press and media >> transcript of black pearls video interview

(black pearls enhanced cd exclusive bonus online content)

interview date >> before 08-26-2003

CREDITS

Directed and Edited by

Shawn Card

BAND:

Eric Sardinas / Guitar & Vocals

Paul Loranger / Bass

Mike Dupke / Drums

LABEL:

Favored Nations

www.favorednations.com

MANAGEMENT:

Sepetys Entertainment Group, Inc.

www.sepetys.com

BOOKING:

Intrepid Artists

www.intrepidartists.com

ENDORSERS:

Dunlop Slides and Pedals

Washburn Guitars

Rivera Amplifiers

Gibson Strings

Nady

CAD

Carvin

Seymour Duncan

Pearl Drums

Ahead Drumsticks

Sabian Cymbals

TITLE CARD DESIGN:

Priscilla Bara

"BLACK PEARLS" &

"FLAMES OF LOVE"

FOOTAGE:

Directed by Bart Barlettano

PHOTOS:

Neil Zlozower

Masa Noda

The Fans

ERIC SARDINAS - BLACK PEARLS

Remarks by Eric Sardinas

Video Directed and Edited by Shawn Card

eddie kramer

The way Eddie and I started working together was I had brought the music to him -- the songs that I wrote -- and together we both felt that there was an exciting in-studio experience to be had. And he really dug the songs, and it just kind of grew from there.

Being in the studio with Eddie, the two of us really had a real passionate... you know, say 'mutual' respect -- and passionate mutual respect -- for the music, both for how we felt it, and both the way we wanted it to be captured, as well.

recording process

As far as the recording process of Black Pearls, you know, all my albums have been recorded straight to analog tape; but it was different on Black Pearls, just because it was just so... rich and just straight, just nothing but just tape rolling, and just raw, 'hit the record button' and let the music fly. And it was really exciting, and the energy was very special and very exciting.

black pearls

The title of the album to me, Black Pearls, is just... Basically there's this kind of a thread -- of a common thread -- that goes kind of through the songs, in kind of a similar way of a string of pearls, I felt. And also there's a kind of a richness and a darkness to the writing...You know, to me, anyway... and I felt the term fitting. There's other elements, but basically, that's one of the surface ones.

songwriting

When it comes to the songwriting, for me, songs just kind of come to me however they do. Sometimes it's a lyrical idea, sometimes it's a musical idea -- just a thought, or something I jot down, or sort of a note or a riff that kind of comes to my mind.

touring

We tour pretty much around the world as much as humanly possible, as much as we can. The energy that we give on the road pretty much is the same energy that is received from the people that we're playing for. So it's that -- it's like a circular thing. So it's almost like a channeling thing for energy. It's really... it's really... I get as much as I give.

influences

We're getting asked a lot about what my inspirations or what my influences are. Pretty much everything from early traditional Delta blues, from Charley Patton to Bukka White, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Fred McDowell, into country blues, to Barbeque Bob, Blind Willie McTell, to Chicago blues, everybody, up through the rock & roll thing. That's about it. Everybody plays. It's music for me.

the fans

A lot of people that I come across when I play music, and when I travel, really... I can feel their appreciation for music, and what music is for them. And that means a lot, because sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who really feels as passionately about music as I do. But I'm always wrong. When I meet somebody that excited about music... and that's one thing that's really exciting for me, is receiving that energy from people who love blues, love rock & roll, and love feeling the music... and having an experience musically with me. And that's something that I'd like to thank everybody -- who I've been able to perform for and with -- for all the travels and good times. And many more to come, of course.