Eric Lewis
Virgo Four
Where are you based?
I`m based in Chicago. I live and work here.
Is this your hometown?
Yes
What is your first musical memory?
Wow... I want to say Sam Cooke. I remember he had a great voice.
What was the first record you bought?
This may sound strange but I have never bought a record.
What inspired you to start making music?
What inspired me to make music was going to parties that were sponsored by my high school, Mendel. At first I did not care for House music. At the time DJs were making transitions from more electronic music like Devo, Yellow Magic Orchestra and Kraftwerk, and `70s Disco. After a while House music began to grow on me.
How long have you been making music?
I`ve been making music since 1980, but I did`nt start recording until I bought a 4-track in 1986.
How would you describe your sound?
Very simple and somewhat emotional.
Which production / release / remix are you most proud of?
That`s an interesting question. I don't have a sense of pride regarding my music. I enjoy some of it, but being proud of it would mean that I would have an attitude of "Hey everybody, look what I did!” or “Look what I have accomplished". I don't have that feeling about my music. I just make music because it is who I am; a part of me that I want to express. Pride would inhibit my ability to share it with peace of mind, no expectations. But I am surely proud when I see people enjoying the music, it is quite moving.
Who would you most like to work with?
Hmmm...I have no idea...I would love to have the voices of Sade or Sinead O'connor and do a song. Or work with Kraftwerk.
Does playing and making music pay the rent?
Hahaha....No. Not at all. I'm glad that I don't have to rely on the music industry to pay my bills. It's not a good place to be creative from.
What was the last book you read?
“Everyday Zen” by Charlotte Beck.
What is your favourite book?
“The Happiness Hypothesis” by Jonathan Haidt
What is your favourite piece of music? If that`s too difficult, what`s your current favourite piece of music?
Wow, my favourite... I have a lot of favourites for different times;
Pat Metheny / In Her Family
Soylent Green / After All
George Winston / Carol Of The Bells
Andy McKee / Drifting
Kraftwerk / Endless
Enya / Only Time
I could go on and on.
Can you name 3 records for sunset / sunrise?
Sunset /
Kool & The Gang / Summer Madness
Sade / Love is Stronger than Pride
Art Of Noise / Crusoe
Sunrise /
Gypsy Kings / Love and Liberte
Christopher Cross / Sailing
Art Of Noise / Camilla