Eric Frisch

Eric Frisch is creating some undeniably catchy indie pop that's likely to play on loop in your head.

"Learn To Swim" is a simple, sweet song with a breezy vibe. The summery sounds of the acoustic guitar and the compressed vintage vocals lend a light surf pop style. As the harmonies come in, you're overtaken by a swell of delicate notes and classically quaint arrangements. - Indie Shuffle

It’s always awesome finding a gem in the inbox. To start off, this doesn’t have the polish of a professionally recorded acoustic rock album you’re used to, but that’s okay because what’s important is the music outshines that minor gripe. It feels like bedroom music.

Pretty Girls is the anthem for all socially awkward guys out there who just can’t ask that attractive girl out because you’re mouth starts to spout out random words that only make sense to you. Then you run away like a little girl.

I can also see why this is his most popular track. It’s upbeat, incorporates a wide assortment of instruments (I wonder if he plays everything himself?), and has beach music written all over it. It also serves as a great way to get you ready for what’s in store, which is the theme of longing for love when its hard to communicate with just words and acoustic goodness. - The Record Stache

Classics become classics when the music is great but the style gets left behind in the ever-evolving world of music. Every artist uses influences of different music styles, but every so often, an artist comes around who bases their genre of music more heavily on those influences.

One of those such artists is Eric Frisch, who is a New York-based indie pop artist who makes music that sounds very similar to that of music in the '50s and '60s. He cites his influences as everything from The Beatles and The Beach Boys to Sam Cooke, The Four Tops, Bob Dylan, and Jackie Wilson.

His single “Pretty Girls” has a very Beach Boy sounding vibe, with vocals on that beachy, almost echo-y sound and constant harmonizing backing him up. The video for his song “Learn to Swim” starts out simple enough with Eric sitting on a stool and playing the guitar, but then it starts to split screen into him harmonizing with himself and singing different levels of the song seemingly all at once. It’s catchy even at a slow tempo and feels entirely personal.

His debut album Goodbye Birdcage was written in a mere two weeks and tells personal stories such as his journey leaving Toronto for New York to pursue his music dreams. There’s also more than a little pining over girl action weaved in. The overall vibe is leaving the nest and embracing the adventures that come as you go. With heavy influences it can be challenging to shape your own sound, but Eric has managed to so with his own sensibilities infused into each individual song. In addition to the vocals, Eric is also a talented instrumentalist, playing the piano, guitar, bass, and percussion on all of his tracks. - Young Hollywood

Major life changes can yield a host of outcomes, depending on the person. Some might hideaway, others may celebrate. Still others, like Eric Frisch, put their feelings and observations to song. Frisch penned the whole of his debut album, Goodbye Birdcage, in two weeks as he left his native Toronto for New York City in order to pursue a music career. “Each song tells a different story, but they all come together to outline the narrative of moving out on your own and figuring out your life one adventure at a time,” he says.

Goodbye Birdcage is a wholly unique endeavor. It combines a fresh, indie sound with remnants of ’60s pop. Take, for example, it’s lead single and video, “Pretty Girls.” The song is shrouded in a dreamlike haze that sounds like the Wall of Sound turned to 11, while the song itself is an exercise in earwormy hooks. (The video even contains some Crystals-worthy choreography!)

It’s easy to pinpoint specific nods to the Beach Boys, Beatles and Motown. In fact, on “Telephone,” Frisch mentions hearing something “through the grapevine,” amid the song’s radio-ready catchiness and shuffle beat. The title track is a little more raw, backboned with lush piano orchestration, while “All Over Town” is a “Here, There and Everywhere”-esque ballad. But each song has its own flavor, and each listener will be able to pick out specific nuances that hearken back to perhaps the greatest generation of pop music.
But, keep in mind: this isn’t your Bird-and-Bee brand cutesy nostalgia here. This is legit, direct-from-manufacturer throwback with a modern update. Quality music never goes out of style, and Frisch proves that it’s still possible to combine soul-baring poetry with sunshine pop. - Popdose

Eric Frisch has studied 60s pop, and he’s studied it well. His new album’s title, Goodbye Birdcage, is a reference to leaving Toronto for New York, and it’s a fitting reference because it sounds here like he flew out of a birdcage and into the legendary Brill Building. Almost every element of 60s music has been filtered into a modern setting, from the choral mastery of The Beach Boys, to Motown, The Kinks, The Velvet Underground, and even slight traces of The Band and the late-60s roots-revival on the title track, “Goodbye Birdcage.”

