Do you usually start with a beat or lyrics?
Beat. I jot sh*t I think is clever on my phone or on paper throughout the day, but I can’t really get that emotion out until I hear the beat that goes with it.
If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be?
Wow! I have like 324,798,324,923 people I want to say for this question… If I had to choose, I’d say Michael Jackson. MJ was my favorite artist as a kid, and every record he touched was musically paved with gold.
Can you tell us a little bit about THELOVEINUS?
I founded THELOVEINUS years back. It used to just be a blog I posted pictures on when I bought my first SLR, and now it’s a collective of artists who share the commonality of love and appreciation for art. In short, it’s become the emotional and physical backing for my music. Having a solid team of people you can rely on is a big help, because there’s only so much I can do myself. We have our own unique way of doing things, but it’s really all just love!
You’re also a pretty accomplished graphic designer; do you do all of your own album covers? Who’s your favorite artist?
Anything Web related I do myself. I’ve done some of my album art, but I really confide in G (InfamousJeanClaude), because he’s always been there for me and always puts together amazing pieces. I respect him as a graphic designer, illustrator and a painter– I can’t really say that for myself. I’m just a graphic and Web designer. My favorite artist is DEFINITELY Shepard Fairey. Ever since I read his book, Supply & Demand, I followed his story of how he got into street art. I’ve always had a devout love for artists who get into something “just because,” and years later they are totally obsessed with it and then there’s this huge portfolio of their work I can search through. Some people hate him for whatever reason, but I dig his clothes too … hopefully he sponsors me one day (shameless plug?).
Elliott’s new album drops today! You can snag it on THELOVEINUS or Erick’s main page, and be sure to check out the rest of Elliott’s work at http://erickarcelliott.bandcamp.com/. And if you’re in the NYC area make sure to head over to his listening party on June 18 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe, 236 East 3rd Street!
<a href=”http://erickarcelliott.bandcamp.com/track/little-brother-feat-kevin-2″ _mce_href=”http://erickarcelliott.bandcamp.com/track/little-brother-feat-kevin-2″>Little Brother feat. Kevin by Erick Arc Elliott</a>
