Founder's Story - Legenday Artist Eric Bellinger: From Making Voicemails to Working With The Biggest Music Artists in the World and The Price of Fame | Ep 288 with Eric Bellinger

Episode Date: December 8, 2025

In this Founder’s Story episode, Eric Bellinger dives deep into the early roots of his career, from recording voicemail songs for friends to becoming one of the most respected artists and songwriters in R&B. He shares stories from the studio, life on tour, how TikTok and AI are reshaping music, and why staying humble keeps him grounded while performing worldwide. Key Discussion Points: Eric opens up about his upbringing in church, how faith shaped his ambition, and the wild origin story of being discovered through a friend’s answering machine. He reflects on nostalgia, virality, and why artists focus too much on numbers instead of getting in front of the right person. Eric talks openly about the resurgence of R&B, his experience touring with Jagged Edge and Lloyd, and what it feels like hearing his songs played in public. He breaks down the difference between performing vs. writing hits, the global evolution of music, his creative chemistry with legends like Chris Brown, and the emotional connection with fans. He also speaks on fame, humility, the business of modern music, and how collaborations, shows, brand deals, and features create real financial freedom for artists today. Takeaways: Eric emphasizes that virality isn’t everything — one right person can change your life. He urges artists to focus on craft, ownership, and understanding their contracts. Success comes from relentless consistency, global thinking, and staying open to technology like social media and AI. He reminds creators to stay humble, be present with fans, plant seeds internationally, and take full responsibility for their careers rather than finding someone to blame. Above all, the journey is spiritual, personal, and fueled by gratitude. Closing Thoughts: Eric’s story is a reminder that roots matter, faith matters, and authenticity always wins. His perspective blends wisdom, humility, and hard-earned lessons that every artist and entrepreneur can learn from. This conversation will leave listeners inspired, nostalgic, and ready to dream bigger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So I'm excited today because we have a legend here who is on tour right now, which is, I mean, that's amazing. I don't think we've ever interviewed anyone who is currently on tour. But Eric Bellinger, what a story, man, what a story. Let's go back to before you were famous, before you were writing hits for the most incredible artists on the planet. Who was Eric? And what was your dream? Yeah. Man, Eric Bellinger was always an ambitious man of faith.

You know, I grew up in church and strongly believed in God and spirituality and believe that anything I put my mind to, you know, I could achieve it. So I was always walking with faith in victory even before the winds started rolling in. And I heard you talk about you worked at Chuck E. Cheese. I mean, it's always funny to hear like the jobs that people had, but you were even, you were like literally the voice. Like, you were the voice of voicemails or answering machines back in the day. How did that transition to being in the music industry? So crazy part is I used to sing, you know, back, you know, when I grew up, we would, we would have an answer machine on our cell phone and we would turn up the music.

And then when it was time, like, leave a message to. And it's like, we. And then you turn it down, yo, what's going on? Is Eric? Make sure you leave a message. Call me back. And then you turn the music up.

But I was like, all right, how can I take that experience to the next level? And I literally used to sting on all my friends' voice messages and answer machines. And I actually got discovered because one of my friends who I sang on her voice on her answer machine, rather, her godmother was an A&R for Babyface. So she was like, yo, who is that singing on your, on your, on your, on your, on your, on your, on your, on your, on your, your, your answering machine. And sure enough, that's how I connected with, you know, my biggest, um, supporter and

believer. I love how nostalgia is coming back around. And that, that is a wild story. Sorry, going back to what you just said, I think a lot of people nowadays are like, you know, when they look at social media, like, I need everything to go viral. But I don't, but like, why does it go viral? Why do you need it to go viral in the sense for you? Literally one person.

in hearing your voice change your life. So how do you think about that in terms, do you think we have it all wrong? Like, do we need a million people to hear us to be successful? Or if we just get into the, you know, in front of the right people, is that all we need? Yeah. No, I always tell, you know, I have a label always entertainment and I always encourage them to not worry about the numbers and to just pose because, for example, if Beyonce hears something that she absolutely loves and that she's a fan of, she'll just put it in. it in the set. She'll put it in her tour because it inspired her. So, you know, it's not about how many people are watching, but it's about the right person watching to help amplify your vision.

Man, I love your story. So you're on this tour. You're with Jagged Edge and Lloyd and you. Epic, man. It brings back so many memories. It's kind of crazy how music, you can listen to a song and you can remember exactly where you were, what you were doing, and the song lyrics, but I can't even tell you what I did last week. How is it to be on such this nostalgia tour and what's the energy of the people going? It's a lot of music lovers, a lot of R&B heads,

and it feels great because for a long time, people were trying to say like Arnbo's Day or R&B is like as popping, but I'm just glad I just stay true and just kept doing what I love doing because sure enough it came back around and the energy in every room, every show, every night is sold out. You know, I finish my set.

I go in the crowd. I watch the rest of the set. You know, it's just beautiful to celebrate R&B together in a communal way in 2025, you know. Man, I love, I grew up hip-hop R&B is pretty much what I grew up listening. But you've had hits for Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Bieber. how is it for you being behind the scenes when you're writing versus being at the forefront? Oh, man, it's totally different, totally different. It still feels, you know, like a connection while I'm watching.

