Meet Eric Tucker of Riverside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Tucker.

Hi Eric, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music wasn’t something I chased, it was something that kept finding me. A gift that kept showing up.
My first connection was in the 4th grade when I played saxophone in the school band, junior high I sang a solo in front of the school, also singing all the time in high school. Each moment felt natural. Music was always present, but never the plan.
That changed in college, I built a small recording studio in my apartment, I was part of a group and started a band, it wasn’t fancy just raw and creative ideas. We spent hours recording, producing, rehearsing and played live constantly.
Live shows became the best teacher, it taught me how to overcome adversity on the spot and improvise. Broken gear, tired voice, a bad room, it built a professionalism that I still use today.
I started off as a singer, but wanting my own sound to stay intact led me to write and produce music. Those finished songs turned into opportunities.
Momentum slowly built, collaboration with My Guy Mars landed a placement with Snoop Dogg and Dave East – My City. I featured on a song with Hopsin called Black Sheep. My music was placed on Snapchat, Ball in the family, Keeping up with the Kardashians, brand campaigns with Faze Clan, G Fuel, and Nissan. Sync Licensing became a place where all the years of work finally aligned, I have been fortunate to work on music that reflects my journey.
I built a recording studio in Orange County and I continue to get placements but my journey in music hasn’t always been linear. When opportunities slow down, financial pressure hits me, I’m looking at a studio full of equipment but the feeling of uncertainty creeps in, instead of quitting, I’ve always chose to let go of what I can’t control and focus on what I can, which is, make music everyday. I don’t have a Finishline, I want to record, build ideas and learn for as long as I can.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I have had hard drives and important music equipment stolen from me. One studio had water damage that came through the ceiling and broke equipment. My most recent studio had water come under the door and damage equipment. At the time I did not think I could bounce back from losing all of that equipment. But after each time, I chose to rebuild instead of quitting. I have been signed to a couple of record deals, and have had plenty of management situations that did not pan out. The positive take away is learning all the aspects of the music business through each lesson. I feel confident moving forward after each failed experience. I think the main obstacle that I have overcome when choosing to make music a career is fighting through the let downs. There were times where I would make 50 beats, and all of them would sell. But it’s the times you make 50 beats, and you submit those beats and none of them work out, is when you figure out what you are made of.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a singer, songwriter, music producer, and I run my own recording studio, Tree of Dreams Music. I specialize in sync licensing. I have close to 100 songs/beats on TV, commercials, and reality TV shows, etc. I also specialize in live performing. I perform multiple times a month with a live band. I am most proud of my longevity and commitment to music. I believe what sets me apart from others is my voice. I have often been told that the sound of my voice is unexpected. I am not just a studio singer, I sing live. What also sets me apart is my heritage, being both African American and Japanese, and taking the time to learn my roots. My music is a calling, not just a career.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I BBQ with my dad weekly and it has been handed down from my grandfather. For some reason I don’t share this often, but my grandfather created a restaurant for a short period of time called “Tucker’s BBQ” when I was little. My grandfather handed down the love of BBQing to my dad. I watched my grandfather and my dad BBQ throughout my childhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.erictuckerworld.com/#/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erictucker___/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricYumeki/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-tucker-63b40033/
• Twitter: https://x.com/erictucker___
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/etuck001/videos
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/eric-y-tucker