Two years ago, we spoke to guitarist and vocalist Eric Gynan from the American rock band Leaving Eden. Today, he has joined us again to share more.
Band Name: Leaving Eden
Members: Eve (lead vocals), Alyssa (keys & vocals), Jake (drums), Eric (guitar & vocals) & Rich (bass & vocals)
Genre: Rock, Metal, Alternative, Pop
Founded: 2008
Originated From: New England, USA
Discography: Between Heaven & Hell (Album, 2013), Out of the Ashes (Album, 2017), Descending (Album, 2018), Agony of Affliction (Album, 2019), Pinnacle (Album, 2019), Tied & Bound (Album, 2019), Dream With Me (Album, 2020), Fable (Album, 2021) & As Above So Below (Album, 2022)
How would you describe your music?
Our music can be quite heavy and across the spectrum to light and acoustic. It’s an eclectic mix of various genres so really I always say there is no box for Leaving Eden.
We won awards for best metal and best hard-core, yet we have acoustic songs, pop songs and some really laid-back and mellow songs as well.
Leaving Eden‘s songs are lyric-driven with much harmony and melody. Leaving Eden is best seen and heard live.
What is your musical creative process like?
It all happens differently at different times. Sometimes I will already have the lyrics done and write the music later. Sometimes I’ll have a melody and record the music and then search for the lyrics that I have already written. And then sometimes I’ll have the lyrics and put music to that. But it all comes from a place where I utilise my connection to the universe as we all have.
So, lots of times I’ll just kind of listen and there’s always some sort of song playing out there in my mind’s eye. I actually have to shut it off at times. I do believe that other artists that have come and gone are able to have a connection, find a conduit so to speak because I believe that they might want to continue through somebody else. You never know.
Just listening universally as we are all connected to the energy. The songs, lyrics come this way by tuning in. Then everything seems to flow that way. Then I record scratch trax usually myself and let the rest of the band listen. They then add their twist to it as I always try and empower everyone to utilize their own creative process.
How did the band form?
Eve originally tried out to be the singer and she got the job. We then started a band and Rick the bass player joined – this was before Leaving Eden. After the first hundred people came up to me and told me how great Eve was, I knew that I had to do something for her.
Once Eve and I founded the band Leaving Eden, eventually the drummer position was available and Jake asked for that and we met Alyssa at a venue where she asked to play keys and sing back up. The rest is history.
How did you come up with your band name?
Well, we figured that this whole planet in the beginning was considered the Garden of Eden and now with it being so corrupt and full of deception, wouldn’t it be nice to go somewhere else for a little bit. Thus, Leaving Eden.
Who influenced you within the music industry?
Well, I look and influence kind of like intrinsic motivation. Of course, good music is always a catalyst for that. I think that playing so many concerts with so many “rock stars“ has definitely influenced me a long time ago as to where I wanted to be. A lot of it has been surreal actually but nonetheless it all really happened.
We’ve also been inspired by people in the industry like stage managers, producers and agents. We paid attention, listened, watched and learned.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
Leaving Eden has toured the USA, UK & Canada sharing the stage with hundreds of the biggest international bands in the world including Alice Cooper, Avenged Sevenfold, Black Sabbath, Halestorm, Motorhead, Papa Roach, Shinedown, Slayer, ZZ Top, Nickelback, Skillet, several Woodstock reunions, plus many many more.
What is the best thing about being in a band?
Being able to write, record, perform live and make many friends, it’s all good!
When you’re traveling around the world you get to meet so many friends you’d never ever get the opportunity to meet. And myself, loving people so much, I would say is most important. Also, people have their own ways of saying what they want to say and being heard and music is certainly one of those avenues that are important.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician(s)
I always say sifting through all the “snakes” in the business. Lots of musicians look for help and the snakes know this very well and prey upon them. It’s sad but true. The best strategy is taking the bull by the horns yourself and enlisting the right people by properly vetting them.
What plans have you got coming up this year?
Touring, writing, movies and seeing my friends along the way.
What is your ultimate dream as a band?
I guess assisting in making the world a better place any way we can. We even have a song named The World Could Be A Better Place.
Just having the freedom to do what I choose. Music is always one of the ways to do what you want, to remain in control of your destiny without being told what to do.
Our motto is we will Play anywhere anyhow anyway so long as we can and that’s really gotten us to where we are today.
To find out more about Leaving Eden, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
Also, check out my other Music Interview roundups from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022.
Like Rock For Disability on Facebook, follow me on Twitter @P94Emma & donate via PayPal