It seems as if he has taken influence from Ray Davies and Lou Reed in a way similar to Jonathan Richman. A song like “Telephone” has elements similar to “Sunday Morning” but they lyrics are so much more innocent and sweeter. He seems comfortable in whatever context, however, from the stripped intimacy of “Learn to Swim” or the bombastics of a choir and horns on “The Sun In Santiago” or “Pretty Girls”.

Frisch is a modern day Van Dyke Parks. He loves so many aspects of a certain era of music, he often doesn’t know where he’s going, but there’s such personality and intelligence, the wavering path ends up charmingly whimsical and endearing. The production is extremely lo-fi at times, sounding as if you’re listening to it from one end of a long hall while it’s been played at the other, but the sounds, textures, and density he’s managed to achieve makes one wonder what he’d be able to pull of with a bottomless budget. Goodbye Birdcage is an album on a grand scale that never disappoints. - The Big Takeover

While I strongly condone originality, sometimes, jumping on the bandwagon is necessary. This was certainly the case when I discovered this latest one from NYC-based singer-songwriter Eric Frisch.

Unleashing his summer-inspired melody, “Learn To Swim”, Eric builds a timeless record with just the support of his finely plucked acoustic guitar and some sweet-sounding vocals.

This one will be looping in your head for days to come. - TinMan London

As someone who is becoming more and more involved in the music industry, it becomes more challenging every day to have a discerning eye and an eye for talent. Sure, there’s plenty of artists that are good and catchy and can sell shows and albums, but how many are great? How many are actually putting in the work to create more than just an album or a memorable tour? Who is working on a career as a lifelong performer and eventually a global force of change that comes about with their music and message? That is a bit more rare, though every now and then there are those who show promise of becoming that and today we’d love to feature and introduce up and coming artist Eric Frisch.

Eric Frisch, for those who are just discovering his music, is an indie-pop musician based in NYC. He’s got some really solid influences that range everywhere from the Beatles and the Beach Boys to Sam Cooke and the Four Tops. Originally from Toronto, Eric is the second of four children. He began learning piano at an early age, though he always enjoyed the task of composing on his own. Residing in New York for the past few years, Frisch has performed at venues like Rockwood Music Hall, the Bowery Electric, the Living Room, and the Studio at Webster Hall, as well as various venues in his hometown of Toronto, including the Rivoli and Dundas Square. Needless to say, he is clearly paving a way for his music to get to people and it seems to be working. It’s not hard to see why when you stream his newest album below!

His new album Goodbye Birdcage is truly one of the best “feel good” albums I’ve heard in a long long time. There’s just such nice acoustic strumming, bright guitar licks, and folky harmonies and percussion. To me, it reminds me a bit of Ben Folds’ songwriting, with a mix of some other artists’ like The Format, The Shins, and Polyphonic Spree. Eric’s sound combines elements of 50s and 60s pop music while creating a feel of the past. What seems to make him stand out to me is that he is constantly pushing forward into new territory and making every song a different animal. This is his first self-produced full-length release and if there was an album that showcases his diverse range as a writer and singer, this is it. Not only does it display his respect for his influences, but as with most talented artists and performers, these songs are his; they’re original, catchy, and memorable. You know it comes from the soul and that is why I find myself smiling as a write this, because I’m so happy that music like this is being made and consumed. Stream his album below and stay tuned for when he is playing near you. I, for one, can’t wait to catch him live. I’m sure it is an awesome live experience. - Groundsounds

When you’ve got a track that starts off with some acoustic strumming which then explodes into a full on brass intro, you know you’ve stumbled across something brilliant.

Frisch is definitely the spiritual heir to Jonathan Richman; he wears his heart on his sleeve, and the music is undeniably catchy. I can hear a ton of sixties pop in this track, from the ba ba ba’s to the handclaps, and more importantly there’s a jubilant feeling (although the subject matter is the opposite). Pretty Girls is a breezy little number which wil raise a coy smile to anyone who listens to it.

