Multi-talented artist Eric Redd has traversed an extraordinary musical journey. From dancing on Soul Train as a young performer to gracing London’s West End stages, achieving Billboard chart success, and earning two Grammy album shortlists. Now, with the launch of his own Electronic Soul Records, Redd is charting a bold new course that bridges the gap between live musicianship and electronic innovation.
His latest release, “Bon Bon Vie (Gimme The Good Life),” exemplifies this vision perfectly. A fresh reimagining of the TS Monk classic, the track showcases Redd’s powerhouse vocals over producer David Anthony’s masterful recreation, all without using samples. It’s a summer-ready disco anthem that captures the essence of Electronic Soul Records’ mission: creating unexpected collaborations that bring the concert stage to the dance floor.
In this revealing conversation, Redd opens up about the philosophy behind his new label, his creative partnership with David Anthony, and how his diverse performance background, from ballet to Billboard hits, continues to shape his approach to making music that moves both body and soul.
1. “Bon Bon Vie” is originally a TS Monk classic – what drew you to reimagine this particular track, and how did you approach making it your own while honoring the original?
My producer David Anthony had the idea. We spoke about wanting something that was a summer dancefloor filler. He sent it and wouldn’t let me listen till he had me on the phone. After 16 bars it was a yes, yes, yes. Vocally, it was a great marriage for me but all the real credit is to Dave. He was masterful in re-creating the original without using samples and yet making it our own production.
2. You’ve worked with producer David Anthony on this track. How did that creative partnership develop, and what does he bring to your sound that makes these collaborations so successful?
On my previous label, David had done a couple of remixes for my songs. Both were successful. When i would see him at events, my former label would chide me that “my fav producer was in the building” They were correct. Once I stepped out on my own it seemed to be a natural fit. David is a true musician,(one with unmatched kindness) and a producer for a vocalist. Not many of those in the dance music business…
3. You launched Electronic Soul Records earlier this year with “Where There’s Life” – what motivated you to start your own label, and what’s your vision for the direction of Electronic Soul Records?
I love LIVE bands and musicians. I have been singing in front of them for years. It seemed more and more digital was pushing those talents out of the recording studio. On the same note, I love techno, electronic and digital driven sound. I felt like soul, RnB and the funkiest of rhythms created by instruments and human musicians had gotten too far away from learning and creating new things with digital musicians. After many years of doing both, I knew it was time to chart my own course in dance music. Electronic Soul Records aims to explore, create and share new sounds, unexpected collaborations and the marriage of the concert stage to the dance floor.
4. From Soul Train regular to West End performer to Billboard chart success, your journey has been incredibly diverse. How do all these different performance experiences influence your approach to recording and producing music today?
I’ve discovered if it doesn’t move my soul, re-work it. I love to dance. I have been dancing my whole life and it still fills me with as much joy as ever. Watching people dance, sing, create with their expression makes it all worth it. I’m grateful that I was chosen to have this life and that’s what these experiences have taught me. Never discount anything or anyone even if it doesn’t fit your taste for the moment. Styles and trends may change,, but at the heart of the matter the love and creation of art and sharing it is truly all that matters.
5. “Bon Bon Vie” is described as perfect for summer fun and late-night disco parties. When you’re in the studio, do you consciously think about where and how people will experience your music?
Do I think about it? Only all the time. I’ll be a little honest here…. Sometimes I get teary eyed at the thought of watching people dance to my music. The rump shaking, the complete abandon that lights and sound on a dancefloor deliver. On other tracks (like,”Where There’s Life..”) I imagine someone driving down the coast with someone special in the summer listening to me create the scenario. Like a movie and I’m the narrator.
6. You’ve had two Grammy-shortlisted albums in recent years with “Tears Don’t Cry” and “Life….with Subtitles.” How does running your own label change your creative process compared to working with other labels?
I call the shots. I’m exhausted from forced interpretations of how I hear music. Amazing how many people in dance music, don’t dance, can’t dance (by their own admission), or don’t enjoy it. That’s fine, but doesn’t fare well for how I like to approach things. One American show (Drag Race) features artists interpreting recorded music tracks. That in itself is amazing. The body sometimes tells a completely different story than the voice.
7. You’ve shared stages with icons like Stevie Wonder and been part of major productions from Soul Train to the West End. How does that diverse live performance background influence your decision-making in the studio – whether it’s vocal delivery, instrumental choices, or even song structure?
After many years of performing, I’ve learned I vocally love a formal song structure while recording (intro, verse, chorus) with a good story inside the lyrics.. But, vibe is everything and digital sounds can take me on a journey without one vocal lyric ever being shared. The stories music can tell are sometimes so personal only you understand them. Great art and artists teach you that. In my early dance years I discovered the composer Steven Reich. His composition, “Music for 18 Musicians” completely turned my musical world upside down. To this day, it inspires me to understand that your own vision, mind, ears and heart can create magic.
8. The music industry has transformed dramatically since your early days on Soul Train and with Jive Records. How has technology changed the way you create, distribute, and connect with fans – and what do you miss about the “old days” versus what excites you about today’s possibilities?
It’s a very interesting juxtaposition of how to navigate the industry now. I think sometimes one has to just move with their heart and pray that the path will be fruitful. We’re in a “Anything Goes” landscape. I love that independent labels are such a stronghold and we are not beholden to music executives playing games with our art and livelihood. That said, social media is a monster that has turned sharing art into assaulting the audience with content. I feel like you don’t get to absorb content without being assaulted by 5 more things. (and sometimes that’s from the same artist!) I look to create something for a more diverse ear that likes many different things and doesn’t mind it coming from one label. Being in a pigeonhole serves nothing but mass exploitation and is a detriment to the more stylized artist and artistic content.
9. AI is increasingly being used in music production and even songwriting. As an artist who values authentic soul and human emotion in music, how do you view AI’s role in the creative process? Do you see it as a tool, a threat, or something else entirely?
I find AI a bit scary at times because it is used many times to replace the human creative process. That said, I am a firm believer that as technology evolves so does the human spirit. I am the king of re-invention. Just look at my career. This is just another tool in the toolbox that we need to decide how best to use. 45’s to Albums to CD’s to Streams. And yet, still we rise.
10. Looking ahead, what can we expect next from both Eric Redd the artist and Electronic Soul Records the label? Are there other artists you’re looking to sign or collaborate with?
Get Ready! With a new album coming in early 2026, Eric Redd is headed for live Concerts and touring. I am ready to hit the road and make you DANCE. I will be bringing the dancefloor to the concert stage in glorious technicolor. Musicians, singers, dancers means lights, camera, action! There are definitely artists I am looking to collaborate with and sign. From Sun-El Musician to Gisele Jackson, Black Coffee, Revive Big Band, Kimberly Davis and The Illustrious Blacks just to name a few.