ION INDIE MAGAZINE October 2015, Volume 17 | Page 7

I have known LEAVING EDEN for many years and have had the privilege of
photographing them across the U.S. Over time, I got to know ERIC and EVE, and the
many artists that have surrounded them. Living in the same area, I asked for an
exclusive interview in an attempt to share some of the “nuggets” that I truly appreciate.
Eric said, “Let’s head to the pub for a few burgers and pints.” DAN SHEA (Danis), a
long-time friend, accompanied Eric and me. Sitting in a comfortable booth with my
laptop, phone, beers and food--this is what came out…
Dagda: How did this all start? I know that you have been playing for years and
with many talented people, but the “Leaving” journey started somewhere.
Eric: Leaving Eden all started with Eve, here in Boston. I found her online and had her
come to one of my gigs. During one of our breaks, I brought her out on the deck and
said, “Sing this.” I want to say it was an ARETHA FRANKLIN song--something really
difficult. I thought to myself, “If she can sing, or even come close to it, I can work with
her.” I recognized her potential immediately. Of course, she still needed to earn her
Doctorate in the “Eric Gynan School of Music” (he smiles). That’s where it started,
with me and her. After the first 100 people came up to me and said that she is great,
what floored me is that I knew she had so much to learn. The fans are telling me how
great she is. People would say, “Oh my god, she is incredible!” They weren’t running
around telling me how great I was. It was always how great she was, consistently, at
every show. Even my friends that I have had for a long time--the critical ones--were
blown away. You know, if one person calls you a horse, you should think about it. If
two call you a horse, you should really think about it. And if three call you a horse--you
better saddle up and ride, motherfucker. I knew that I had to do something for her,
because she was star material. At that time I was playing around the Boston area and
hadn’t played one national concert. I had never met a rock star in my life.
(Drink refill….)
Dagda: One of your first large exposures was at the LOCOBAZOOKA
FESTIVAL and LACUNA COIL. I believe that was through LIVE NATION,
right?
Eric: We were sharing the stage with DISTURBED. It was the first time Eve and I were
playing in front of thousands. It was great. It’s funny--even back then when I met a few
people in the business, in your mind, you are so used to getting smacked down when
you are confronted with the real people, you think everyone is a BS artist. They gave us
advice and said we should go to NYC. I think it was someone from AEROSMITH’S
front office or involved with Aerosmith. That was it. Being in front of that many people
and feeling that energy. No high on this planet will ever compare to that high of that
energy that’s going through your whole body. It’s surreal.