Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Fells.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Eric. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m from Little Rock, Arkansas. My journey to where I am now started off fairly normal. I started playing piano when I was four years old. Everyone in my family is musically inclined so playing an instrument was just something you do. However when I was seven, my dad who was my biggest inspiration at the time, went to prison. It sent me to a deep state of depression and I started this journey trying to figure out who I am. Unfortunately, I turned to negative influences. It affected my school and personal life. However, I kept playing music.
By the end of 10th grade I had a 2.1 GPA and no focus on the future. The summer before starting 11th grade I decided to change my life around. I changed my mindset and decided to do everything I can to be successful. I ended up graduating with a 3.2 GPA and a full scholarship to my first choice college Hampton University. During my time at Hampton I pursued music, but I felt that I was not reaching my potential. I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my full ride to go to one the best music in the world, Berklee College of Music. The problem was that my family could not afford to go there. So I worked effortlessly to reach this dream school. I got accepted and attended after two years at Hampton.
While at Berklee, I truly realized my purpose was Music Directing and Film Scoring. So I set out to expand my knowledge through Berklee and then move to LA. Berklee helped me gain not only professional real life experience in the industry as well as gaining life long friends that are on the same journey as me. I graduated Berklee in 2 years and moved to LA the day after my last final.
Once in LA, I realized this was the place I needed to be. Within two months, I was already working with Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Mary Mary and over 30 up and coming artists. As I continue on this path to success, I see myself accomplishing more goals here in LA; Music Directing for multiple artist/award shows and eventually starting Black-owned film scoring company. I know this journey is not easy, but no journey is made that way that ends in true success. I will continue to live doing what I truly love and chasing every dream no matter how big.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it was not. There were many struggles. Most coming from the fact that my family doesn’t have any money and no one has ever took leaps of faiths to chase their dreams. I was basically on my own as soon as I left Arkansas at age 18. In high school, I struggled with trying to get out of a toxic mentality and change my life. I strived to make a 4.0 every semester in my Junior and Senior year, and I accomplished that. At Hampton, my biggest struggle was trying to grow but being in a place with no soil. I basically had to develop habits and grow all by myself. The hardest struggle for me at Berklee was going to one of the most expensive schools in the US in one of the most expensive cities (Boston) while fully supporting myself. Also being involved in 10+ shows every semester and handling eight classes while going through all of this. The latest big struggle for me was trying to get to LA. I made up my mind that I was going to move the day after my last final, but I basically had to support myself to move from coast to coast. I worked tirelessly that whole year to reach that goal and I made it.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a performing musician that specializes in Music Directing and Film Scoring. My main instrument is Keyboards but I also play saxophone, tuba, bass, and trombone. I am known for my knowledge in keyboards and my ability to play any gig no matter the genre/style. I am also known for my versatility in arranging and film scoring because I have been in a diverse range of orchestras and bands since age six.
I am very proud that as a company, I truly take every client personal and professional. I take them in and treat them as if it was my own project.
What sets me apart is my diverse background in all types of musical situations. I have been around so much music that it makes my arranging and film scoring come from all different angles.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Integrity and discipline are the most important to me. I truly believe in staying true to myself and treating people how I want to be treated. Making them feel welcome and comforted but also pushing for the best. Staying disciplined in daily habits is what sustains the success.
Pricing:
- Arrangements – $50 per song
- Film Scoring – Minimum $100 per Spot
- Performing (Keys) – Minimum $200 per show $25 per Rehearsal
- Lessons (Keyboard/Sound Design/Theory) $50/Hr
- Chart Transcriptions – $15-100 Varying on Type of Score
Contact Info:
- Address: 651 W California Ave, Glendale, CA 91203
- Website: https://efells.wixsite.com/mysite-1
- Phone: 5012952130
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ericfellsmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/efells2
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/user-341761814
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