MUSIC... SOUNDTRACK OF LIFE: ERIC SEATS

Author's Note: Mr. Eric Seats granted me the opportunity to interview him and I am eternally grateful. He is one of the most authentic, personable artists I have had the pleasure of encountering. I appreciate the time he took out his schedule to accommodate me. His insightful and thoughtful answers and passion for music affirms my verve to write about musicians who loves the art of music.
Mr. Seats, thank you.

~Raquel Wiley

While riding in the car with my mother or father their tastes in music varied, which formed my love of the art. My dad would listen to gospel or funk and my mother listened to jazz, pop, and classical music.
~ Eric Seats

Father, son, brother, drummer, composer, writer.... a renaissance man. Deep rooted in faith and the love of God deeply imbedded in his soul, determination, and drive are the components assisting Eric Seats to visualize, realize, and materialize his dreams into reality.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, his parents raised four children (a sister, three sons... Eric is the oldest son) in a loving, God fearing home filled with music. The elder Seats was a popular fixture on the Indianapolis music scene and his mother was a vocalist. As a child, his father introduced the young Eric to the drums which was more like a hobby turned into his passion. Leroy Seats Jr (Father), Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dave Weckl are some of the seminal drummers which influenced his love of the drums. His apatite to learn grew as he branched out into other instruments including, the cello, piano, organ, and bass guitar.

His roots in Church is the cornerstone in his life, he played the organ and drums during Sunday Service. The church was against Secular Music and advised him not to follow that route. With his strong resolve and unwavering faith in God, he rejected their notions and pursue his musical journey."God is within me and and music is my passion,"says Seats. Needless to say, those who urged him to go against his decision now are asking for tickets for concerts he is performing.

During high school, Seats played in the LA Philharmonic and was a member of several Jazz, Latin, and Rock bands. In 1997, Rapture Stewart and he formed a collective of talented Music/Songwriters, and producers known as Key Beats Inc. As a professional musician, Eric Seats played for several artists such as Jon B and Babyface, Chante' Moore, Kenny Lattimore, Montel Jordan, The Soul Seekers, DMX, Mystical, Joe, Tank, Aaliyah, 702, Missy Elliot, Playa, Dave Hollister, Patti Labelle, Tamia, Kelis, Deborah Cox, Kelly Price, Laylah Hathaway, Mario to name a few.

In between touring and recording, Eric Seats would encounter young musicians who would ask him how to become a professional. Being mindful of the youth and muscians looking to be part of the music industry, in 2008 he along with others who wanted to give back created with others the Next Great Drummer http://www.nextgreatdrummer.com/. "We teach artists to be professional at all times. You can be the best at what you do, but if your conduct, work ethic, plain good manners are sorely lacking, more than likely you will not be successful," says Seats. "As a drummer, you must have musical diversity. A professional drummer has a responsibility to the artist and fellow musicians." explains Seats. The drum competitions is a forum for drummers of all ages to display their level of talent, network with peers and professionals. The panel of judges are award winning drummers, music producers, and artists who offer contestants constructive criticisms to inspire and encourage growth.

"Surround yourself with passionate individuals who are serious about what they do. Don't burn bridges, because you never know when you may cross them in the future. There is no one strategy for success, be optimistic and don't let failure keep you from attaining your dreams," Eric Seats.