Meet Eddie Ervin

We were lucky to catch up with Eddie Ervin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eddie, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
As a guitarist I constantly come across players that that are so good they make you want to quit and turn your guitar into a coffee table and it’s easy to feel inferior or like an “imposter” about to be exposed. To overcome imposter syndrome as a guitarist, I remind myself of my journey and the progress I’ve made. I remember the challenges I’ve faced and conquered to reach this point. Embrace your unique experiences and perspective, and focus on creating original music, do something different that reflects your individuality and creativity. Trust in your abilities and remember that every musician has their own path and struggles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Born in Los Angeles, California in 1974, I had the unique upbringing of being the son of a flower child and a Marine. My father, a talented guitarist, played in a blues band that frequently rehearsed at our house. Growing up, I was surrounded by music luminaries like the Chambers Brothers, Dave Dixon, and even Dr. John who would drop by the house for jam sessions. These early experiences ignited my passion for music.

At the tender age of 6, I began playing the drums, but it wasn’t until high school that I picked up the guitar. During a stint in Cabo San Lucas in the 1980s, my focus shifted to more adolescent pursuits, but upon returning to the States, I reignited my musical journey.

Forming my first band, The Honey Trap, marked the beginning of an exhilarating chapter filled with countless shows up and down the California coast. However, as life called, I felt compelled to pursue a more conventional path. I married, started a family, and embarked on a career in real estate lending, all while the fervor for music continued to simmer within me.

As destiny would have it, my passion for music refused to be subdued. In my forties, I found myself back in the music scene with bands like Crosstown Players, Highest Conspiracy, and The Taide Band. Gigging multiple nights a week and with new recordings in the pipeline, I’ve embraced my calling as a musician, drawing upon a lifetime of experiences to fuel my creativity and drive.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful:

1. **Persistence:** Throughout my musical journey, persistence has been essential. Whether facing setbacks, lineup changes, or personal challenges, the ability to persevere and stay committed to my passion for music has been crucial. My advice to those starting their journey is to cultivate a mindset of resilience. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of growth and use them as opportunities to learn and improve. Keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles or doubts.

2. **Versatility:** Being adaptable and versatile as a musician has been instrumental in navigating different musical genres, band dynamics, and performance settings. Early in your journey, explore a variety of musical styles and techniques to broaden your skill set. Embrace opportunities to collaborate with musicians from diverse backgrounds, as this can enhance your versatility and expand your musical horizons. Remain open-minded and willing to step out of your comfort zone to grow as a musician.

3. **Networking and Collaboration:** Building connections within the music community and collaborating with other musicians has been invaluable in advancing my career. Attend local gigs, music events, and open mics to meet fellow musicians and industry professionals. Don’t underestimate the power of networking and building genuine relationships. Collaborating with others not only enriches your musical experience but also opens doors to new opportunities and perspectives. Be proactive in reaching out to other musicians, sharing your ideas, and fostering collaborative partnerships.

Overall, my advice to those early in their musical journey is to embrace persistence, versatility, and networking. Cultivate a strong work ethic, continuously seek opportunities for growth and collaboration, and remain dedicated to your passion for music. Remember that every step of the journey is a learning experience, and with determination and perseverance, you can achieve your musical goals.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! I am always seeking to collaborate with creative and visionary individuals, promoters, as well as other bands and musicians, to create unforgettable concerts and experiences. Feel free to email me at ervineddie43@gmail.com

Contact Info:

Image Credits
ShotByBenz Ginger Hendrix

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