ERIC EQ YOUNG - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - WED, OCT 7, 2015 - 5:00 PM PST

Master of the stage, performer for the soul, Eric “EQ” Young is known for his ability to fire up concert crowds with his high-energy passionate vocals and funky bass beats. This consummate musician has a long history of opening for, playing with, and being signed by established names in the business. Today, EQ confirms his place among the constellation of great Bay Area funk stars with the early release of 8 songs from his upcoming CD, “Just 4 You.” 

Getting his hands on his first guitar at the age of 8—a gift from his grandfather, that had only three strings, Eric Young taught himself to play by ear. Imitating Sly Stone’s mixture of sound and tight arrangements on that misfit instrument ended up opening a life path to world stages. 

Other radio stars of the period had a strong influence on his style, including Larry Graham, leading Young to switch to learning bass and studying music composition. Growing up in the Northern California Bay Area gave Young easy access to live performances of Tower of Power, Sly Stone, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Whispers, The Escovedos, Santana, Pointer Sisters. Their example put pressure on the aspiring star to master his instrument and showmanship, solidifying his vision of becoming a complete entertainer. While bands he auditioned for continued to turn him down, their rejections only fueled his ambition. So deep was his desire to be a performer, only at the request—and belt—of his mother did he finish high school.