Singer-Songwriter, Eri Ife popularly known as, ‘Esquire Wey Dey Run Choir’ has all but returned with a brand new EP ‘Rubicon’ to further consolidate on his rich artistry and diverse catalogue.
One can never tell what direction Eri Ife will go next, as he’s a proficient sonic chameleon that experiments at the intersection of soul, alternative and R&B. As a gospel artiste, he’s intent on telling poignant emotional stories that connect with people and place his spirituality, front right and center.
Album Talks had a chat with Eri concerning his inspirations, motivations and his brand new music.
1. First off, how did you fall in love with music? We know about your gospel roots, but even before the church? Did you display an affinity for music by showing your love for it before the journey in church began?
Yeah – I’ve loved music before I ever joined a choir. There’s a childhood core memory I have of listening to a song so beautiful it broke my heart. I was 5 years old. I had no business feeling that deeply, LOL. Only music could pull that out of me. In hindsight I think it was either an Enya song or Life for Rent by Dido. I also used to listen to TONS of Lagbaja and Yinka Ayefele as a kid, before I got into mainstream afro-pop listening in secondary school.
2. Your artist name is your actual name. Not many people go through that route and the ones that do, also started out with nick names prior. Do you belong to that demographic and what inspired you to go in the direction of using your own name?
Oh yeah, I started out with a stage name when I was a rapper. We do NOT speak the name now lmao (I’m being dramatic. I used to be called Calderon. I had a cousin who was nicknamed that and my 17-year-old brain thought it was the coolest name ever). Things changed when I picked up the guitar and started to write and sing songs. I basically never looked back. The entire vibe of what I created changed, and I knew the name had to change with it. ‘Cause I found myself writing more honestly and showing more vulnerability, I decided it was time to use a name that was MY name.
3. The classical influence in your music and the opening two tracks of your last LP attests to the fact that you have a gospel background. How did that help shape you to be the artist you are today?
I do have a Christian background. My faith is a core part of who I am and the music I make. It wasn’t always the case though. From when I started making music till about 2021 I was definitively a “secular” artist and had in fact begun to venture into the risqué – if you know, you know, lol. My re-direction is ‘Cause I’ve been asked to do this. The Eri Ife you see today is just a guy trying to follow his Father’s instructions.
4. You used to do rap before evolving your music into something much more personal, so I’m assuming there were rappers that impressed you to the extent of inspiration. Who are those rappers and would you like to work with them?
Oh yeah 100%. I was inspired by BOB. So much so my style and cadence really took on that energy. I LOVED J Cole’s work and listened obsessively from 2017 to 2019. A Cole verse or a Jon Bellion verse would be a dream if they ever wanted to write Christian music. I’d be there like mad.
5. You sing in English, but your African identity is unmistakable in the music—in the production and even your lingual. The chorus for Aroma for instance is quite Nigerian flavored. Yet you were raised in the UK. Was it intentional for you as an artist that your work reflect your heritage or it just happened consequentially because you are Nigerian?
Eh, I think it’s more because my heritage forms a critical part of my identity. Ultimately that’s who I am. I’m a Yoruba boy who had the privilege of growing up middle class. I may speak grammar from time to time but ibile ni mi. Besides, I think being multilingual enables me to access a depth of expression that I might not find satisfactory using just English.
6. So you’re a lawyer and a musician, an interesting mix. I’m assuming you started music before studying law. So how was that journey in school. Juggling a professional course as daunting as law, while actively developing as a musician?
I don’t really have words for how it was, but I’ll tell you how it wasn’t: easy. It was NOT easy. Still isn’t. I’m supremely grateful for my legal training though; it’s helped me to be able to provide legal support to creatives I care about & I’ve worked on some really cool deals and worked with some really great artists as an entertainment lawyer especially over the past 3-4 years. It’s all shaped up very nicely.
7. Early 2000s contemporary music shaped your taste, as denoted by Asa and Lagbaja being your idols. How about the current generation? Who are the Nigerian/African artists currently making music that inspire you?
Lmao omo! Artists deyyy. It’s such an incredible soundscape we live in now and I’ve been so so privileged to see people release some brilliant music. As far as Nigerian artists go, AEO (anendlessocean) would be top 2 on my list. Idk what to tell you, man. His writing is incredible. Sinmidele and Sal Ly are also brilliant artists and I love to just soak in their music. Speaking of – Greatman Takit’s look what you’ve done will always be an evergreen in my home. I also loved Sewa’s Detox album. There’s something super vulnerable about her music that draws you in.
8. Found You is my favorite on your project. It’s sentimental, emotive and the beat also packs a punch. It’s hard for singers to pick favorite amongst their work, but if there was a song on the LP that means a little more than the other, perhaps more personal or you spent a longer time writing it. What song is that?
I understand what you mean with Found You. I knew it was a special record when I wrote it – same as Finding God. They’re yin & yang in how they make me feel, truly. But when it comes to the most personally meaningful song for me off the LP, I’d say Miles & Miles. It’s so real to me cause for about a year & a half my wife & I lived on opposite sides of the country cause of my job. We saw each other every other week. “video calls, is how we do this” was literally me just telling it as it is.
9. Your music is personal, so you’re inspired by life obviously. Asides things that happen in your own life, what is a major influence for you?
Some of the stories I’m told definitely feed into how I tell stories in my music. I also tend to have an overactive imagination so that feeds into my writing. I also try to listen to as broad a range of music as possible. Gems are littered all over the place.
10. How do you deal with writer’s block?
LOL I’m heavy on the “God abeg”. I’m not even kidding. I’ll pray and continue or pray and take a break. Most times it resolves after that. If I have a block that lasts say a week or more, I try to actively live life: go out, take walks, catch up with friends – can’t go wrong spending time with friends. That revitalizes me.
11. How are your studio sessions? Premeditated or spontaneous as the spirit leads?
Oh it’s a beautiful, messy mix of both. I’ve also recorded alone by myself for the past almost 4 years so I really miss fuller studio sessions. I’m looking forward to doing more collaborative sessions over the next few months.
12. What’s next for Eri Ife?
I’m fully focused on pushing the new EP, “Rubicon”, that dropped on the 7th of August, and my first ever London Headline, “Love is a Happy Place with Eri Ife”. It’s going to be a magical night. I legitimately can’t wait for the 23rd of August. If you’re in London get your tickets before the 23rd at https://eriifemusic.com
