Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive interview with Israeli Guitarist, Eran Sabo!
Eran was born and raised in Kfar-Saba, Israel, and in 2012 moved to New York City to complete his studies at the “New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music”. After graduating with honors from the prestigious “Thelma Yellin High School for the Arts” (Givataim/Israel) in 2009, Eran served 3 years in the Israeli Defense Force as an “Excellent Musician”, a status awarded to him by the Israeli Ministry of Education.
Throughout his career Eran has performed at venues in NYC and worldwide such as Carnegie Hall, The “Kennedy Center”, The BPC (Boston), Pallazo del Popolo (Orvieto,Italy) and more. Also, he was one of the three guitarists (from all over the world) chosen to participate at the 2014 “Betty Carter Jazz Ahead” artist residency program at the Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.
Eran is about to release his newest project’s Debut Album.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I was born and raised in Israel, in a town called Kfar-Saba.
You know, a small town, in a small country.
Following my brother’s footsteps, I started playing Piano in 2nd grade. I really liked it, but the teacher was way too strict for me, so I asked my mom to switch to Guitar.
For some reason I thought that strictness was an “instrument thing” and that it wasn’t just that particular teacher.
But my guitar teacher was a super chill guy and I fell in love with the whole thing immediately.
Then, when I got accepted to the Israeli national art high school “Thelma-Yellin” I pretty much had to decide if this might be something I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life. And I chose to take that path.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Sure.
First thing – the music and sound should always be the top priority. Later you can worry about your image, marketing, business strategies and etc. But get together some music that you are really proud of. And make sure it SOUNDS great. Whether you are working in your bedroom “in the box” or in a live situation with other musicians.
Especially nowadays with social media, Youtube, music streaming services I feel like you HAVE to be up to date. Checkout other artists, read articles, open your ears.
Last but not least-
Put your ego aside, be kind, and professional. Make sure people will want to book you/work/play with you again!
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I used to be super self-conscious about that. I practically walked around frustrated for days after playing a terrible solo/playing or singing the wrong note/ using a half-dead guitar cable.]
Fortunately I learned to let go.
Once you learn that it’s not about YOU, it’s about the music. And so what if you made a mistake? Mistakes can be beautiful and real. It just depends what you do after the mistake. Embrace it, or let it ruin the rest of the show?
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
One time I was on tour and we had to take a flight from Munich to Rome. Since the ticket was about $40 we decided to buy my guitar a seat. I got a ticket for it that said “Mr.Cello”. We were laughing for days
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I actually got a lot of great new gear that I’m really happy with!
Strymone Timeline Delay (great for guitar but also other things like synths)
Focal CMS65 monitors (Love them!!)
AKG C414 Xlii which is a classic
Apollo Twin interface
Always acquiring more shakers, cymbals and percussion!
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I really got into Instagram lately.
I feel like the “younger” generation spends a lot of time there, and generally I like the “very little text” situation.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
I would say:
Thom Yorke, Flee, Quest Love, Herbie Hancock, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Itamar Doari on Percussion.
Doesn’t really where honestly. As far the gear is OK!
For me, those guys are the epitome of Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Middle Eastern music. Which are the musical genres I am most curious about at the moment.
Also, they are all so super different from each other, but all seem to me such “ego-less masters”.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Yea!
I am working on two EP’s for my project Celestial Grounds.
Probably going to release the first single + a music Video soon so stay tuned!
Other than that, there are some amazing artists that I’m proud to continue my work with!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Ammm I guess some sort of a business venture/ start up of some sort.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Celestial Grounds!
It’s a project that is a hybrid of in-the-box (making music on a computer) and out-of-the-box (recording musicians and live instruments and using hardware gear).
It’s going to feature not only myself but also other amazing artists (vocalists and instrumentalists) and I can’t wait to hit the road with this.
Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?
Shout out to Kendrick Lamar which is doing mind-blowing stuff!