A winner in my eyes! - Stagedive Malta

Eric Frisch’s album, “One Way to Find Out”, feels like a little blast from the past. It made me want to toss my hair up into a ponytail with a big ol’ scrunchie and head off to the sock hop. Well…maybe it’s not that drastic, but I definitely dig the old school vibe Eric Frisch brings. In addition to the swing-like feel of this album, you can hear hints of his influences from The Beatles. Though he does not list Paul Simon or The Eagles as influences, his music calls them to mind as well. However, Frisch doesn’t go entirely old school on us. He still continues to bring his own fresh content to the music creating his own iconic brand.

One particular song speaking to the old school vibe is “Change Your Mind.” The melody is easily likable and memorable, something one would probably get stuck in their head all day. It’s got a classic groove between electric guitar and the drum set with a solo guitar section and some nice brassy inclusion (trumpet) in the mix. Immediately in the intro, about the first five seconds, Frisch gets into the sock hop-like groove. To me, music is either a song or a dance and this song makes me want to dance.

“The Night is Young” will also urge his listeners to put on their dancing shoes, but in an entirely different way. Beautiful, lyrical melodies blend their way through this piece in the feel of a waltz. Frisch creates a musical conversation as a composer starting with a piano part that is almost like an etude, soon joined by vocals which later pass off the melodic conversation to a violin that is subtly worked into the mix. It is interesting how he builds throughout this piece gradually adding in each voice and allowing them to take their turn in the discussion. Near the end of the track all the voices (piano, violin and voice) join together with added guitar in a sonorous, culmination of all the previous material.

Eric Frisch doesn’t seem like one to fix something that’s not broken. It’s nice to hear good music that is easy to appreciate, something new but still familiar and music that I definitely want to keep on my radar. You can find the album, “One Way to Find Out,” on Amazon, Spotify, and iTunes. - The Indie Music Blog

On Aug 29th 1966, 8 years after George Harrison joined the once called Quarrymen group, The Beatles played their last show together at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, CA. Exactly 47 years later on the opposite side of the country, Eric Frisch pays tribute to one of the most influential bands of his lifetime at the Living Room concert hall in the Lower East Side of New York.

Immediately entering into the back of the venue, where the performance area was separated form the rest of the bar, there was tranquil ease to the western style venue where Eric Frisch and his 4-piece band played for the first time. And If the red dim lighting wasn’t enough to set get you cozy, the warmth of fans, friends & family gathering to support Eric definitely set the mood.
I had the opportunity to sit down with the charming Toronto native to discuss some of his latest influences, overcoming fears, and future endeavors.

So this is your first time at The Living Room, tell me what was going through your mind. How did you feel?

I felt pretty good We played a few new songs today which was pretty cool because, when you play something you’ve never played before, there’s this kinda rough, raw energy to it, which I really like, but my band hates it ’cause they had to learn new stuff. (laughs) But Its cool even when we make mistakes its kinda nice, cause thats how it should be, its just COOL! Coming out with an album later this year so we played a lot of songs off that new album. Pretty Girls, GoodBy BirdCage

So you’re originally from Canada, correct? Tell me about the music scene out there vs. out here in New York?

There both good scenes. Toronto has a good music scene but, New York is New York ! There is something always going on in New York. This is definitely the place to be.

I love your passion for the Beatles! You gave a bit of history lesson during your set. Can you tell me about that?on Aug 29th 1958, George Harrison joined The Quarryman which later became the Beatles, and then 8 years later on Aug 29th,1966, the Beetles played their last concert at Candle Stick Park in San Francisco. and I was just saying how much can happen in just 8 years from when George Harrison joined this band and how they became one of the great bands ever. And how I’m playing now, I’m playing at the living room on August 29th, 2013.

Tell us about a time you stepped out of your comfort zone in order to take your music career to the next level?Out of my comfort zone? Hmm… I would say getting on stage really at first. I felt good tonight, I like this Living Room. Haha, ‘Living Room’

Tell us about how you go about composing a song. Do the lyrics come first or does the beat?

