The Parenting Panel with Eric Selby

When not being a single Dad to four awesome daughters, spoiling his dog and cat (who thinks he's a dog), Eric is a sought-after artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist. After many years behind both the drumkit and mixing board, Eric stepped out front with his guitar, releasing his first solo, original music in 2020, including the “Do, Baby.” EP, as well as two singles: “Anxious Zen” and “Another Page.” 

Roots Music Report listed Eric’s EP "Do, Baby." in the TOP 50 of their National TOP CONTEMPORARY FOLK ALBUM CHART's "Best of 2020." His songs "Conversational Snow," "Part of It," "Patiently," " Throw It All Away," "The Old Way," "The First Taste" and "Another Page" all made their "BEST SINGLES CHART OF 2020” as well.

In 2021, Eric was named a "Finalist" by the WAMMIE AWARDS for "Best Folk Artist" and his "Do, Baby." record was also named a "Finalist" for "Best Folk Album," "Best Pop Album" and "Best Rock Album."

In 2021, Eric has released the full-length record, "Where You Born At?" as well as the singles, “Orbit," "Arise" and "The Lean Years." His new record is currently #34 on Roots Music Report’s Contemporary Folk Chart.

Did you have fears or concerns about how becoming a parent would interfere with your artistic endeavors?

Maybe a little initially but I went into it with the perspective and understanding that my kids would need to adapt to my life as much as I would adapt to their lives. With that in mind, they got to go to many great concerts while they were still in diapers. They’ve never known me when I wasn’t working on some sort of a recording project or gigging.

In what ways has parenthood helped your creativity, if any?

For me, being a part of their young lives and experiencing the simpler pleasures in life like singing silly songs, making up stories, playing pretend or coloring together was quite enlightening. Understanding that “the creative” didn’t need to necessarily be complex to be enjoyable. Often times, the simple things are the important ones.

What has parenthood taught you about yourself, your music, or your creative process?

It has taught me to simply enjoy the process. The old adage about raising kids that “the days are long, but the years are short” is so true and true with one’s process in life. With that in mind, it’s not just about releasing the record. It’s about writing the song, working on the song, recording it and then releasing it. It is about enjoying the process…of it all.

How do you juggle your family and your career? Who’s your support system?

I am a single parent to 4 amazing daughters. Although 2 of them are older now and out of the house. To be honest, there isn’t much of a support system. How I juggle it all is that I take one day at a time and try (yes, try) to take it all in stride and remain calm throughout. I like the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Now, with all that said, I am no Zen Master but just try to remind myself all the time that it’s a marathon and not a sprint. 

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a parent? Any advice for others?

Enjoy every moment because even during the tough times, they are just moments. In no time, they are tweens, then teens, then adults, so to savor that time with your kids whenever you can is as important to them as it can be for you.

Have you ever written a song for or about your kids? If so please share a description and a link. 

Yes! I have a song called “Old Way” on my “Do, Baby.” EP and it’s about realizing what is important in life and that is my children. The link is: https://youtu.be/_2pRGxfS5Ug

Sometimes I will start from silly little songs with my kids and they evolve. I started writing songs simply to entertain myself at home and, often times, when the kids are in the room or walking through, I would sing silly little songs to them to tease and make them laugh. More recently, I was playing the guitar and singing “TikTok” to one of daughters who’s an influencer on TikTok. That turned into a song about time that starts with “Tick Tock, I’m all alone,” and the subject matter of the song is totally not about the social platform. The link is: https://youtu.be/_LEkUTBRiQQ

Not every artist parent incorporates their children into their music - if you do not is this a conscious decision?

I really never plan or not plan to incorporate my kids. I think I try to write about what I’m thinking about at the time, about what’s happening in life, etc. If my kids are top of mind during the writing process, then I may write about them. If my mind is elsewhere then that’s where I go. Writing, for me, is quite personal so it’s wherever my coloring book creativity takes me.

Find Eric Selby via:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music/iTunes | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud