To describe Eric Contractor as a singer-songwriter in the traditional, guit… Read Full Bio ↴To describe Eric Contractor as a singer-songwriter in the traditional, guitar-slinging sense is not sufficient to portray the richness and originality of his music. It all begins with his singular, powerful, baritone voice that evokes ancient mysticism, retro rock crooners of yore (think Roy Orbison, Scott Walker, Chris Isaak, and Jim Morrison), and is woven into a highly modern, symphonic art rock context. Once you add in Eric’s poetic lyrics, modern instrumentation, near-operatic theatricality, soulful phrasings, and a striking harmonic sensibility, you’ve got a whole new “bitches brew.” Put simply, this is an emergence of an appealing new style that is simultaneously classic and innovative.
Just like many musicians before him, Eric composed his first opus “Chicken-and-a- Lickin’ at the mere age of four years old (think W. A. Mozart). Following this initial musical impulse, Eric started to tape himself singing The Mamas and the Papas, Ella Fitzgerald, and Motown into any tape recorder he could find. Later, Eric discovered his mature deep voice, and soon after began to write songs with his friends. For his first public performance, Eric sang “God Bless America.” Roses purchased for ironic and mocking intentions were showered on the stage for an official coronation. He delivered, and from that moment on, Eric knew that performing was his destiny.
Eric went on to New York University where he studied music theory, composition, voice, and classical piano. Thereafter, Eric began his consistent, regular songwriting. As a true product of globalization, (with his mixed background of Euro/W.A.S.P. and Indian) Eric is inspired by a pantheon of greats such as Radiohead, The Doors, Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell, and Aretha Franklin. Much of his songwriting is also inspired by poets like Goethe, Rilke, Rimbaud, and Robert Frost. For Eric, music is means of feeling a profound connection with humanity. Eric hopes that his music will express the emotions, longings, and wishes of all kinds of people, and give form to those truths about humanity which need articulation. He wishes for his music to resonate, and honestly portray our current world and its people.
For years now, Eric has been honing his music on NYC music scene, playing at famous venues such as The Living Room, Caffe Vivaldi, The Bitter End, and Pete’s Candy Store. Eric released his debut album “Night Escape” in April 2011, which was produced by Dan Mcloughlin (who played and produced for The Push Stars). The album features romantic-themed songs, imbued with cinematic gestures and fantasy-oriented moods. The songs on “Night Escape” are inspired largely by the romantic, imaginative possibilities of the night. Eric’s music is already drawing attention in the press and the blogosphere for its power and originality.