Today we’d like to introduce you to Erick Fayard
Hi Erick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a solo acoustic musician, singer-songwriter, living here in Dallas for the past decade. Music has given me a lot, taken a lot, and taught me a lot. I just wish I would have started sooner.
Picture this: in 2007, after a rough couple of years, I ended up in Longview. Late night job, zero social life. Roommate worked out of town. The condo we lived in had no furniture. Patio furniture in the kitchen. An old-school digital AM/FM alarm clock stayed on the classic country station.
In fact, the only thing in the living room? A beat-up acoustic guitar.
It stared at me. For weeks. Like a girl at the bar waiting for me to make a move. The charade finally ended when I grew a pair and picked her up.
The next day at work, I printed out pages from Google on ‘How to Play Guitar’ (because what’s a little office supply theft in the name of art?). I learned chords, trained my fingers to switch between them without sounding like a homicide, and began learning and writing songs.
Fast forward seven years, I packed up the kitchen (patio) furniture and moved to Dallas. Since then, I’ve been playing gigs all over the Metroplex and across the United States.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Ha! Not exactly. It’s definitely been entertaining.
I’m the guy who, when I want something, goes for it – tunnel vision, no fear. I always wanted to give music a try, and now I finally had the time to learn.
The first obstacles were all about patience (or lack thereof) and skepticism.
“You’re gonna do what?! Yeah… okay. Good luck with that,” they’d say (you know who you are). But I believed and kept going, fueled by a mix of determination and stubbornness. Sprinkled with lunacy.
Things started to look up as I played more gigs and finally recorded some tracks. Attitudes began to change – they would say, “Hey, this is not bad!” which, to me, was as gratifying as winning a Grammy.
The challenges have evolved over time. While the internet has made it easier to share music, getting people to actually listen is another story.
Also, developing a unique, specific identity has been tricky. I’ve been influenced by so many artists and genres that I sometimes wonder if it’s hurt my chances for a big break.
I haven’t zoned in on just one thing, because I want to do so many things. Perils of a songwriter.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve had the privilege to play all over the Metroplex, as well as the United States. Bars/restaurants, private events, showcases at local venues. You can find my music on all streaming services, YouTube, and my website – erickfayard.com
I’m most proud of conquering the terror that came with putting myself out there in a big way. Believing and just going for it has been the most rewarding—and the most terrifying. Felt the fear – did it anyway.
It’s hard to say what sets me apart from other musicians and songwriters. We all share the same traits – being fearless. Hopeful. Observant.
We may not have a clue how to do something at first, but we figure it out. At the very least, it’ll be interesting—and hopefully entertaining— to watch. That’s admirable.
But if I had to choose one thing, personally… I’d say being versatile, for better or for worse. I’ll completely scratch a set list of pop songs if I see cowboy hats in the crowd. And vice versa.
If you yell a song at me, I’ll play it. I’ll probably butcher it, but I’ll try it.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Just. Go. For. It.
Seriously, you have nothing to lose except maybe your dignity, but that’s overrated anyway. The more you fear something, the sweeter the reward when you tackle it head-on.
The sooner you get started, the sooner you start learning. The more you work, the more you learn. And the harder you work, the luckier you get. It’s almost like magic, but with more sweat and tears.
My only regret? Wishing I had started sooner. But hey, better late than never, right?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erickfayard.com
- Instagram: @erickfayard
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erickfayardmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/erickfayard
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@erickfayard
- Other: Spotify: Erick Fayard
Image Credits
James Taylor
CEO/Chief Photographer
The Dream Experiment
Dallas, TX
INSTAGRAM: @the_dream_experiment
