We love Eric Benet…no, we REALLY love Eric Benet. Not only is he one of the greatest voices of our generation, but he is a total sweetheart!
We caught up with Eric backstage at the Billboard Music Awards, where he was kind enough to take some of our questions!
SBI: How does it feel to have a youngster like DeAndre from American Idol saying that you inspire him, and he loves your music?
Eric: It’s a huge compliment. It’s pretty affirming because as an artist when writing and producing in the studio, I am just in a bubble. I don’t know if people are going to hear it. So the fact that I have people that love my music blows me away enough, but then to find that a younger generation like DeAndre’s who is 17 or 18 years old feeling what I do, that’s crazy. It felt wonderful.
(DeAndre singing Eric’s hit record “Sometimes I Cry” on American Idol this year)
SBI: Will you work with him in the future?
Eric: I wouldn’t be opposed to that. Absolutely. I think that he has so much character and depth…and AGE in his voice. So I would love to.
SBI: Tell us about your new album.
Eric: New album comes out June 5th, it’s called “The One” and it’s my first individual independent release. It’s from my own record label called Jordan House Records, partnered with EMI/Capital. It feels wonderful to be in complete control of my career and creatively. Things are good.
SBI: Will your daughter India be a musician like you?
Eric: My daughter already is a musician. It’s her second year at USC, she’s doing incredibly well. She’s writing and producing some amazing stuff. She’s actually doing a duet with me on my new CD. She’s incredible. My India.
We will be on the lookout for Eric’s album “The One” in stores June 5th.
SWEET!