Eric Bass releases new single “Azalia” ahead of debut album I Had A Name

News

19 Dec

Many know Eric Bass as the multi-instrumentalist and producer for Shinedown. He has unveiled his latest solo effort with the single “Azalia.” The track is taken from his upcoming debut album, Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name, which will be released on 28 February 2025.

The new single, now available for streaming, introduces listeners to Azalia, a pivotal figure in the album’s conceptual storyline.

Speaking about the track, Eric explained:

“Azalia is one of the two main protagonists in our story. She is a former warrior monk who has thrown off her religion to become an assassin. Dedicating her life to the insurgency against the WAL and Legion, and to killing every official who had anything to do with her mother's death.”

With an intricate backstory and vivid character development, “Azalia” sets the tone for what listeners can expect from I Had A Name. The song combines sharp production with evocative storytelling, reflecting Eric’s distinctive style. The instrumentation is immersive, blending driving rhythms with soaring melodies, while his vocal delivery brings a sense of urgency and depth to the narrative.

The accompanying music video offers a striking visual complement to the song, capturing the tension and struggle of Azalia’s journey. Eric elaborates further:

“In the song ‘Azalia’ we find her on the run for her life with the government’s demons close behind. She will have to rely on her tenacity in order to not give up, and on her natural abilities to survive. The keys to which are contained within a gift her mother gave her as a child.”

This latest single follows “Mind Control”, the album’s first release, which dropped in November 2024. I Had A Name promises to be a deeply personal project for Eric, blending fictional storytelling with autobiographical elements. The record explores themes of loss, defiance, and survival, while also offering insights into the artist’s experiences with mental health and identity.

Discussing the album’s creative process, Eric shared how his writing organically evolved into something more personal:

“When I finished writing this record, I looked back at these characters I’ve created and realised I’d written the most autobiographical record of my life, which wasn’t conscious as I was writing it.”

What sets I Had A Name apart is Eric’s hands-on approach. From writing and performing every part of the album to producing and mixing it himself, the record showcases his versatility as a musician. Drawing inspiration from rock icons like Pearl Jam, KISS, and Van Halen, the album balances a mix of gritty energy and layered sonic textures.

Fans eager to hear more from Eric can pre-order or pre-save the album now. With I Had A Name, he brings a unique perspective that’s equal parts raw and refined, solidifying his voice as a solo artist outside of his work with Shinedown.

Save the date for I Had A Name, and watch the video for “Azalia”: