In THIS INTERVIEW with touring hip-hop artist Erik Stephen we discuss “From My Car”, his live streaming performance on April 8. We also talk watching an empty-arena WrestleMania 36 and the impact of COVID-19 corona virus. Enjoy!
THIS: Eric, let’s start with the Lord-of-the-Rings-size elephant in the room. How has the corona virus affected your community, and both your personal and professional life?
Erik Stephen: I, actually, have no idea how the corona virus is affecting my community. We’re kinda stuck in Oklahoma at the moment. I’ve talked to my mom and my sister but that’s it from back home [in Arizona]. My mom works from home which hasn’t hurt her too much. My dad coaches tennis at a local high school, so that’s not happening. My sister and brother-in-law are teachers, so they’re now teaching class online, and my nephew is going to school online now.
As for my family, all of our shows in March were cancelled, but that happened after we got to Oklahoma. Our April shows are up in the air, and anything past that we just have to wait and see. Since we rely on the shows for the majority of our income, this has hit my family hard. But a lot of people are in the same boat so I really can’t complain. Plus, God has been taking care of us and has met all of our needs.
THIS: You’re a professional wrestling fan like us. How are you feeling about the empty venue 2-day WrestleMania 36 happening this weekend?
Erik Stephen: I actually think the 2-day WrestleMania is a good idea. The past few years it’s been getting longer and longer. By the time the main event comes around everyone is tired. It’s unfortunate that it’s happening this way due to the virus. I hope they continue it in future years though. As for the empty arenas, they gotta do what they gotta do. It’s weird but it’s better than people getting really sick or worse.
THIS: Has this outbreak changed how you pray and what you pray for?
Erik Stephen: Not really, other than we’ve added praying for the sick to get better, comfort for those that lost people, and protection for the healthy. My family and I pray daily, so these are just some of the current prayer requests.
THIS: Have you considered writing any rhymes about what’s going on?
Erik Stephen: I don’t know. Maybe when it’s all over and we can look back. What’s weird is that my new song “Pizza Party” that I released last week has a similar theme to what’s going on. About wanting to shed the stresses of daily life for even one night and party like a Ninja Turtle.
THIS: Let’s talk about “From My Car”. Tell us about the idea and what can viewers expect?
Erik Stephen: “From My Car” is a live stream concert that I’ll me doing on April 8th hosted by Stageit.com . You do have to make a stageit.com account and purchase a “ticket”. Since this is my first streaming concert, I’m limiting the number of “seats” to 30 people. I’ll basically be holding a concert in my car. That way I can be as loud as I need to be without disturbing anyone [Laughs]! In this crazy time people need to take their minds off of stuff, even if it’s only for 30 or 60 minutes. If I can help brighten someone’s day and give them any hope, then I’m going to do that.
THIS: You’re known for you “T-Shirt Game” – your extensive array of t-shirts. Can you tell us which one you’ll be wearing during your “From My Car” live stream?
Erik Stephen: You’ll have to tune in to find out. |THIS.
[Written by Mr. Joe Walker]
