Written interview with Blues pianist and composer Eric Heilner
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing?
Eric Heilner: – While I took classical piano lessons as a child, I did not start performing rock & roll live until I was in college. That would be roughly 1969.
JBEU: – What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
EH: – I have lived in Montclair NJ for 35 years and consider it to be my hometown. Not only is Montclair a wonderfully diverse town, but it is close to New York City – and consequently I am exposed to a variety of cultures and musical styles.
JBEU: – What performers have been your inspiration?
EH: – As a keyboard performer I am most influenced by the boogie-woogie masters of the 1930s – Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons, etc. As a composer I am influenced by a variety of composers ranging from Scarlatti through Duke Ellington.
JBEU: – What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
EH: – As the years go by it is getting harder and harder to find venues that promote the blues.
JBEU: – What do you base your success on?
EH: – I’ll let you know when I’m successful!
JBEU: – Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
EH: – Over the last 15 or so years I have played with a variety of blues and R&B bands here in New Jersey. I have been most fortunate in that – through the generosity and patience of my fellow musicians – I have been given complete freedom to experiment and try out new ideas. When a new idea works and is truly inspiring, I incorporate these moments into my composing.
JBEU: – What was your latest musical release?
EH: – My latest release is titled Blues Phantasia – it is an album of boogie-woogie influenced piano music with mostly original tunes plus some old-time standards.
JBEU: – Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Eric Heilner – Blues Phantasia and what inspired its creation?
EH: – While I love playing the blues, for many years my musical creative energy has focused on composing contemporary classical music. Nonetheless, the notion of doing an album of blues piano has always been sort of a fantasy of mine – plus my wife loves listening to my blues playing. Anyway. . . last year – on a whim – I auditioned for and was selected to represent the North Jersey Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis Tennessee. This took place in January 2024. While I did not win any awards, it inspired me. A few weeks later I was selected to be the opening act for a well-known local blues singer – Deborah Davies. The concert was scheduled for May 2024. This gave me the incentive to record an album in time for the performance. The album was completed in a mad rush. This was complicated by the fact that a piece I composed for piano trio (that’s piano, violin, and cello) won first prize in the prestigious Vienna Classical Music Academy competition and I went to Vienna to help with (and hear) the performance. I did get the album out in time, but I had to leave off a few tunes due to time constraints.
JBEU: – How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
EH: – For years I have felt that my blues piano playing was a sideline to my composing, but now I am finding that it is taking more of my creative “mojo” – blues structures and motifs are “sneaking” into my classical compositions.
JBEU: – How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
EH: – My mind is constantly filled with musical ideas – but I think that my composing and playing sit on the intersection of classical tonality and African poly-rhythms.
JBEU: – As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
EH: – Given that my music has very limited commercial appeal – and does not fit into any of the standard categories – this is not much of an issue for me. I compose (and play) music that sounds good to me.
JBEU: – What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
EH: – I rely heavily on SoundCloud, Facebook, and email to promote my music and connect with my audience.
JBEU: – Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
EH: – No one specific performance comes to mind. Each time I perform live I try to challenge myself to be better than the last performance.
JBEU: – In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
EH: – It is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, given the various streaming platforms, it is now possible for any musician to create and release music to anyone around the globe who has a computer or cell phone. But the sheer volume of music that is being created also makes it extraordinarily difficult to be noticed.
JBEU: – Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
EH: – I have a small but dedicated fanbase that I reach out to via a monthly e-mail “blast”. I also I connect to folks via Facebook.
JBEU: – How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
EH: – People can find out all about me via my website ericheilner.com or on my Facebook music page EricHeilnerMusic – https://www.facebook.com/EricHeilnerMusic. You can listen to my music on Soundcloud or on any of the major streaming platforms (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, etc).
I give thanks to my family, fans & listeners for their positive feedback and support of my music.
Interview by Olivia Peevas