Eri-Ife is a fast-rising, Nigerian (Ibadan) singer-songwriter and WeTalkSound member, from the afro-alternative scene. On April 3, 2020, Eri-Ife released his fourth EP in four years. The EP comes after, ‘Eri-Ife: The EP’ (2017), ‘November’ (2018) and ‘YLLW’ (with Remy Baggins in 2018). Eri-Ife is also a Barrister, and very passionate about the profession. He calls himself the “Best of both worlds” (Law and Music) and “Esquire wey dey run choir.” (A Lawyer who sings). When asked about his expectations for 2020, Eri-Ife assures that there will be new music, much sooner than later, encouraging his fans and listeners to anticipate.
49th Street: Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Who is Eri Ife?
Eri: Lol, Eri Ife is the Esquire that runs the choir. I’m a writing and performing artist, who happens to be a barrister and solicitor. Vibes.
49th Street: How did you stumble upon music? What was your first musical experience like?
Eri: I never quite “stumbled” on it. I always did it. I grew up singing and performing. For family, for friends, for myself. It just scaled up as I grew up.
49th Street: What’s music for you, how do you relate to it?
Eri: These questions are a little abstract, lol. Music is a form of expression for me. My most comfortable form of expression. I love making my feelings into song.
49th Street: Are there artists that inspired you and still inspire you?
Eri: Three artists that inspire me. Hm. Àsá, Hozier, and a friend of mine. An artist. Tega.
49th Street: There was a video of your dad vibing to Upside Down when it came out, how has the support been from your family so far?
Eri: Lmao that video made my heart full. Made my whole 2017 EP release. I’m fortunate ‘cause I’ve always had my family’s support. For each and every project.
49th Street: Congrats on your recent EP, Esquire, what inspired the project? What story are you trying to tell?
Eri: Thank you! Esquire is essentially a reintroduction of myself since I became the lawyer artist. It was a big deal to me because I’ve also always wanted to be a lawyer so to make both my dreams come true is just amazing.
49th Street: Ba Mi Lo is quite a catchy song off the project, what were you feeling when you wrote the song?
Eri: I wrote Ba Mi Lo for my babe. We were just friends at the time and I didn’t see it coming. I like to toast babes with my music. I got lucky.
49th Street: What do you want this EP to do for you? What are you trying to achieve?
Eri: I want people to listen to this EP and feel like they’re getting to know me. I’m really just the musician, who happens to be a lawyer and was blessed enough to do well in both.
49th Street: What kind of music do you make? Who’s your target audience?
Eri: What kind of music do I make? Omo, idk man. I make music that’s true to me. Sometimes, I want people to dance. Other times, I want them to think. My target audience shifts with each release, I suppose.
49th Street: Talking about your creative process, how do you feel when you write and create new sounds?
Eri: Writing is amazing. Creating a new song from start to finish is amazing. I’m excited whenever I see it coming together. I either do that with my guitar, or with any of my producers. It’s always a vibe.
49th Street: If you had a chance to work with any artist of your choice right now, who would it be?
Eri: Asa. Easy.
49th Street: What other interests do you have apart from making music?
Eri: My day job. I’m a lawyer and I find my job super interesting.
49th Street: As an Ibadan boy, are you proud of your city? What do you love about your city?
Eri: I love Ibadan! It’s opened me up to so much positive energy, openness, sincerity, optimism. I’m grateful to have grown up in Ibadan.
49th Street: Is there something you wish for more concerning the entertainment scene in Ibadan?
Eri: I’m really hoping that Ibadan develops an autonomous music ecosystem, and economy; it’s own industry. We have the talent, we have the manpower. Na the orientation remain.
49th Street: As a lawyer and a musician, what advice will you give to fellow artists desperately yearning for a record deal?
Eri: Lol, a label deal isn’t the end all, be all. I get it. It seems like it is. There’s a lot of hype around label deals and understandably so. They have the money and connects that you don’t. BUT, please―
focus on the quality of your sound. It’s always about the music. Don’t ever forget that. A label wouldn’t even approach you if the music wasn’t good enough, so at the end of the day, it’s always
about the music. Also, speaking as a lawyer―if anyone gives you a deal and asks you to sign―GET A LAWYER.
49th Street: Look at your progress over the last 3 years, where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
Eri: In three years? Me, I know where I want to be. You just be watching.
49th Street: If you could travel back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
Eri: “Lmao, bro, chill. Don’t worry. It all pans out. I swear to God. It does. Go and practice your guitar sha. Don’t be a lazy hazz.”
49th Street: Do you like movies? If yes, are you a DC or Marvel fan? Depending on your answer, why?
Eri: Of course I like movies. I love the MCU, but I love the DC animated universe and I prefer DC comics. I think they are both uniquely superior choices in their genres.
49th Street: Moving forward, what should we expect from the ‘esquire wey dey run choir’ this year?
Eri: Well, new music is definitely coming. You can count on that. Sooner than later as well.
49th Street: Lastly, what do you have to say to your fans?
Eri: If you’ve supported me, shared my music, paid for my shows, told anyone about Eri Ife, and STREAMED MY MUSIC. I love you. Thank you. Please continue. If you haven’t, now’s a great time to
start.
