Eddy Chapman is a South African musician and songwriter with a distinctive style who aims to add a “let-loose” vibe to his own blend of alternative rock. The songs of CCR, Roxette, and Neil Diamond used to resonate through the house where he grew up, but it was Bon Jovi who motivated him to pick up the guitar and pursue a career in music. After developing his songwriting skills and completing his homeschooling, Chapman created his own band. Chapman penned and arranged each single for this band, which made local headlines, received radio airplay, and toured the country. Several years after the dissolution of the band, Chapman set out to establish himself as a solo artist. The release of his debut album ‘Lie-a-bility’ in 2020 led to several press placements and radio airplay, as well as an invitation to headline an American music festival. It appears that he was creating waves abroad from the beginning.
The three-part album ‘Riot in a Whisper’ by Eddy Chapman showcases his classic alt-rock sound and captivating songs. The ‘Riot in a Whisper’ project signifies his comeback in 2023. The artist recalls working with a plethora of amazing musicians and having a great deal of joy recording these records; he hopes the same sentiment will resonate with fans. Do not miss “Riot in a Whisper – Pt1” and Chapman’s upcoming amazing voyage! Part one alone makes it very evident that we’re on the verge of an emotional roller coaster, what with its rousing instrumentation and lyrics. The album begins with “Vanquisher,” which references legendary rock bands such as Bon Jovi with dramatic and arresting elements. The steady guitar rhythms and abundance of fascinating sections, riffs, and melodies nicely complement Chapman’s expressive vocals and triumphant message. ‘I’m Just Sayin’ is a more upbeat Alt-Pop single on the album. According to Eddy Chapman, “it was written to remind us not to worry constantly and that no difficulty in the world is ever too great to prevent us from enjoying life.” This song is accompanied by a music video that promises to be loaded with contagious silliness; it can be found here. The third and final song, “Give Me,” has a particularly intriguing backstory and was inspired by a challenge. Eddy brought his simple riff to life with escalating arrangements and lyrics inspired by the Russia-Ukraine crisis after being asked to compose a song with only two notes. This project was composed and recorded at Hidden Track Records in Bloemfontein, South Africa, over the course of a year. ‘Riot in a Whisper – Pt1’ is absolutely not to be missed, as it possesses a truly contagious attitude and superb songwriting. Without a doubt, you’ll be eager for parts two and three later this year. Check out the album and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
Eddy Chapman: I come from a small town, called Lady Grey in South Africa. It all started at the age of 15. Throughout my school career, I played some instruments, mainly piano but I gave it up because I wanted to play the songs I heard on the radio which I didn’t learn to play at school. So one day I was visiting my friend and we were just doing some normal teenage stuff. I remember his mom calling us in for dinner. As I came into the house and walked past the T.V. which his sister was watching, something like MTV. At that moment Bon Jovi’s music video for “It’s my life” was playing. I remember that that video made such a big impression on me, I was mesmerized by the performance and sounds I was hearing. Something just changed in me that day and I can’t quite explain what but I knew from that day on that, that’s what I want to do.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
Eddy Chapman: When I started playing I remember I had asked my dad. He had an Ibanez twelve string guitar. I asked him if he could teach me a few chords. I picked a song on the radio and recorded it and then I asked my dad to help me work out the chords so that I can start playing the song. After I’ve mastered the song I bought some books that taught me more chords on the guitar. So yeah, I’m self-taught from there on out
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘Eddy Chapman’?
