An Interview With Artist, Producer and Songwriter LIL EDDIE on His Most Recent Musical Projects and More!

Artist/producer/songwriter, Eddie Serrano, better known by his artistic name Lil Eddie, is one of the most respected creatives in music. His talents helped cultivate and launch some of the industry’s biggest acts such as Fifth Harmony and CNCO, and now the multi-talented musical connoisseur is bringing his own artistic side to the forefront with his new single, “Island” out today on all digital streaming and retail platforms.

The dynamic and emotionally-charged song showcases Lil Eddie’s eclectic musical influences and signature pop / R&B / Latin-infused sound. The subtle instrumentation provides the perfect backdrop to his beautiful and evocative vocal stylings. According Lil Eddie “Island” is about “the aftermath of a breakup and missing the one you love the most. When it hits you hard and you realize you can’t live this life alone. No man is an island!”

 Watch the “Island” video: https://youtu.be/frRw_E8tn0k

 Listen to “Island” on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2MQbN1J

 Born in Brooklyn, life was filled with his parents’ Puerto Rican culture and things were generally happy until Lil Eddie turned seven. A fire rendered his family homeless – sleeping in their cars and on the streets until they were able to find a home in Spanish Harlem. The neighborhood was rough, but it inspired Lil Eddie’s drive but also his musical influences.

Lil Eddie’s career was fostered by Diddy at just 16 years old, after being discovered while singing on train. He got to work as a songwriter and went on to gain recognition in the music industry from his award-winning work producing and songwriting for major names such as Usher, Janet Jackson, Keith Richards, and Kylie Minogue. The 10 time GRAMMY nominee gained so much notoriety that he was asked to join the artist development team at X Factor alongside Simon Cowell. There he helped bring together the ladies of Fifth Harmony as well as coaching the contestants season after season.

Of Puerto Rican descent, Lil Eddie embraces his multicultural background and talents. He’s produced, and written for Latin superstars, Maluma, Daddy Yankee, Prince Royce and once again lent his talents to Univision’s reality competition series, La Banda, where he helped develop and launch the Latin boy band, CNCO.

Lil Eddie is a versatile Producer, Songwriter some of his latest placements are Charlie Wilson “Chills” which was #1 for 3 weeks on Billboard’s Urban AC chart, Maluma feat. Jason Derulo “La Ex”, Eurovison’s own Eleni Foureira  hit song “Fuego”, Boy bands RAK-SU smash single “Dimelo” and Disney records bands In Real Life single “How Badly”.

Aside from the amazing song’s he’s helped craft for iconic talent, Lil Eddie also has a budding singing career for himself. He has seen worldwide success with his music, making an impressive impact in Japan especially – with five #1 albums and the demand for a Greatest Hits release.

“For so many years I’ve helped so many artist find their voice and sound. In that I abandoned my own voice and testimony. It’s time I tell the world my story and share my sound. Music found me and saved my life. I can’t die with all these songs and music inside my heart. This is the sound and voice of Spanish Harlem. The story of so many Latinos fighting for their dreams!”

 “Island” is the second release of 2018 for Lil Eddie, but is only the beginning of his incredible new chapter. His accolades in music and entertainment are unprecedented and Lil Eddie is ready to let the world hear his amazing story and follow him on his musical journey. Lil Eddie currently finds himself in London working on his upcoming EP, due out later this year.

 Connect With Lil Eddie Here:

Instagram: @lileddie44

Twitter: @lileddieserrano

Learn more about Lil Eddie in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you now? Is there music playing in the background?

Thank you! Yes so many songs at the moment and the ones in my head.

Now that we are on the back end of the year, how do you think 2018 has treated you and your career?

2018 has been amazing! My artist project is shaping up, I have been a part of 4 TV shows with Simon Cowell, had placements as a songwriter with so many great artist like Maluma, Jason Derulo etc…  And my artists are also gearing up for release! I’m super blessed!

What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it? Or did you already reach it?

My artist project being a focus releasing music and touching the masses! It’s a daily goal! So I would like to say I’m still on my journey! Everyday getting closer.

Growing up, how important was music to you? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

Music saved my life! It chose me. I had a very hard upbringing from abuse to poverty. Music was my escape and helped me overcome all that. Even when I didn’t know music was as important in my life, I would hear an old song and it bring me back to a memory. And now it all makes sense.

