PEL Presents NEM#206: Wreckless Eric: “Without Sound, You’ve Got Nothing” | The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast

Intro

Episode 206 of the Nicodely Examined Music podcast features Eric Gouldin, professionally known as Reckless Eric, discussing his music career and songs. Reckless Eric has recorded about 19 albums under different monikers and collaborations, including with his wife Amy Rigby. The podcast delves into specific songs from his discography and explores his unique approach to recording music. Join the conversation as Reckless Eric shares insights into his creative process and the stories behind his songs.

Main Takeaways

Reckless Eric’s Music Career

• Reckless Eric has recorded about 19 albums under different monikers and collaborations, including with his wife Amy Rigby.
• He reflects on his extensive discography, with over 30 albums released under different band names, now all being repackaged under his name or Reckless Eric.

Insights into Specific Songs

• The podcast delves into specific songs like “Standing Sunday Morning” from his newest album “Leisure Land 2023,” “Another Drive in Saturday” from the self-titled album in 2008, and “Depression” by LeBete Group Electric from their self-titled album in 1989.
• Reckless Eric shares the origins and reception of “Whole Wild World” and how it was initially sped up for commercial appeal.
• The song “Standing Sunday Morning” from his latest album is described as “very English” and evokes scenes from a typical high street in England.

Recording Process and Sound

• Reckless Eric discusses his preference for home recordings, allowing for flexibility and time to perfect the sounds without the pressure of a third-party location.
• He emphasizes the importance of sound in conveying musical concepts and ideas and shares insights into his unique approach to recording music.
• The musician talks about using analog synthesizers, the Mark 1 base station, and other equipment to maintain a consistent sound throughout his records.

Summary

Reckless Eric’s Diverse Music Career

Reckless Eric has had a diverse music career, recording about 19 albums under different monikers and collaborations. He reflects on his extensive discography, with over 30 albums released under different band names, now all being repackaged under his name or Reckless Eric. This highlights his evolution as an artist and the range of musical styles he has explored throughout his career.

Insights into Specific Songs

The podcast delves into specific songs from Reckless Eric’s discography, providing insights into their origins and reception. For example, “Whole Wild World” was initially sped up for commercial appeal. “Standing Sunday Morning” from his latest album is described as having a “very English” sound, evoking scenes from a typical high street in England. These discussions offer a deeper understanding of the stories behind the songs and the artistic choices made by Reckless Eric.

Recording Process and Sound

Reckless Eric shares his preference for home recordings, allowing for flexibility and time to perfect the sounds without the pressure of a third-party location. He emphasizes the importance of sound in conveying musical concepts and ideas, highlighting his unique approach to recording music. Using analog synthesizers and other equipment, he maintains a consistent sound throughout his records. This attention to sound adds depth and cohesiveness to his music.

Conclusion

Episode 206 of the Nicodely Examined Music podcast provides a fascinating glimpse into the music career of Reckless Eric. From his diverse discography to his unique approach to recording, Reckless Eric’s insights offer valuable perspectives for both music enthusiasts and aspiring artists. Tune in to discover the stories behind his songs and gain a deeper appreciation for his distinctive sound.