I wish I could tell you! There’s never any one way. Sometimes the music comes first, sometimes the lyrics come first, sometimes it just pops in my head. For instance, the song I played tonight ‘Sun On Santiago’ I wrote that when I was traveling across South America and I was joking around with my friend, it was a really hot day and I said to her ‘what looks like 4 but feels like noon? She was like ‘I don’t know’ and I was like … “The Sun in Santiago”… and as SOON as I said this, this tune popped into my head and I was like WHAT?! and so then, the rest of the song came together when I got to a guitar. But that song, BAM, no instrument, nothing. And when I got to my guitar I finished it. I write on the piano a lot too.

I heard you’ve been playing the Piano since you were 8 years old, was that something that you wanted to do or something your parents got you into?

No, actually. I took lessons and I didn’t really like it. So I stopped taking lessons but then I was like ‘I wanna play it by myself’ and so thats how I kept doing. I actually wanted to play but I liked playing by myself. I was writing songs then too!

Yea, I heard about your very first song written titled ‘Kings and Liberty’:

YES! Kings & Liberty! I still have it. I’ve been thinking about revisiting it but I have to work on it. There is a song on my current album called ‘Fare Weather Friends’ I wrote that in college for an assignment. So again, there’s no real way to write a song. - XEX Magazine

where are you from, where did you grow up, and where do you spend most of your time these days?

I'm from Toronto, also where I grew up. These days I spend most of my time in New York City practicing and playing around the city with my band.

was there a specific event, moment, or song that first got you "into" music?

I would say the first moment I vividly remember being in complete awe of a song was when I was sixteen years old, and I was riding on a train from Toronto to Montreal to check out colleges, listening to Rubber Soul by the Beatles. When the song "You Won't See Me" came on, I could not believe how good it was. I listened to it on repeat for the whole four hour ride. (laughs) I always loved writing songs from an early age, and I certainly pretended to be well-versed in my musical knowledge, but discovering the Beatles was groundbreaking for me. It opened the door to everything, all the great music of the 50s, 60s, and onward. It's like the Beatles were a gateway drug to all the music I love now.

who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

The Beatles were definitely my biggest influence growing up. I tried writing everything with them in mind at first. After that, I started to discover a lot of great bands that had a really big impact on my writing and style: Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, the Beach Boys, the Moody Blues, anything produced by Phil Spector, Otis Redding, Elton John, the Hollies, Fleetwood Mac, the Supremes, the Four Tops, I could go on for a while. I will say that as I've gotten older, my music taste keeps going a little further back in time. Right now, I listen to a lot of Lloyd Price, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Darlene Love, Edwin Starr, Connie Francis, Dion & the Belmonts.

what bands are "those bands" that you're listening to right now?

I just discovered this guy Rodriguez from Searching for Sugar Man, he's pretty great. That song "I Wonder" I love. I really like Wilco, I think everything they put out is great. Foxygen is another cool band right now. And Dr. Dog and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are great bands. But mostly I listen to old stuff, Ben E. King, Darlene Love, Smokey Robinson, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Doris Troy, Roy Hamilton, Dion, Lloyd Price, Buddy Holly, the Ronettes. I don't know if those qualify as "those bands," but that's what I'm listening to right now.

what instruments do you play, and how long have you been playing?

I play guitar and piano. I've been playing piano since I was eight years old, and I picked up guitar in college.

into what genre would you say your music fits? (and feel free to invent a new one if necessary)

I would say my music falls into the indiepop genre.

to what extent have you recorded and produced your music? any complete albums? any previous experience with the recording industry?

I just finished co-producing my first internationally released album called One Way to Find Out, available on iTunes and Spotify, just search for Eric Frisch, or find it here. I've been writing and recording my own music for a few years now. I am currently working on writing, recording, and producing my second album. As far as experience in the industry goes, I spent some time working at Universal Motown Records where I learned a lot in the A&R department. And I've spent some time in recording studios and I really love the production process.

what is the ultimate goal that you've set for your musical career?

It would be great to have my songs on the radio, people singing along. I'd like to be known as a great songwriter.

what are some of the immediate challenges you face in the pursuit of that goal?

I think making a name for yourself in the music industry is tough. Being able to transfer a sound from an album and what you envision to the stage can be tough. But just putting yourself out there for complete judgment is sometimes the biggest challenge.

if there's anything else you'd like us to know, go ahead and spill your guts below.

I think I'm all set, thank you so much! It's been real. ♪ - SoundParlor