now, and a ton of music in the pipeline. In the immediate future I’m going to be releasing more singles, and building towards the release of an EP. During that time, I’ll also be putting together my live band and playing shows. I have hundreds of songs ready to go, and journals full of lyrics and music, so it’s a matter of deciding which are best, and for when.
What inspires your visuals, videos, looks etc?
I take a lot of inspiration from different places, such as the hazy glow of 80’s John Hughes type films, the grit of movies like the Warriors, and from many different music videos. I really love what Prince and Michael Jackson did with their signature jackets, specifically Michael’s Thriller jacket and Prince’s Purple Rain jacket. They were iconic. I’m really not a fan of things like flip flops and cargo shorts being worn onstage, it’s not very rock and roll! Therefore, I try to take all my cues from those who did it before me, and did it right.
What is the most embarrassing memory and most proud moment of your career so far ?
My most embarrassing memory probably comes from a talent show my school put on in what must’ve been sixth grade. I had a little “band”, who had only ever rehearsed one time, and we went up there totally unprepared and we were terrible! That day traumatized me, but I learned a very valuable lesson. I don’t think I’ve gone a single day since then without practicing. I think there’s a video of it somewhere, but I hope not!
My proudest moment just happened, the release of my newest song Lights Out. I worked hard on it, and I was so excited when I was finally able to share it with everyone.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
The best advice I’ve gotten came from a conversation I was lucky enough to have with one of my heroes, Dave Grohl. He explained that you have to be completely committed, work your ass off, and basically, to take the leap of faith. Otherwise, it won’t work. I never forgot that.
Where do you think the music and entertainment industry is headed after this past year?
Music is immortal. It brings people together. It’s been a tough year for everybody, but one day, this past year will be merely a blip on the radar, and I have full confidence things will soon be back better than ever. It’s an integral part of our lives, and it’s not going anywhere. I can’t wait.
