Everything’s Bigger In Solitude
On May 18, I attended Eric Solitude’s debut with his band at Schubas Tavern in Southport. I’ve witnessed Eric’s stage presence at a few venues in the past, but this performance felt different. This performance felt sacred.
Eric Solitude, Dragon (guitar), Ian (bass), May 18, Schubas Tavern. Photo by @fallsfilm on Instagram.
Hopping on stage like a bolt of lightning, Eric sports an interesting ensemble different from his prior performances. With his baby blue decorative suit, silver metallic detailing, and a pink popping flower from his chest, Eric Solitude grabs your attention. Big jeans and a flashy belt, a seeming signal at his personality as a musician. Everything’s bigger with Eric Solitude.
Eric Solitude and Halo (singer), May 18, Schubas Tavern. Photo by @moyanasmoments on Instagram.
Something of importance about Eric: he always wants to bring his crowd closer. He is a crowd controller. This artist is as close to his art as he is to his fans.It seemed that after each song he encouraged them all to move closer to him, dissipating the space that once existed. Eric wants to maintain this closeness and create intimacy between him and the audience-- you can tell he deeply wants to connect. He wants to impact them.
Eric Solitude in crowd, May 18, Schubas Tavern. Photos by @fallsfilm on Instagram.
As he sang with vocalist Halo, they rocked back and forth, enveloping a harmony like a see-saw. With a beach-y sound and heavy, intense vocals, the group offers a variety of musical aspects to choose to focus on. Whether it be the constant movement of Eric, or the perpetual tenacity of each band member, the stage catches my attention.
His steady rock beats create the feel of a song that you have always listened to, something familiar. He makes music for your cool older sister who never let you into her room. He makes music meant for a cassette player. Still, he uses classic rock moments to open up the pit and once again control the crowd in this way. It’s irresistible for his audience to bounce along and stay in tune with his every motion (and he makes many motions). Eric is as active on stage as he is behind his lyrics. He moves from every inch of the stage, even going as far as to moshing with the crowd. He dissolves boundaries and curates togetherness with his audience.
Eric Solitude, Halo (vocals), Quinn (drums), Seth (bass), May 18, Schubas Tavern. Photo credits unknown.
Dragon on guitar kept a metaphorical smile on the band’s sound with the accompaniment of Seth on bass and Marcos, also on guitar. Seth on bass highlighted the ominous and mysterious tone that is sometimes present in Solitude’s music, as well as the steady pace needed to progress through each emotion cascaded through the more emotional songs in the set.
Eric’s setlist, May 18, Schubas Tavern. Photo by @fallsfilm on Instagram.
Their last song, ‘Forever Winona’, was about a lost loved one who passed. Due to the audience’s aforementioned closeness with Eric, they seemed tuned in with his emotions. Solitude closed his eyes to sing the chorus, and when he had opened them, the audience had their flashes on, swaying side to side, supporting and illuminating the room. This artist has support coming from every aspect of his craft.
I feel lucky as I was able to chat with Eric’s designer after the show. She shared with me the inspiration for his intentional outfit. She noted the feminine silhouette presented to further emphasize Solitude’s anti-machismo beliefs within his craft. To represent his boy-ish heart, a flower was placed directly over it to emulate the sensitive nature of the artist as well as the connection to a softer and more feminine side. On his back, two red painted doves connect and shape themselves into a heart. That’s where Solitude lives. In the hearts of the audience, the hearts of the supporters, and the heart of his craft.
Outfit details, May 18, Schubas Tavern.
Follow @ericsolitude on Instagram to keep up with his work.
