By Sonia Schnee | Posted Monday, March 22, 2021
If you’re looking for a catchy garage pop tune to carry you through the day, look no further than "Tuna For Dinner (FMHA)”, the debut single from indie artist MilkMan. MilkMan is the solo project of Eric Schwartz of the West Long Branch alternative rock band Malibu. Check out our interview with Eric (MilkMan) below, to learn how he’s been keeping busy during these unusual times.
What is your name, where are you from, and what do you do?
My name is Eric Schwartz, I'm from Maryland, and I'm currently a student at Monmouth University.
For first-time listeners, how would you describe your sound?
While I think I'm still trying to nail down my sound, it's currently kinda a mix of garage rock and indie pop. I call it garage pop, but genre names are meaningless so call it whatever you want.
Who are your musical influences?
I draw influence from garage bands like The Strokes and The Libertines along with more indie pop acts like Rex Orange County and Her's.
Congrats on the release of your debut single, "Tuna For Dinner (FMHA)"! Where did you record/who produced it?
FMHA was all recorded and produced by myself in my house. I dedicated a spare room to make a small studio setup which is where I recorded vocals, guitars, keys, bass, etc.
What's the inspiration behind the song?
I didn't really have any direct inspiration for making the song. One day I just wrote a chord progression, decided to record it, then it all went from there.
What inspired you to start this side project of “MilkMan”? How does it compare/contrast with your work as a member of the band Malibu?
While I love working with Malibu and making the music we put out, I've always wanted to dive a little more into the indie side of things. I also always wanted to challenge myself by self-producing and releasing my own music. MilkMan's music is a little more garage rock and indie, while Malibu's music tends to be poppier and more modern alternative rock.
What is your songwriting process like?
I start off almost all my songs just by messing around until I find a nice chord progression. Then I gradually add layers until I have a full instrumental. The lyrics usually come afterwards based on the vibe/sound I've created. Having said that, I do have a note in my phone full of lyrical one-liners I always pull from. My songs are usually based on personal experiences and emotions that I go through. Having said that, the "fuck my heart again" lyric was a reference to the final scene in The Sopranos, where Tony has a heart attack and utters those words as the screen cuts to black.
Do you come from a musical family or are you a trailblazer?
My family has always loved music, but I've really been the first to play multiple instruments and create my own music. When I was three and heard "Tomorrow Never Knows" by The Beatles, I decided right then and there that I wanted to become a musician.
What have been some of the highlights that you’ve experienced so far as an artist?
I'd say putting out my debut single was definitely a highlight. Not much else has happened after that.
What’s next on the horizon for you? What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
I'm currently working on producing my second single, which should be out around May (hopefully). I'm really looking forward to putting out more music as well as collaborating with others to expand my production portfolio.
If you could collaborate with any artist, producer, or musician -- living or dead -- who would it be and why?
I would collab with Scott Joplin, the king of ragtime. I've been looking to incorporate more ragtime into my music.
What words of advice or encouragement would you give to other artists — or really anyone — who’s trying to make it through and stay mentally healthy during this pandemic?
To quote Lance Armstrong, "Viva la Loca Vida"
Finally, where can people find you online?
Instagram: @milkmanmusic_ twitter: @eschwartz99. I have really good tweets.