For example, I went to Chris Brown's concert recently, and it was fired to see the songs that we created together performed on such a large scale and see all the people singing along and seeing all the 50 dancers and the, you know, him flying in the air. Like, there's nothing like seeing the vision on that scale, but to also be able to perform my songs, you know, when I'm on tour and feel that same feeling, except I'm able to look at the people that I've actually impacted, see the people that sing along to my music every day in their cars, do the meet and greets with them. So I get the best of both worlds, because not only do I get to feel the love on the artist side, but I get to see the love on the songwrap side.

What's the feeling like when you're sitting in a restaurant or somewhere and all of a sudden a song comes on, whether it's your song or a song you wrote? I always wanted to know, what does that feel like? Yeah, man. It's definitely good. You know, at times, I wonder if they know I'm there. You know what I'm saying? Sometimes it's like they do. Sometimes they don't.

But I stopped trying to figure out which one it was and just enjoy it, you know, when it comes on. It's like, yo, this song, you know what I mean? Maybe some people around me might put a camera out, but it's definitely a celebration because not only is that, you know, ask cap checks, BMI royalties from the song getting, you know, that play. But it's just a celebration for the hard work, you know, especially being music is the gift that keeps on giving because even when the artist isn't performing, the song is still performing.

It's amazing. I think social media now is. like bringing back a lot of these songs. Like all of a sudden, your hit from 18 years ago becomes like a dance trend out of nowhere. So how are you seeing like this whole, this TikTok trend of music and dancing, merging?

And then also now with AI and AI being able to write and now create songs. Like how are you looking at technology since you have a label and you're also, you know, helping artists? Yeah. Well, man, it's dope, especially TikTok. You can't ignore TikTok. seen the stat recently where it was like 70 to 80% of the songs that are the top charting

songs on Billboard started off viral on TikTok. You know, so it's obvious because that's just the platform. You know, that's where most of the new next generation is. And that's their discovery point of music as opposed to MTV, BET, and VH1 that we grew up on. So you have to pay attention to social media. You have to pay attention to these platforms because that is your. direct, you know, visibility to the consumer. So when it comes to AI, you know, I see a lot of people kind of shunning away from it,

but I'm just embracing it. And knowing that no one is bigger than the program. So it's like, why not get involved? Why not see the ways that you can use it as a tool as opposed to try to fight against it? I love that mindset. When you talk about MTV, I remember MTV, The Grind. I used to dance, like all, you know, just 24-7 dancing on that show. I'd be like dancing along.

That was like TikTok before there was TikTok. You've collaborated with, you know, legends, right? Is there any sort of story that you remember that came out while you were either collaborating with them or maybe there was a collaboration that didn't even happen for whatever reason? Is there anything you can share? Yeah. I mean, definitely.

I think it's dope. You know, every time I get in the studio with Chris Brown, it's all. is just something different, you know what I mean? And I just enjoy creating with people that are fearless, you know, when it comes to creativity. Like from the first session, we had everything that we were doing, we were trying something that we had all never heard. You know, I was like, let's mix Michael Jackson, let's mix Stevie Wonder, let's mix French sounds, let's mix London sounds, let's mix, you know, and we did a song called Say It With Me,

and we did a song called Oh My Love the very next day. And it's interesting because you go back and you listen to them now and it's like, this is still something that I've never heard. So to be able to just create with people that love music, it's just such an incredible feeling because you go into the studio with nothing. And now you come out with a product that lives forever. It reminds me in like 2002, I was selling ringtones for nextel phones. And our number one next, our number one song was regga tone at that time.

This is 2002. I didn't really understand the words, but I love the music. And it got me thinking about how universal music is. Like nowadays, we're hearing what are you, what is your thoughts on this in terms of like different languages, different, different countries, music is merging together now. and you have artists collaborating from all around the world. Man, it's important. You know, like, if you think too regional, it's impossible for your music to go international.

You know, my last two albums that I did were based in Africa. You know, I flew out to South Africa and recorded them all, all the songs in Kicktown, you know. And recently when I just did the album release party and all that stuff, I did it in Lagos, Nigeria. You know, so it's important to plant seeds and different. different territories so that, you know, you can be a global artist, you know, and all of the countries that are out there can, you know, be able to share your music. A couple of years ago, I was in Lagos, Nigeria, and they wanted me to dance to Afrobeats. I had such an amazing time. The people, it was so much fun. The food was amazing.

It was, it was definitely a magical experience that I still connect. I made so many great friends while I was there. Fascinating place to visit. How do you, how is it when it comes like fan interactions? I've always wondered like, how does it feel to be an artist, to have all these people, like they want you to do an autograph or they want to take pictures? Like, how is that feeling to somebody, you know, this fame? Fame is always an interesting thing, right?

