His name may not ring a bell, but his music has undoubtedly struck a cord. R&B recording artist and songwriter, Eric Roberson, has written songs for Musiq Soulchild, Vivian Green and Jill Scott, to name a few. But it was his own music that he showcased as
Just minutes before he was to go on, Roberson said he wasn’t sure of the exact songs he would perform, but he was sure he’d perform some tracks from his latest independently released album, "Left," the fifth album he released on his own record label, Blue Erro Soul. And though he, like a number of the acts performing at the June 17 concert, doesn’t enjoy the celebrity and notoriety of other industry artists, Roberson said he is content with his career.
The New Jersey native got his start in the music industry over 13 years ago and was even signed to major label Warner Bros. Records but later released. “For your hobby to become your job and still be a hobby, and now supports you and allows you to do things that you never dreamed ofùthe tours, Europe, the fansùis just a dream I never expected, nor took for granted,” Roberson said. He majored in musical theatre at Howard University, which he credits for helping him find himself as a singer.
“I feel like I put my love for theatre in my show, my studio work and my writing. Theatre helped me out as a singer so much in college. I really appreciated those classes and what it did for me,” Roberson said. “Its always a good feeling, when you’re on stage, to have someone singing along with you. That lets you know you’re doing something right.” Roberson said that he just enjoys being in the studio and creating music. Even in his downtown, he writes just for relaxation.
But when asked if he preferred being in the studio to being on stage, he said he enjoys them both equally. “I’ve been in concerts where say Vivian Green was performing one of my songs, and to see the people in the crowds and the people around me, that’s when I really enjoy it,” Roberson said. No stranger to Chicago and its musical tastes, Roberson said he’s been to Chicago at least 15 times and knows the city for its house music. “Jersey is a house city as well,” he said.
“But we all have the same common bond in church. We all are raised singing and playing in church, and that’s whether you’re in Chicago, Alabama or New Jersey. The bill for Navy Pier concert included an impressive roster of R&B artists who happily performed before less-than-sold-out crowds. Rap duo Slum Village, Algebra Blessett and special guest Dwele all commanded the stage during their sets.
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