33 Questions with Erick Grillo featured in the ICON Issue
By Contagion Media
Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: The ICON Issue takes readers inside the world of Tucson musician Erick Grillo with “33 Questions with Erick Grillo,” a new interview and video feature exploring his music, cultural roots, creative process, and the community that helped shape his career.
Tearsheet from Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: the ICON Issue
Filmed at The Monica in Tucson, one of Erick’s favorite local spots, the conversation with Contagion Magazine’s Michael Schuette goes beyond music. Erick talks about growing up around Latin music, discovering guitar, leaving his day job to pursue music, finding his place in Tucson, and what he hopes his music can mean to other people.
A Sound Built From Culture
Erick’s sound reflects where he comes from. As a first-generation Cuban-American, he grew up listening to salsa, merengue, and bachata. After growing up in Miami Gardens and becoming immersed in American music, his influences expanded into soul, R&B, hip-hop, and Afro-Beach music.
Today, Erick describes his sound simply as Latin, Afro-Caribbean soul, and R&B. His influences may continue to evolve, but his Latin roots remain a constant. That blend of cultures is a major part of what makes his music personal rather than easily defined by one genre.
The Moment Music Became a Career
Erick says he has been singing since he was a toddler, but one house party helped change his perspective on music.
After picking up his guitar and performing Justin Timberlake’s “Mirrors,” people told him he should quit his day job and become a musician. Eventually, he did.
His relationship with guitar started even earlier. At nine years old, he was inspired to pick up the instrument after watching a talented guitarist named Andrew Morris. Years later, hearing John Mayer’s “Neon” pushed him to take guitar even more seriously.
John Mayer would go on to become one of Erick’s biggest influences as both a guitarist and songwriter.
Why Tucson Matters
Erick has lived in Tucson for five years, and the city has become an important part of his artistic journey. What stands out most to him is the community. He describes Tucson’s arts and music scene as welcoming and supportive, particularly for artists trying to build their careers.
The Monica has an especially personal connection to Erick. It was one of his first residency locations, a place where he met his best friend, and a venue where he has brought other performers. He also credits La Chingada and the people behind both venues with supporting his career. For Erick, those relationships are part of what makes a creative community matter.
Music That Brings People Together
When asked how he wants his music to impact people, Erick comes back to one idea: unity. He wants listeners to feel seen, heard, understood, loved, and supported. To him, music can be more than something playing in the background. It can become part of someone’s life. That perspective also explains why personal experience plays such a major role in his songwriting. Erick believes artists need to actually live life in order to create from it. Good experiences, difficult experiences, relationships, emotions, and the music of other artists can all become inspiration.
How Erick Grillo Writes Music
For Erick, there isn't one formula for songwriting. Most of the time, a melody comes first and the words follow. Other songs begin with writing, while some happen spontaneously through guitar and freestyle. He also makes himself write every day to stay sharp.
Tearsheet from Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: the ICON Issue
His advice to other artists reflects that same discipline. Talent matters, but so does consistently working on your craft. And for today's musicians, Erick believes learning production and audio engineering is increasingly important. He encourages singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists to learn how to produce their own music and understand the technology behind their work.
From Tucson Stages to Spotify
Erick has already built several milestones into his career. His song “Divino,” created with Walters the Don and Ill45, was selected for a Spotify editorial playlist. He also performed at Dusk Music Festival alongside local artists Ill45 and Walters the Don, on a lineup featuring Steve Aoki, Masego, and Kaskade.
But Erick isn't treating those moments as a finish line. He continues writing, recording, performing, and building his catalog, with more music on the way and bigger and better goals everyday.
33 Questions With Erick Grillo
What makes this interview worth watching isn't just the list of accomplishments. It's getting to know the person behind the music. From his Cuban-American roots and early guitar influences to his connection with Tucson and his belief in music as a form of connection, Erick’s story is ultimately about becoming an artist without losing the experiences that made him one.
“33 Questions with Erick Grillo” is featured in Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: The ICON Issue, continuing Contagion’s focus on artists not just for what they create, but for the stories, cultures, communities, and experiences behind the work. The feature was interviewed and filmed by Michael Schuette, edited and transcribed by Natalie Wheeler, and produced by KBR of Contagion Media. Photography includes EJ Mañon, KBR, Leslie Knox, and Sarel Moon, with behind-the-scenes photography featuring Maddie. The interview was filmed at The Monica in Tucson.
Order your print or digital copy of Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: the ICON Issue.
Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: the ICON Issue features 11 stories and 100 Pages that explore what it means to be an iconic artist.
From artist interview to valuable advice to behind the scenes videos, this premium magazine is the perfect read for artists who love to experience artist journeys, creative culture, and career development in the art & media industry.
Curated by KBR and Contagion Media’s editorial team, the ICON issue features artists of all mediums breaking artist boundaries globally, as well as their advice as to how they got there.
Artists Featured:
Sean Dackermann
Ryan Postas
Maddie tha Baddie
Angel Virtuoso
Erick Grillo
Rae.L
Chantel Hardison
B Bailey
ALEXIA
La Unica
Krysta Alyse
Yosh
Leslie Knox
Kevin Fides
& more!
Estimated Print Delivery Time: 2 Weeks
Estimated Digital Delivery Time: 24-48 Hours via Email
If you're discovering Erick Grillo for the first time, this is a chance to hear his story in his own words. And if you've already been following his music, it's a look at where he's been, what continues to inspire him, and what comes next. Read “33 Questions with Erick Grillo” and watch the full interview in Contagion Magazine Vol. 6: The ICON Issue.
