Where are you from originally? and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Ottawa, and have been based out of Toronto since 2013.
What is something that you love about Canada?
The weather surprisingly. Not that I love the cold but I like the changing of the seasons, it makes it so every year isn’t the same and I constantly have to adapt.
Tell us your story. How & When did you start singing/ song-writing?
I started writing small verses when I was 7 and developed from there. I started singing when I was 17 but didn’t start actively learning how to sing until I was 19. Shortly after I started taking vocal lessons.
When did you decide to pursue music professionally and how?
I started to pursue music professionally when I was 18. I had released mixtapes, music videos and singles throughout high school before that but didn’t start developing a sound until I moved out and matured. It started by performing frequently at open mics and learning how to structure songs properly. This led to several EP’s and consistent releases.
What has been your most memorable experience in your career so far?
The making of “Glimpse”. The album really allowed me to explore different sounds and experiment a lot as an artist over the 2 years it took to make.
As a singer/song-writer, where do you get your inspiration from and how do you stay inspired?
I get inspired from day to day things. I’m surrounded by a lot of really great people so being around them and hearing their stories is usually where it starts.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians.
Don’t forget to take in the good.
Covid has affected us all in different ways. Can you share with us how this time has affected you? And do you have a message to share with the community?
Covid has definitely had a big impact on life as I knew it. I lost my job which pushed me to pursue music full-time, and I also jumped into creating my own food business called Saucy with my partner and a friend of mine. My partner and I were forced to move, though we made the most of it and hustled to find a new spot to call home. I also lost both of my grandparents a few months into the pandemic, so it’s been a tough year in that regard too. Keep your head up. 2022 isn’t that far way.
Since live performances are a major part of your industry, what have you done to adapt during this time? How do you feel about this?
I started doing live cover sessions with my guitarist. Throughout last summer, we released 1 cover a week. Leading up to the release of “Glimpse” later this year I’ll be releasing new cover sessions. I feel like live performances are great, but right now unfortunately not possible, which at the same time allows us to open up to other ways of putting our music out there. Lots of people are listening to music online.
What’s coming up for you?
My album is out. It’s my first album and it’s called “Glimpse”. I also have a bunch of new covers coming out on Instagram reels leading up to the album, and a few new visuals and live sessions planned for this year. I’m also going to be releasing a vinyl copy of “Glimpse” with a look book accompaniment. I’ve never done that before so it’s exciting.
Erich Mrak shares Fun Facts!
- I like making fresh pasta.
- I co-parent the best, craziest dog ever, his name is Bowie.
- I like sleeping with a lot of pillows. It’s cozy.
- My favourite drink ever is Strongbow cider.
- I co – founded my own food company because I also love to cook. It’s called Saucy.
WBD’s Lightning Round
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
I’d stay in Toronto. I love my apartment.
If I gave you $20 to spend on anything right now, what would it be?
I’d put it towards fixing the emergency break in my car.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people.
I was chubby as a kid. I really liked peanut butter.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional musician?
Dog trainer.
One guilty pleasure you aren’t willing to give up?
Peanut Butter.
For more info:
Website: www.erichmrakmusic.com
Instagram: @erichmrak
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErichMrakMusic/