Community Artist Of The Month May 2023 - .Eehou
We’re excited to announce our new series ‘Community Artist of the Month’ and first up we have the mysterious Producer and multi-instrumentalist .Eehou. Having released his debut album 'Euphoria' in 2018, .Eehou has since released two further albums ('Euphoria' and 'Essentials'), transitioning from a strictly sample-based producer to a versatile musician.
We’ve been captivated by .Eehou's soulful beats, including his crazy entry in our recent Evil Needle sample pack challenge.
More recently he’s teased us with singles 'Lilac', 'Tulip', and 'Lily' and his upcoming EP 'Blossom' is set to drop on May 25th. We caught up with .Eehou to delve into his musical journey, current setup, favourite producers, and much more.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you first got started making music?
My name is Mars and I release music as .EEhOU. I started making music when I was around 14 years old. I wondered how beats were made, so I looked up tutorials on Youtube and asked my sister to buy me a small midi keyboard.
How would you describe your sound in one short sentence?
Lush production with neo-soul guitar.
Talk a little bit about your setup, what software/hardware do you use?
I’m currently on a PC that I built. I use a JBL 305 and Audio Technica m40x connected to a Scarlett 2i2 for audio and direct input. I also have a bass, guitars, and an Arturia Keylab 61. I’ve used FL Studio ever since I started making music.
Do you have any favourite plugins that you use on pretty much everything?
I’m a big fan of soundtoys plugins, got the whole bundle, never regretted it.
And how do you normally start a track, is it drums, a melody, sample or something else?
I usually start a track with anything that gets me inspired.
Your first album Euphoria had a more sample based feel to it when compared to last year's Moving On. What was the thinking behind that?
Sample based beats were the only thing I knew how to do as a kid. I also was inspired by producers like Flamingosis and Vanilla, future funk and vaporwave were a big thing at the time too. Then as I’ve become a better musician and producer I decided to make something on my own, including the cover art.
You just released the second single ‘Tulip’ off your upcoming EP, can you talk a little bit about the EP and when we can expect it?
My upcoming EP “Blossom” is coming out on May 25. It includes 5 instrumental chillhop beats with inspirations from various genres from electronic music to jazz and R&B. You can expect to hear my signature guitar tones as well as synths and HipHop drums.
Who are some of your favourite beatmakers in the scene right now?
Off the top of my head Rob Araujo, Vooo, CARRTOONS.
What strategies or practices do you implement to overcome creative blocks and find inspiration when you're feeling stuck?
Either take a break or limit yourself. You can learn new stuff, listen to music, practice instruments while on a break. Another good way to get creative is by limiting yourself to one sound, piece of gear, technique, etc.
If you could give one piece of advice to somebody getting into making music now, what would it be?
Be patient, open minded, and just do what you love.
Shout out to .Eehou for joining us for the first edition of Community Artist of the Month, you can check out his extensive back catalogue on Spotify & also be sure to give him a follow on Instagram.