Gateway Drug

Gateway Drug

I had an interesting conversation the other day about weed being a gateway drug and it made me dive a little deeper into the subject. Personally, I don't believe that any substance is a gateway drug, only someone trying to silence the screams of the pain they feel. There are certain factors and traumas that happen during the course of one's life and they may not even know that these traumas are even there.They may know they are there, but do not completely understand them. They still remain and affect your day to day life. Whether it be relationships, social life, family life, or even just trying to be yourself. The point I'm trying to make here is that neither weed or alcohol is causing you to get into hard drugs, it's your personal demons, all the pain you feel and can't control. So, when the weed and alcohol cease to numb the pain, you begin looking for something stronger to numb the depression, anxiety, pain, anger or a haunting past that you do not know how to let go of or deal with sober and properly. Most people that I know that smoke weed or drink alcohol don't wake up one day wanting to try heroine because the high isn't good enough anymore. The people that end up on narcotics don't know how to let go or deal with the feelings that come over them constantly. They are tired of dealing with depression, anxiety, anger or a resentment toward a past that they have no idea how to come to terms with. They don't trust people or a person enough to confide in them on what they are truly feeling. They fear being rejected, called a liar or just believe that no one will understand. So they continue to keep it bottled up, and over time it haunts them more and more.  They begin to start self medicate with alcohol, weed, pills, and it numbs it out, for awhile. But the mind and body tend to become immune to these things and build up a tolerance. As a result the pain they're hiding screams out even louder. This is the breaking point at which there are two paths you can choose; either get help or slide down the slippery slope of hard drugs. When they do slide down into this dark hole, the same thing happens. The body once again builds up immunity and tolerance towards the drugs and the voices still scream. They chase the dragon until their heart stops beating. In all reality and at the core of this problem is that people get tired of the pain they feel and will do anything to silence it. It is not the weed or alcohol leading them down this path, it is their own mind screaming out for help, with none to be found. Your mind or subconscious mind is ultimately designed to protect you. It will even protect you from yourself, in essence you are ultimately battling yourself. So when you hit that fork in the road and your demons are screaming louder than ever, which path will you take?

Eric Val

Website:
http://ericvalmusic.com/#/

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Void To Fill

Void To Fill

If you're not content and happy being alone, no one else will fill that void for you. I see it all the time in life and on social media, both men and women. When I find the right man I will be happy, when I find the right woman, I'll be happy. Then, a few months later, the same complaints and problems begin to show and the pattern continues. Too many people tend to think that a significant other in their life, and the love it's suppose to generate will somehow magically fill this hole inside them and everything will be perfect. As far as I can seen, I don't think it works that way. The same goes for material things in this life we all struggle and strive for with every waking moment. No amount of money, cars, house, bigger house, cars or faster cars will ever fulfill your need for peace and fulfillment.
 I know it probably sounds cliche, but your happiness and peace of mind truly lie within you. What's within you is a much harder thing to face, and be truly honest with yourself while doing so. We all have a past, we are all damaged to a certain degree, and recognizing those parts inside us and dealing with them properly is a whole other battle. Most people just deny that there is anything wrong with them, it's always someone else's fault. This kind of mindset pattern either destructive or not, tend to continue. Repeating mistakes especially when it comes to relationships, will make your life miserable. The thing is, we tend to attract similiar personalities or what we think we deserve. If you keep dating the same type of person and the results are the same, then you might want to take notice to the characteristics your attracted to and settling for. If you keep settling for people who take advantage of you or worse. You might want to take a look inside and see your self worth and what causes you to keep finding these same characteristics. Know yourself, know your path, set your goals, know your worth, and surround yourself with the right people. Whether it be friends, family, wife, or co-workers, you have to have the right people around you. Chose people who respect you and are there for you. Do not chose people who back stab you and take advantage of you.


