Eric Benet isn't new to the business. He's constantly striving to further his career and himself as a musician, but with so much to his name is there anything left to prove?
We spoke to Eric about his new album re-release, touring and the world of music that he loves.
What led to the decision for a re-release of your sixth studio album?
This was the first album that I released on my own label, Jordan House. The US release was very well received and I wanted to do something special for the UK and remix the songs for a more Euro feel, with new life, and new energy, showing a completely different side to me that my fans haven't heard before.
Where do you draw inspiration from when you're creating music?
I'm a songwriter, so I draw inspiration from everything, from every miniscule to hugely significant part of my life.
What is it about music that you love?
What I love about music is that it transcends language, it is as necessary for us to live as food and water, and I just love to create it.
'The Other One' - your repackaging is said to be different to anything you've done before - what can you tell us about it?
The Other One is something I've never done before, it is a completely new take musically and sonically to my album. I'm really excited to see how the fans like it.
What can fans look forward to in this release?
Luc Vergier, from my international team hooked me up with some great producers, The Afropeans from the UK/Europe, and they put a new spin on my sound that we've created with The Other One.
You're also performing at two UK dates - what can those coming to the shows expect?
Those coming to the show - Thank you! You can expect to have a great time, I perform fan favorites, the songs that the fans made #1, my newest single "Runnin" and a few spontaneous surprises.
What do you hope to get out of 2014?
I expect to get an opportunity to travel the world again, and make new music, meet new people, and gain new fans.
Are there any other projects you're working on you can share some details about?
On Jordan House Records we're launching 2 new artists, Calvin Richardson, and Goapele, and I'm very excited about their projects and playing the Executive Producer role, in addition to starting my new album. So 2014 is going to be lots of fun and very busy.
Eric Benet's 'The One' is out now.