Eddie Witz on Fusing Genres and Embracing Authenticity in “I Am What I Am”

In his latest EP, I Am What I Am, Eddie Witz masterfully blends a diverse array of musical influences—world music, folk, Americana, pop, and reggae—into a harmonious and deeply personal collection of songs. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and eclectic sound, Witz opens up about the creative process behind the album, the significance of self-acceptance, and the emotional depth that fuels his music. In this interview, he shares insights into how he crafts his unique sound, the lessons learned from collaboration, and his hopes for the future of his career.

‘I Am What I Am’ combines world music, folk and Americana with pop and reggae. How did you approach fusing these different genres into a cohesive EP?

Fusing world music, folk, Americana, pop, and reggae into I Am What I Am was an exciting challenge. My approach was to start with the core message and emotion I wanted to convey, and then let the music naturally flow from there.

I began by focusing on the song’s emotional depth and lyrical content, which helped guide the genre-blending process. Working with diverse collaborators like Native Wayne Jobson brought in authentic reggae influences, while the Americana and folk elements were inspired by my love for storytelling and acoustic sounds.

The key was to find common ground between these genres—elements like rhythm, melody, and mood that could blend seamlessly. For instance, using reggae’s laid-back grooves alongside Americana’s storytelling helped create a unique but cohesive sound. I also made sure each track had its own space to shine while maintaining a consistent thematic thread throughout the EP.

Balancing these different styles required a lot of experimentation and openness to new ideas, but the goal was always to create something that felt both fresh and true to my musical vision.

Is there a particular lyric in the EP that holds special meaning for you, and could you share the story behind it?

A particularly meaningful lyric from In Too Deep is “but I still believe there’s a way.” This line holds special significance for me as it embodies the essence of maintaining hope and positivity even amid heartache, shock, and anger.

During my challenging times, finding a sense of hope and believing that there was a path forward was crucial. This lyric reflects that inner resolve to keep looking for the light at the end of the tunnel despite the difficulties. It’s about holding onto a glimmer of optimism and focusing on positive thoughts, even when the world feels overwhelming.

I hope this lyric resonates with listeners who might be going through their tough times, offering them a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way forward and a reason to keep believing in a better future.

How do you feel about the release of ‘I Am What I Am?’ Were there any nerves or excitement around it? 

The release of I Am What I Am has been a mix of excitement and nerves for me. On one hand, there’s a deep sense of pride and fulfillment in sharing this body of work. It represents a significant personal and artistic journey, and I’m excited for people to hear and connect with it.

At the same time, releasing an album that is so personal can be nerve-wracking. It’s always a bit daunting to put your innermost experiences and emotions out into the world, knowing that they’ll be exposed to a broader audience. The anticipation of how people will receive the music and whether it will resonate with them adds an extra layer of excitement and anxiety.

Overall, the positive feedback and support have been incredibly encouraging. It’s reassuring to see that the themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and healing are connecting with listeners. The journey of creating and releasing this EP has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with the world.

If your music career had a theme song, what would it be? 

If my music career had a theme song, it would likely be “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. Its message of hope, renewal, and resilience perfectly encapsulates the essence of my journey and the themes I strive to explore in my music. The song’s optimistic tone and uplifting melody mirror the sense of overcoming challenges and embracing the positive moments in life, which aligns with the core message of my work.

What was the creative process like for ‘I Am What I Am’, and what did you learn from the experience? 

The creative process for I Am What I Am was both enriching and challenging. It involved a deep dive into personal experiences, which meant embracing vulnerability and exploring different musical styles to find the right sound that matched the emotional depth of the album.

Working with diverse collaborators, including Native Wayne Jobson and musicians like Sly Dunbar and Robbie Lyn, added layers of authenticity and brought fresh perspectives to the project. We experimented with blending world music, folk, Americana, pop, and reggae, which required a lot of open-mindedness and flexibility.

From this experience, I learned the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision while being open to new ideas and influences. It also reinforced the value of collaboration and how it can enhance creativity and bring out the best in a project. Most importantly, I learned that the process of creating music is as much about personal growth and self-discovery as it is about producing a final product. It was a journey of embracing both the highs and lows and channeling them into something meaningful.

You’ve mentioned the importance of self-acceptance and embracing life’s ups and downs. How do you hope your album will resonate with listeners on their own journeys of self-discovery?

I hope I Am What I Am resonates with listeners by providing a sense of solidarity and encouragement on their own journeys of self-discovery. The album’s themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and embracing life’s ups and downs are universal experiences, and my goal is to connect with people who may be navigating similar paths.

Through the honest storytelling and emotional depth of the songs, I aim to offer a reminder that it’s okay to face challenges and that growth often comes from embracing both the highs and lows of life. By sharing my own experiences, I hope to inspire listeners to find strength in their own struggles, embrace their true selves, and recognize that every part of their journey is valuable.

Ultimately, I want the album to serve as a source of comfort and motivation, showing that even in difficult times, there is hope and a path forward. If my music can help someone feel seen, understood, and uplifted, then I consider that a significant accomplishment.

With tracks like “My Island” reaching #3 on College Radio Charts, you’ve made a significant impact with your singles. How has the positive reception to your music influenced your approach to releasing’ I Am What I Am?’ 

The positive reception to singles like “My Island” reaching #3 on the College Radio Charts has been incredibly encouraging and has significantly influenced my approach to releasing I Am What I Am. Knowing that listeners and critics have responded so well to the music has reinforced my confidence in the direction and themes of the album.

This success has inspired me to stay true to the core message of the EP while continuing to experiment and push boundaries creatively. The feedback has also highlighted the importance of connecting with the audience on a deeper level, which has motivated me to ensure that each track on the album resonates authentically with listeners.

Additionally, the positive reception has underscored the value of building and maintaining relationships with fans and industry professionals. It has made me more focused on crafting a release strategy that leverages this momentum and maximizes the impact of the album.

Overall, the success of previous singles has provided a solid foundation and a sense of validation, allowing me to approach the release of I Am What I Am with both excitement and a strategic mindset, aiming to build on that positive energy and continue reaching and inspiring listeners.

Lastly, how do you see your music evolving in the future, and what are your hopes for the direction of your career after the release of’ I Am What I Am?’

Looking ahead, I see my music evolving by continuing to explore new sounds and genres while deepening the emotional and lyrical content. I’m excited about the possibilities of blending different musical influences and collaborating with a diverse range of artists to create something fresh and innovative.

My hopes for the direction of my career after the release of I Am What I Am include expanding my reach both nationally and internationally. I’m particularly looking forward to touring in new regions, such as Australia and Europe, and connecting with audiences around the world. I also plan to delve into songwriting for film and television, as it offers a new avenue to tell stories and reach new listeners.

Ultimately, my goal is to keep growing as an artist while staying true to the message of self-acceptance and resilience that has been central to my work. I want to continue making music that resonates with people, helps them navigate their journeys, and inspires them to embrace their authentic selves.