The next quote is from Josh Billings: "Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well."
That's very true. I feel like I've never been a great instrumentalist. Personally, I don't feel like I have a great voice. I don't dance very well. I feel like it's all a matter of being wise about the decisions you make in using what you got to the fullest. We all have enough to win, whatever winning is, whatever that means to an individual. We all got it. We all have everything we need to win. Some people just don't realize it, or realize it too late.
At what point in your life did you fully realize your talents?
I don't think I've gotten there yet. I think it was pretty early on that I realized that I had something – probably music classes in the first grade. I just thought everybody heard music the way that I did. It just flowed. That wasn't the case. I think I probably realized the power of voice in church, being able to move people and being able to almost catch the Spirit of God and communicate it through voice and song. I think I learned that pretty early.
"You're the Only One" served as the lead single for Love & Life. The song has performed well at radio — reaching the #1 spot on urban AC radio. Much of its success can be credited to the online promotion you've been using MySpace and YouTube. In fact, you and your daughter, India, produced an intimate, promotional video of "You're the Only One" and made it available to your fans on the Internet. As an established artist, what led you decide to incorporate technology in your advertising campaign?
Well, technology is fun. I've always tried to keep up with it. It's a very, very enjoyable way to stay as connected as I possibly can with the people who are the reason why I'm able to afford the lifestyle that I have.
Why is getting in touch with the fans an important part of your career?
I'm a very grateful person and I realize that I'm able to put my daughter in the school she's in, and I'm able to eat and live where I live because of these people who are feeling my music. It's almost like a feeling of gratitude of wanting to stay connected with them, of wanting to know what they like about a particular song or why they like this album so I know how to keep giving them more of what they like as it resonates with me. I'm really just having a lot of fun. I think it's important for them to have a glimpse of exactly who this person is that they've chosen to buy the product and listen to the music over and over, you know, to get to know the source a little bit. It's a lot of fun.
Article comments
1 - Monica
Clayton Perry, thank you for this interview. I am an Eric Benet fan so I've read many of his interviews and I can tell you that the majority have no originality or content of substance. The interviewers ask the same questions over and over again. This was a refreshing change. Your questions were original and very interesting. I actually have a new prospective of the man and his music because of this interview. You do great work. I look forward to reading more.
2 - cara
EB is so amazing live!! you have to see his kyte player!
3 - hotmama
Definitely check out his live kyte vids
4 - Honey
Eric Benet is has a contest on his myspace page! Check it out asap!
5 - Linda
Eric's Love and Life CD is best CD to come out in a very long time. On top of that, he's a great person who treats his fans with love where ever he goes. Thank you Eric!! I hope everybody buys one of your t-shirts. They are just great!