We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Paul and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Yes, I do. It’s one from Jimi Hendrix. He said, “Knowledge speaks, but Wisdom listens.” I really like this because it’s insightful, and really puts the idea of learning and improving into perspective. For me, it speaks to the idea that I need to quiet myself and observe/listen. I’m constantly striving to improve myself, but I can’t learn anything if all I’m doing is talking or interjecting the things I know instead of seeing a possible new perspective from which I could learn.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It all started when I was eight years old and heard Jimi Hendrix on the radio, repeatedly. I remember thinking, “I wanna be like that.” From then on, I was infected with the bug. I did chores around the house to earn enough money to get a gig bag and all the other essentials to compliment the vintage Harmony electric guitar a family friend had given me. I began writing my own songs from day one, and took lessons for the next ten years after that. I knew this field isn’t for the feint of heart, but it was for me. Throughout my journey, I’ve failed more times than I’d like to admit, and I continue to fail. But through those failures come the opportunity to learn and gain new insight.

On a personal level, I’m driven by passion and the desire to find my truth. I love exploring human emotion. With my ADHD comes some emotional deregulation, and it takes me a while to realize what and why I’m feeling something. Writing and performing have become such a monumental outlet with this, rendering my musical creations to come from a very raw and honest place. My brand is that of struggle, honesty, and grit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d first and foremost take him/her to the many parks and trails in the area. I find nature to be the most humbling, grounding thing. After that, I’d say Bill’s Donuts is a must for a donut and coffee. We’d then hang out around the various shops in the Oregon District in Downtown Dayton. When nighttime falls, I’d like to take them to dinner at Chiapas in Centerville. That food is unique and I love supporting the family that owns it. Great food and great vibes!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If it weren’t for my parents and very close friends/loved ones, I wouldn’t be able to continue doing what I do. Without them, I’d probably give in to the cycles of society and not be living my full truth. Like almost all humans, I struggle with self-doubt, insecurities, and frustrations. When I’m at my weakest, these individuals find a way to show me that I’m doing the right things, that I’m following my heart, and that my life is inspiring. They bring a genuine, honest perspective, but with love. I wouldn’t be doing what I love without them.

Website: www.ericpaulsound.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericpaulsound

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ericpaulsound

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ericpaulsound

Youtube: www.youtube.com/ericpaulsound

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