Eric Val

Website:
http://ericvalmusic.com/#/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/EricValMusic/featured?view_as=subscriber

Soundcloud:
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Society 6:
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Opinions Of Others

Opinions Of Others

Throughout your path in life there will be many opinions given to you on what you're doing, how you're doing it and why you're doing it. The truth is it's good to listen to what other people have to say about your journey, and you may just learn something and avoid a few pitfalls and a few headaches. On the other hand, if you are going down a path that no one has ever been down before, and trying something that no one has ever attempted. It may be better to take those opinions with a grain of salt and a shot of penicillin and continue on boldly with your focus and goal in mind. Even then it may be wise to listen to what they have to say and take some of the wisdom and lessons they have to offer and disregard the rest. The truth is people are fearful of what is different, what they don't understand and definitely fearful of the unknown. It's just how most human beings are wired but it does not have to stop you from pursing what you love and are passionate about. Human beings in general are fearful of new information that goes against what they know or have been taught, whether it be religious, science, or just common knowledge. It takes time for new knowledge or facts to be accepted as truth to the general population. Nothing that is new and exciting, bold and different, or goes against the grain will be accepted overnight, it's just a simple fact of human nature. It takes time. Most people are generally close minded and unwilling to change or stand out from the crowd. They fear taking the risk of being considered an outcast. Generally everyone just wants to fit in, whether it be with someone, somewhere, or some group, and feel loved and welcomed. Anything that threatens  being rejected or cast out, people tend to shy away from. Hence, I myself tip my hat to the bold, the originals, and the trail blazers. People who do what they love, what they think is right, what they know is right, or whatever passion moves them down their path. They go boldly into uncharted territories, knowing it may never amount to anything, and may receive a lot of resistance along the way, but do it anyway. They have fear, they have doubt, but rise above it and go forth knowing this. Life is entirely too short to follow the pack!

Eric Val

Website:
http://ericvalmusic.com/#/

YouTube:
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Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/eric-val

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Live On The Couch- Episode 1

Myself performing the single Beautiful Lie, Live On The Couch. One take, one song, just me and a acoustic guitar. Take it or leave it. Thank you all for all the support you have been giving me, greatly appreciated.

Website:
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CD Baby:
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https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/eric-val/560306331?ign-gact=3&ls=1

Live On The Couch- Episode 3

Myself performing the single The Past, Live On The Couch. One take, one song, just me and a acoustic guitar. Take it or leave it. Thank you all for all the support you have been giving me, greatly appreciated.

Website:
http://ericvalmusic.com/#/

CD Baby:
https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/EricVal

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5N3Snc5e1sxX5tjJKwhR4P

Amazon:
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iTunes:
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Slow Decline (Lyric Video) by Eric Val

Single off my new album My Gift My Curse called Slow Decline. Out now for streaming and downloading everywhere.

Website:
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Spotify:
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iTunes:
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Die An Original

Die An Original

I went to Nashville, Tennessee a couple of weeks ago and hungout for a few days with high expectations of the music scene there. In my mind I was expecting to see different styles of music and amazing musicians writing great original material, just being themselves and creating something new and original. It was my hope to go there not only to meet like minded original artists but to also be inspired . That didn’t happen.

Now bare in mind this is just what I saw and heard on music row and other various places I visited. If there are some places that have original artists and people being creative, writing great original songs, I apologize. Let me know where these places are and I will definitely go see them. But, from what I saw the rest of these words I have no apologies.

As it turns out it's just like every other bar or club I have went to in any other town or city. Nashville has just capitalized on it better than any other city I have seen.

I arrived at music row on a Saturday evening at five and walked up and down both sides of the street, and two other side streets until three in the morning. Every one of them I have seen, and I must have seen at least thirty or forty bands, were all playing covers. Not different covers either, they were all playing the same top forty country songs that we've all heard a million times. All the musicians and backing bands had similar tones for their guitars, basses, keys, and playing styles. No one was even trying to make it their own with their own style of musicianship. They were all chasing the same brass ring of whatever is being played on country radio at the moment.

Now don't get me wrong, I love what’s on country radio. I'm a fan of a lot of music, but for everyone to keep chasing what has already been done is sad to watch. I understand why they do this type of formula just like every other club or bar that you go to in any town or city. It is the safe route for both the band and bar to make money. The crowd already knows what to expect. The band knows what songs to play that the crowd will like, and the bar and the band both make money. This is a very smart marketing strategy, and a safe route for all.

But me being me, I'm tired of hearing it. I would rather go out and be myself. Writing about what I feel, and be who I am, instead of spending my time learning someone else's material, trying to emulate them, sound like them, and play songs that we've all heard a million times. It's not who I am. This is time that could be spent writing new songs, recording new songs, working on your guitar style and tone, and working on an all original live set with your band. There are so many more valuable things to spend your time on musically.