Eddy Chapman: Bon Jovi was my first big musical influence. They opened the door into the rabbit hole for me. Because of them I started researching and discovered more music and artists. You could say that they also broadened my musical influences. The name Eddy Chapman originates from two places. My nickname on school was Eddy amongst my friends and the surname Chapman, comes from my great grandmother who was originally from Scotland. I just thought Chapman sounds very cool so I used that surname.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
Eddy Chapman: My sound is organic in the sense of, I try to use as much real instruments where I can. I do not like sampling of stuff or any electronic sounds that much, I wouldn’t say it fits my style. I would use it only if it does sound good or if it enhances the instrument being played. I strongly feel that because where the music industry is today that music has lost it’s soul. The next song sounds like the previous one and it almost has like a generic artificial feel to it. I try to stick to music’s roots and try to recreate that soul that made people feel the music. I think a combination of my lyrics and the emotional ride I try to convey in every verse to every chorus to every swell in every song. Nothing goes to waste.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as ROCK?
Eddy Chapman:
Originality is in the eye of the beholder. Every Songwriter has their influences and their base for when they start writing songs. It’s almost like setting a goal for yourself to compete in a marathon and subconsciously you’ll start working out training routines and eating better. Eventually you’ll reach your fitness level in order to compete in the marathon. For me it was very much the same. I would listen to an artist or a band and I would tell myself that I want to write a song similar to them even though I am influenced by a totally different artist at the time in writing style. Similar to the marathon I would subconsciously train myself. I would start to listen more of said artists’ songs and start to analyze them until I can write in a similar style. Well if people sees that as unique then it is.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
Eddy Chapman:
Music has been and is very powerful throughout history. Whether it is in anyone of the above mentioned topics, music for me is the manifestation of raw emotions and so that is why music has always been part of any big event, be it happy or sad. Music is part of us human beings. It is impossible for me to not bring it into my work because I’m influenced by worldly events. However I do feel that musicians has to realize that they are on the forefront of any social platform, TV and radio. Thus they have a lot of people and children looking up to them as role models and hanging on every word they say and do. So it is important for us as musicians to realize that and to realize they our opinions whether right or wrong affects a following of people. Musicians are artists and we should present our opinion for people to decide for themselves rather than to “force” that our opinion is the only “right” one.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
Eddy Chapman:
To be honest, a plain and simple no would be the answer at the moment. I would love to say yes to this question but the reality is that life happens. It wasn’t always like that of course. I did it because of the joy it brings to other people. When they sing along and to see them comforted by songs when they go through a similar situation as the song describes. But as an independent artist, I still have to pay the bills and the house and the car. So out of a financial point of view, music currently does not give me that fulfillment. I expect that I can make a living out of my music soon. Buy my wife the house she deserves. I would love my music to give me back the effort I have put in over the past 16 years.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
Eddy Chapman:
There are a lot of different answers to this question. I have different ways when starting my songwriting process. My main rule is not to force anything when I write. All my songs happens when it happens, for example a lot of the songs I wrote, I dreamt about. At first I didn’t realize that the tunes in my dreams were my own. So I had to force myself to listen to it in my dreams and remember the tunes when I wake up. I would then record it first thing when I wake up or play it on the guitar so that I would remember it the next day. Most of my songs are created by just playing around on the guitar. Whether I was practicing my own songs or playing cover songs, I would usually stumble upon a riff or a tune on the guitar. When it sounds good, I’ll take it from there. The last way that I get my tunes, is when I’m bored or waiting for someone or something. I would start to play a beat in my head and I would fill in all the guitars and sounds and sometimes even lyrics, all in my head. And if it sounds good after all that, I’ll put it on paper.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
Eddy Chapman: In 2016 I had a freak accident and shattered my left elbow. I had to go in for surgery and after the surgery one of the doctors asked me what I did for a living. I told him that I play the guitar and that I’m a musician. After hearing that he told me “well, I think you should start looking at a new profession because you will never be able to play guitar again”. I had to make the decision if I would accept his recommendation or if I’m going to try and prove him wrong. Obviously I chose the latter but that was a very tough time in my life.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
Eddy Chapman: Well, after I recovered from my shattered elbow, I went on to write 2 more albums. Despite all that, here I am doing this interview about being a musician. So I see that as a huge success for me and I hope that I can inspire others to not give up on their dreams.
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