I was 13 when I knew music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I sang in a choir and I was singing a Solo Easter Day – the reaction was so amazing… it hit me I wanted to sing forever.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

Wow everything about it! The ups and downs, traveling seeing the world, being on TV, working with celebrities hearing people sing songs I wrote, fan mail, the lonely times, holidays spent alone, it all comes with the territory and I welcome it all! It’s the sacrifice it takes for one to reach their full potential.

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today?

1 billion percent! I was blessed, lucky to grow up in the Big Apple in Spanish Harlem as a Latino. Music was everywhere and all genres! Those influences have allowed me to be a versatile writer and create songs in many genres. I give the credit to being raised in NYC.

Let’s talk about your single “Statue.” What was the inspiration for this track? How do you think it shows the growth that you have gone through as an artist over the years?

Statue was a message to the people and to God! For sticking with me throughout the years, it encompassed my ups and downs, my rights and wrongs. It’s a song from my heart and I’m just so happy it connected with people.

When do you hope to release more new music and a full album of new songs? How would you say that your music is different than any of the music that you have worked on in the past with others?

I’m aiming for a new release this December and more in 2019. I will keep it coming. I think the music I’m making now is the best version of me yet. A lot of influences mixed together that tell my story. I’m feeling like I’m in the best place in my life currently.

What have been your experiences being a vocal coach on the X Factor US and UK? Did you ever think that you would be helping out on shows like that? What about being on America’s Got Talent? How are they all different?

Amazing! To be able to breathe experience and inspiration into artist is such a gift. To watch them grow and be a piece of their journey is such an honor. I never thought this is where the music would take me but I am so grateful! Camila, Fifth Harmony, CNCO... they all amaze me because I remember the beginning and always believed they would achieve the superstardom they now have.

You have worked with some of the biggest names in the music business so I am curious which one really stands out to you the most? Who would you still love to work with in the future?

Hmmmm hard question! All mean so much to me! Usher, Pink, Jessie J, Rita Ora they are very big memorable sessions in my life. To name a few.

Since the beginning of music, people have turned to it for support and as an escape from their realities. How do you want your music received and appreciated?

I want people to feel! That’s my responsibility! To give people a feeling, an experience that takes them to a place. I want people to know every time they hear me I’m giving them the biggest piece of my heart and that I’m coming from love!

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

It’s definitely a lot of work! But most important thing to do besides the music is talk to the people not only when I need them to support my work but to build a relationship with them so they know I am so appreciative for all the love and listeners out there. I’m always wanting to engage more, especially through Instagram, but I work so much also and like to keep surprises in my back pocket for the people.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Wow so many artists. MJ, Sade, Notorious BIG, Seal, Queen, Coldplay, Whitney Houston, 1975s, The Script! So many influences Stevie Wonder… it goes on and on and the new wave of artist SZA, Travis Scott, Post Malone so many. I am first a fan of music and consumer so it’s endless the amount of talent I admire and the artist I would LOVE to collab with.

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why?

A piano. I always wish I stuck to the instrument. I can write and produce songs on a piano but I’m no Beethoven. If I kept to it I would be greater! But my voice I would say would have to be the instrument I would need forever. I would sing. This is what I did when I was a child and felt alone or needed answers.

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

So many shows STAR, is great! West Side Story the movie I heard was in the works would love that! Any great sound tracks or documentaries about the music industry or artist driven would be great cartoons Disney, products I would love my music to travel and touch the masses. And I believe because my sound is so diverse and Multi-cultural it could be a great tool for other markets to engage into a product.

Do you have any tour dates you would like to tell our readers about? How will you be spending your winter?

No tours just yet. I’m focused on building my audience and releasing songs as of now but soon. This winter I May go back home to NYC if I get a chance.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? I’d like to know more about how you want your music to be timeless?

I want fans and people to know I am a representation of a dreamer and Latin American from the streets of NYC who had nothing but dreams. That scared me but I never gave up and created music from the heart! I want to inspire them to believe in themselves! Go after their dreams. To imagine and work hard! Fight to the top and take every no as bringing them closer to a yes!