Don't get me wrong, it is good to learn other bands or artist’s songs for the sake of learning and becoming better at your craft. I would never put that down. But when you spend all your time learning it, rehearsing it ,and playing it live, it becomes to unoriginal and you’re wasting your time. This is just my point of view and it's your life so do what you want. I'm just stating it how I see it.

We only have so much time on this planet to do what we love. Let alone all the rest of life that gets in the way. I would say forge your own path, write what you feel and continue to get better. If you fail on your path, learn from it and get up and keep going. Or you can use the words I live by, Die An Original!


Eric Val
Website: http://ericvalmusic.com/#/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EricValMusic/featured?view_as=subscriber
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/eric-val
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.val/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericval27/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricValmusic

Words and Drive

Words and Drive

There were many people through the course of my life that in one way or another told me that I would be nothing but a ditch digger in this life. I've been picked on and looked down on for being myself and being different. I was bullied from time to time, but I would always stand my ground win or lose. Looking back at all this, I'm glad it happened. It made me stronger and more determined to make something of myself. It somewhat gives you an "I'll show you" attitude and gives you the determination to go down your path fearlessly. For me, it caused me to look deep inside and figure out who I was, what I wanted to be and what made me happy. It also inspired me to be more strong willed and put the blinders on, shut off all the negativity around me, and stay focused on my goals. Actions speak louder than words, so I used their negativity to drive me and inspire me. In the famous words of Les Brown's teacher "Someone's opinion of you does not have to be your reality" a very wise statement. Everyone is going to have their own opinion of you. People are going to try and put you down because you are different, and possibly be jealous, thinking you'll be more successful then they will. Be yourself and stand up for yourself. Figure out who you are, what you want, and go down your path fearlessly. Use all the pain, suffering, happiness, wisdom and knowledge to inspire you and fuel your fire.

Eric Val
Website: http://ericvalmusic.com/#/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EricValMusic/featured?view_as=subscriber
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/eric-val
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.val/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricValmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericval27/

Eric Val Bio

Eric Val Bio

“Diverse Music with a Hard Rock Edge,” or "Diverse Rock" sums up Eric Val’s music career. This hard rock solo artist comes from Williamsport, PA, that was influenced by bands like Sevendust, Shinedown, Marvin Gaye, Garth Brooks, Eric Clapton, Stone Sour and Seether. He has a classically trained voice that helps him propel his sound and style far above the rest. His writing style is as unique as his voice.

With the release of the debut album ‘3 Year Struggle’ August 31, 2012, the world got to see a small taste of what Eric is all about. With 13 original tracks, it is available exclusively at ericvalmusic.com, along with itunes.com, amazon.com, and cdbaby.com. The album demonstrates his diversity, honesty and passion for his music. The first two singles ‘High Above You’ and ‘Pull Me Under’ showcase his pop sensibility and the rest show the diversity.

The next recording was released in September 2013 debuting the rock/pop single ‘Beauty Queen’. The song exemplifies a mixture of heavy guitars, groove drumming and smooth vocals. Another single was released, ‘If You Only Knew’, in July of 2014, and comprises a mixture of acoustic guitars, electric solos and fast paced drums. Then in 2015, came Beautiful Lie a mixture of rock, country and classical music with a smooth melody and voice.

As for what is next? The sophomore album My Gift, My Curse is finished and set to be released on November 18, 2019. In short, it’s the most diverse rock album ever, featuring 14 different musicians playing over twenty different instruments on the album. Ranging from rock and metal influence to classical and country tones. The first single Tragedy will start it off and is released. A mixture of rock, country and classical music with haunting lyrics and melody. It is dedicated to the ones we've lost, the ones left behind, and the affect it has on us. Inspired by the people we've lost due to suicide and drug overdoses. All the proceeds from the song will be donated to the Recovery Awareness Connection, an organization dedicated to recovery of those with drug abuse and mental illness. Two other singles have been released as well groove metal melodic My Own Hell and jazz rock fusion The Past. Next will be the singles Slow Decline an R&B, Rock and classical piece and hard rock tribal Faded Memory. Get ready for a wild ride.

Eric Val
Website: http://ericvalmusic.com/#/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EricValMusic/featured?view_as=subscriber
Soundcloud: https://www.youtube.com/user/EricValMusic/featured?view_as=subscriber
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.val/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricValmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericval27/