At the beginning I would like to ask you about your father H.M. Saffer II - an excellent painter whose paintings captivated me from the first sight. Their vivid, slightly exaggerated colors remind me of your music full of energy and passion. As I think only few people remember today that your father was also a producer and a songwriter. Looks like you follow in his footsteps. Tell me, what was it like to live alongside such a creative person? Does his interests, the choices he made ​​were the inspiration for your recordings?

My father was a musical influence on me from a very early age.  He used to play piano in our apartment in New York City and put me on his lap from the age of 2.  Later he would take me to his studio recording sessions, where I was exposed to all sorts of musicians while he was producing jingles for commercials.  As I became a young adult and moved from musical theatre to actually writing and performing original music, he seemed to move out of music and into art.  We discuss our art regularly, we listen to my new demos together and I pop into his art studio when I visit his home.  I respect his opinion as a producer and a writer.  We both have similar interests and he is an inspiration as a life long artist. Check out his art at www.hmsaffer.com

As I mentioned, you grew up in an artistic home. Well, for some it is a blessing, while others see it as a curse. Parents' expectations often exceed the capabilities of their children - no matter how hard they try they can’t fulfill the hopes pinned on them. Did you ever feel overwhelmed by the fact of your origin? What kind of future your parents wanted you to have?

Both of my parents have been very supportive of my art.  My mother facilitated piano lessons for years and has always attended all of my performances.  She is not an artist but a very driven and organized individual.  I have equal parts of both my parents and as I continue to get younger, even more influences.

I believe that everything we do has some meaning. Hidden depth expressed through our gestures and words. I wonder what is the meaning of your music? The message that you want share with the audience?

Excellent segway.  I suppose it has evolved as I have evolved as a person.  In my younger years I was full youthful expectations, short term gratification and partying every step of the way.  I'm always down for a good time but now my music has more depth, more personalized, and deeper forms of self expression.  Most my material revolves around love, finding inspiration in others and myself and exorcizing my own demons.  The video for the song One Friend off of The Opponent is currently streaming on my site and youtube.  It certainly dives into these topics...go watch it.  Lyrically that's where I have been with the Opponent (Uberstrom) and my newer material which I have been playing out live with DJ Martin "Laptop" Kestner.

A few years ago you said that you always pushing yourself "into dangerous territory." This quote concerned your performances in the so-called stand-up comedy. But I get the impression that your musical experiments, the direction in which your career is moving on right now perfectly fits to those words. It seems that Evan Russell Saffer is a project that goes against the grain, against the ubiquitous mainstream. I wonder, do you agree with this thesis? What is your opinion on this matter?

Absolutely.  I have recently evolved sonically partnering with M.Kestner on the Opponent and even moreso on the new record we have in the works.  We're combining the best of rock/pop songwriting and vocals with the newest sounds in Dub, House and Hip Hop.  We are both very motivated to continue putting out dangerous music, testing boundaries, and as always moving people in provocative ways. 

Your last album "The Opponent" was released on September 2013. It was promoted by the single "One Friend". How would you compare this CD to your previous recordings? Why did you decide to call it this way?

My first solo record was called “Neon Gas”.  You can find it online or through my website www.ersband.com.  That record was more a rock album, I call it Schizophrenic rock opera because there were many different movements, time signature changes, choir work and instrumentation all within a very rockin' format.  I always wanted to work with electronic beats and towards the tail end of the Opponent recording, I met DJ Martin "Laptop" Kestner.  We've since formed an excellent partnership and went from a three piece down to just the two of us.  We're capable of playing a programming all the instruments, I sing live over beats and other samples being triggered by M. Kestner.  We weren't sure if it wasn't going to work until our recent gig in New York City.  It was an excellent show to a great crowd, everyone feeling our vibe and the music certainly hit a stride.

Back to answer your question.  “The Opponent” was a reflection of myself, me battling me.  All the demons and parts of my life that I loved to hate, came out during that record.  I've since cleaned up my act with drugging and drinking and have a stronger sense of spirituality and purpose.  I'm very focused now and hopefully the music will continue to tell a great story.

It was your first album after a three-year break. What has happened to you during that time? I won’t believe that you simply wanted take a break from music...

“The Opponent” was the biggest re-invention period where I went from Rock to more Electro Rock, Dub, House and Hip Hop.  That was the integration of Martin and also learning how to feel comfortable on stage without a full band.  The Opponent was recorded at least 3 times front to finish.  First it was a rock album.  Then I said I'm just sick of putting out rock records, I'd like to do something more innovative, cross boundaries in music.  I was working with multiple electronic producers and then I finally put up an ad online and M.Kestner answered.  Was sort of funny because he knew who I was, had seen me live with my band Fixer at CBGB and had been following my career ever since.  So there was certainly a mutual desire to work together.

I asked you what kind of future your parents wanted for you but now I'd like to know what are your dreams and main goals?

My goals are to continue to put out great music and perform it live.  To live a happy balanced life which right now includes yoga, meditation, regular exercise and no alcohol or drugs in my life.  I'm feeling good and I take one moment at a time. No lofty futuristic expectations.  I love collaborating with enthusiastic individuals and look forward to releasing more music in the near future.

Artists often express their passions as a addictions which they don’t want to get rid of. I know you don’t approve today's model of society that is dependent on all kinds of drugs. How do you think, what determines the fact that we become slaves to our own inventions, pleasures that supposed to make our lives more interesting? Consumerism is the road to nowhere?

Very true.  I have actually tried to stop making music at different points in my life because of all the negative things I started to associate with the nightlife and the studios.  Too much sex, drugs and rock n roll hahha.  I've figured out how to center myself because I cannot stop making music.  I just kept writing songs and sending them over to Martin and he still remains inspired and so on and so on.

This is a massive problem right now and I'm taking steps to help myself and to help others.  I highly recommend yoga and meditation, regular exercise and staying away from alcohol.  These are some of the steps that lead to enlightenment and will help you achieve your dreams and goals.  Momentary satisfaction is the road to nowhere.  Unfortunately it's everywhere, in media and most of your friends and family.  You have to find your own way, find new teachers and going through the process is all a part of the journey.  Check out Eckhart Tolle and Neale Donald Walsh for some great reading.

If you were to indicate one, the most important moment of your life that contributed to the further development of your musical career, what would you like to tell us about?

I was 9 years old living with my mother on Long Island.  I was the new kid in school having just moved from New York City.  I had previously gone to a private school, all boys and very rigid.  The new school was integrated and casual and I was totally out of my element.  I was a good singer though and I'll never forget when the choir teacher asked if anyone would like to try singing the solo for the big concert.  I was the only one who volunteered.  I sang it out with all my heart, no one auditioned after that, I got the solo.  I was treated much differently from then on and naturally gravitated towards my strengths.  I've continued to study music, collaborate with others, try new formats and take risks to this present day. 

Thank you for your time. It was a real pleasure for me. I’d like to wish you happiness in life and many further successes. Take care.

Journalist: Kamil Mroziński