Eric West

Eric writes about new album on MySpace blog

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=531055&blogID=137625617&MyToken=03811645-b1ac-47f3-acd8-c5fb8126d82a

Growing up....

So as some of you guys know I've been through a lot this year, losing my granddad, step dad, amongst other things, someone asked me the other day, how do I smile through all of the adversity?  I think its God. Even through all of my struggles, at the end of each day, when I pray, I still have to thank him for the day, thank him for the lessons I had to learn, the mistakes I have to fix. We really wouldn't grow as people if we didn't learn from our problems. Sorry if I sound preachy today. But I haven't written to you all in a long time.  I'm near 10,000 friends, so I feel like I can reach to 10,000 folks.

I've been recording since I was 12 years old, I wonder if part of LIFE and being in entertainment is always having to run into those unhappy people who find the need to put you down to try to make themselves feel better? Then again, even outside of the business, it happens.  I hope people can learn to not let it have any negative affects on you, I realized I got better with that over the years.

I know, I know, I know, I keep getting emails [subject] "WHEN IS THE ALBUM COMING OUT" - Sooner or later for sure! I'm going to change the face of pop and R&B. Not to sound overly confident, but we've got some things planned and crazy ideas, so stick with me... I'm not the only artist who is really... passionate about giving you TRUTH and not another rushed "album" to compete with the current market, that's why we love Lauryn Hill.... For once, I feel like I'm finding my talent, and really doing something with it. The last few months, I've been confused with my direction, and how I can set myself apart from the other kids in the business. But I feel like I figured it out. The last time anyone did something important in R&B music (at least to me) was when Lauryn released The Mis-education of Lauryn Hill, and before that was probably 10 years earlier when Janet released Rhythm Nation. So let's challenge ourselves. Dare to be different, forget what everyone else is doing, and do you. You'll feel more satisfied. I know I said in an interview a few weeks ago, that there is very little inventive thinking from my generation. Back in the 80s, growing up we had, Michael J, Prince, Janet, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Run DMC, Public Enemy, Bruce Springsteen, U2. Back then it wasn't so much about hype and gossip, now I can't say I haven't had my fair share of hype and gossip especially for someone who is new to everyone but I don't want my career to be based on, making the cover of US Weekly or Page Six every week, though it was nice to be in them. Though that might work for some, let's get back to what music is MUSIC. Not who I'm dating, and everything else that might come with Celebrity.

Eric.