Like, I'm not sure if it's always good for people or if it can be negative for people, right? Like, how is it, how is fame and this whole process? Man, I look at it like you just have to keep a humble mindset, you know, in it all because the people are giving you so much gratification. And I do think it's necessary for artists that truly pour themselves out. You know, as much as I dedicate my time and my energy, blood, sweat, and tears, as they say, it would be a lot if no one were to come. Like yesterday, for example, someone gave me an entire bouquet of flowers at my meeting greet before the show. So I have a line of people to meet and hear their story, give them a hug, thank them for listening

to the music, and someone gave me some flowers, and it was just incredible. And then the t-shirt that I'm wearing right now, someone gave me this t-shirt. It's two songwriters. And that's why there's two Vs for their names. And, you know, I wear it. I appreciate them. And it's super dope, man, to touch the people that I've touched musically and for them to come back and, you know, give me that same energy and connection when we meet at the shows. I've heard nothing but amazing things about you, by the way.

I did a lot of research. I watched. I talk to people. And everyone has said the same thing that you are like an incredible human being and you're super humble and kind. And I've talked to other artists who may not always, people in the entertainment industry, I should say, and they weren't always the same way. So hats off to you.

I think that's part of what's enabled you to stay relevant for so long. I'm really interested in like the business of music nowadays. I think it used to be like, fell albums, you know, platinum selling. And obviously there was tours and like people were making money. And, you know, you had to sign with a record label. now there's a lot of like independent artists and people doing their own thing and obviously making money in different ways how like what is the way that artists nowadays can can make money from or or create a business from music yeah well i mean for starters if you are making your own music and

you're putting it out yourself you get checks monthly you know it's as simple as that you might have been wait like three or four months for the music to actually get through the system and people, you know, actually start streaming and your music actually starts making money. But every single month, you can get a check from royalty statements. And another thing is shows, you know, once you get enough of demand, like I was saying, people will want to see you. Promoters will pay to have you at their venues. And it doesn't just start with the music.

You know, you can be funny and people will want to see you. You can be fashion and people will want to see you. Whatever you can do that makes a promoter feel like if they put you on that flyer, some people are going to come because they want to see you. They want to take a picture. They want to, you know, you will bring the aura. You'll bring the atmosphere. It's up to you.

You know what I mean? So now that's that department. Now you also have like brand deals where, say, for example, someone loves, you know, this hat. For example, someone sent me this hat. And now we're potentially going to do a partnership with hats. And this is a company called Circa Studio. And it really starts with just networking and being willing to work and let people know like, yo, I support you and I'm down to cross collaborate because that automatically

shares your fan base with their fan base. And it's really what it's all about is collaborating because, you know, we can all get to bigger audience, bigger returns and just from working together. So I think that's just a few things, you know, and not including what else features. If someone wants you on their songs, like, yo, you know, you could start off at 500, but it can go up to like $50,000 just from someone wanting you on their record. So you can't look at it like it's going to pay you only from the streams or only from the publishing because, you know, there's so many different avenues and streams of income possible

through music. Well, I appreciate how much you're encouraging artists to do their thing and to live their dreams. If there was one lesson that you learned that you think every. artist needs to hear it. It could be, you know, from a really down and out situation that happened or or something that you missed along your journey. What is one lesson that you, you think every artist should hear? I think you just need to be aggressive with what you feel you're entitled to, you know, and also be open to the reality of the truth, you know. So if someone is like not aware of what they're making, not aware of their contracts, not aware of what they're

percentages or ownership is that's on them i would say yo find out and be on it you know be relentless until you can find out and when it comes to your expectation you just have to be a realist and know that yo it's up to me to get hot you know if no one wants to come to the shows or if it's not going platinum or if it's not viral or whatever it is it's like it's no one but you you know so instead of looking for someone to blame always you know look for a crack in the system on your end or a flat tire on the car. You know, just look in the mirror first instead of trying to figure out the issue with other people.

I like that. Sometimes we get caught up, you know, paying too much. I think social media, we pay too much attention to everyone else around us versus really looking inward and seeing how, you know, how we can get better. So, Eric, if people want to get in touch with you, they want to find out more. Obviously, they can, you still have this tour going on. How can they do so? Yeah, make sure you hit me up, man.

My Instagram is Eric Bellinger. It's my full name, E-R-C-B-E-L-L-I-N-G-E-R. And you can also hit me up on X. You can hit me up on my website, Ericbellinger.com. And, man, All-Wins, E-N-T is the Instagram to reach out to me or any of my team members. If you want to join our distribution company and get some help with your artist development. get some help with media training, producers, songwriters, studio time, executive production, graphics, videography, you know, A&Ring. That's what we're all about, bringing that back

to make sure people have the proper tools and they're led in the right direction from the beginning. Well, Eric, it's honored to have you. I remember listening to your songs like Goat and all the other hits you've had on top of this like when I was looking at the songs that you've written for other artists too I'm like oh I love that song I love that song I love that song got that song as Spotify I'm like man I sometimes because like you said you don't always know who who is involved with the song because it's normally just the artist so when you when you break it down it's incredible so I'm honored that you're on here today and I think the audience is going I think our audience is going to have a nostalgia. They're going to be like, I need to go to this concert. And whatever you're

doing, I hope they reach out. But Eric Bellinger, thank you so much for joining us today and Founders Story. No problem. I appreciate it. Thanks for the love and time. It's just, you know, the opportunity to tell people a little bit more about my story.