INTERVIEW: ERASE THEORY
Often, the boundless child-like enthusiasm to follow one’s dreams collides with the harsh realities of adulthood, where societal expectations overshadow the pursuit of passion. Some choose to give in to practicality, while others, like Jeff Sahyoun – the creative force behind ERASE THEORY – decide to find a balance between stability & passion.
Leaving the corporate grind behind after clocking out, Jeff trades his business-casual attire for his guitar and Doc Martens, stepping back into his authentic self. But this balancing act has created tension between his two personas, a concept driving his sophomore EP, The Good Kind, released on November 30. Guided by his emotive vocals, ethereal electronic melodies, and energetic guitar riffs, the record invites listeners into Jeff’s introspective journey. His vulnerability becomes a catalyst, challenging others to examine their path and question whether they are pursuing what sets their soul on fire. Noisescape caught up with Jeff to explore the EP’s emotionally charged inspiration, how he hopes to inspire others, and more.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and introduce the band?
I’m Jeff, the creator of ERASE THEORY, and it’s the love of my life at the moment. This project is still in the beginning stages; it’s new, only about a year old, but I’ve been singing since I was 13 and on stage for 20-plus years. I was much more edgy back then as this punk rock, badass guitarist of letlive. [laughs]. When the band broke up, I explored other things, but I kept writing just because that’s what I like to do. I think I’ll always be writing. I never actually intended for this project to happen. I was sitting on all these demos, and the people close to me inspired me to release them. So, I’m just super grateful for whatever happens or whatever doesn't happen.
What’s the story behind the name ERASE THEORY?
ERASE THEORY is my journey because I've been through a lot. Getting to this point took a lot. For a long time, I tried to erase my past. I didn't want to reflect or remember it because it was painful. All of my lyrical content, everything I'm writing about, is that. How I got through it, and what I did. And I think we all have our own erase theories. It’s whatever path people take to erase something painful or challenging in their world. Whether it’s with drugs or alcohol or yoga or meditation – any distraction, anything can be our erase theory in life – whatever it takes to get us to block that out and to help us move on is how the concept of ERASE THEORY came.
2023 has been a whirlwind journey for you, from releasing your first two EPs to touring as a guitarist for nothing,nowhere. alongside PVRIS and Fall Out Boy! How did you end up on that tour while being so busy with your band?
Oh my God— what a story! So, my debut show was on March 3rd, and it was the first time I had been on stage in over four years. Everyone was there: friends, family, coworkers, press, radio… even some people from my label and my manager flew in from London. I was so hyped. And I don’t know what kind of angels had my back that night, but I ruptured my Achilles. I got on stage, jumped off the ground, and landed; my whole right leg lost feeling… and the first song hadn’t even started yet. For most of my career and with letlive., a much more thrashing and aggressive band, we sprained ankles all the time and just kept going. So I thought I sprained my ankle and finished the show. There was no way I was going to lose that moment and everything I worked for – this whole set I designed and did production for. I also felt terrible because everyone paid a good chunk of money for the show, and I wanted to absolutely make sure I delivered the best I could. And that show was supposed to be the start of a tour to back my first EP release. Clearly, that wasn’t happening anymore; I was in the hospital two days later, and for the next month, I was in a hard cast up to my knee, then in a boot for about three and a half weeks. I went to physical therapy and literally had to learn how to walk again. So, I canceled everything. My bandmates got different session gigs, and I got stuck at home, writing and working. I wasn’t even walking at the time and didn’t tell anybody. So, during this process, a dear friend of mine from a band, Stray From the Path, who’s friends with Joe’s manager – nothing,nowhere., messages me about this opportunity, telling me I should take it. I saw a Fall Out Boy stamp support tour on the flyer and was like, ‘Oh, absolutely.’ I submitted a play-through video, and they said, “Let’s do it.” I said, ‘Okay, sounds good,’ knowing I had barely two months to learn how to walk again. So yeah, that's how I ended up in the nothing,nowhere. camp.
Wow, that’s such a serendipitous experience! What lessons did you learn, and how do you think they prepared you for your upcoming tour with Donovan Melero?
Looking back, I learned so much, and I’m thankful to the universe or whoever broke my foot. When this happened, it felt unfair, like a punishment, and my question was always why. I needed to know the meaning behind all of it. But that experience and being on tour with Joe delivered a lot of clarity into my world and put things into perspective. It reignited that hungry and aggressive mindset, especially with the creative aspects of my personality. Being back in that lifestyle full-time reconnected me with aspects of myself I’d completely forgotten about while studying and being in this corporate sector of life for nearly 5 years. Of course, I was still showing up to studios, ghostwriting for people, and doing things under the radar, but it wasn’t the same. And this experience really reminded me of my worth and value. I don't think it hit me how much I loved performing and how much that is actually me because now I’m home and miss being in that world again. So yeah, ERASE THEORY is touring in a few weeks, and I’m ready to get back in a van. Oh, and I definitely stretch a lot now [laughs].
Photo by Maya Holt
Tell us about your new EP, The Good Kind. What was the inspiration behind it?
This EP explores the two sides of myself; I definitely have two personas. After letlive. ended, and music and the industry shifted so much – I had to focus on keeping a roof over my head, which meant exploring other things I was interested in to make money. So that and the side of me that just wants to create were battling each other. I am pretty transparent about this and want to share my story. I work a full-time job, and I have to because this enables me to talk to people like you and play shows. Even on tour with Joe, I was still working full-time remotely. I’d get off stage, fully sweating and jumping on a conference call. Because even though my passion lies in my creations, I’m not making millions of dollars doing that. So, yeah, I have this corporate life under my belt and could easily just do this until I retire… but I’m bored. Yeah, I have a retirement set up and benefits; I get to live in a beautiful house on the beach with a studio in my home, but I definitely took the safe path, which I’ve never done before. And I got to this point after I lost everything. I lived on my sister’s couch, and I was so exhausted and tired of having this 1099 freelance way of life – dealing with depression and anxiety. But now I’m good. I’m chillin’, and I'm super grateful, but I'm just not passionate about it. And so I was talking to my manager about this and how in the mornings, I have coffee in my hand, and I’m a senior project engineer for a global AV entity – but I’m ready to clock out because when the sun goes down, I'm in my studio, just creating. I'm a whole different person, and that's who I really am. I don't have to put a face there. So, the music and lyrics behind everything I do tell this story of the dichotomy of my personas.
The new record has a unique blend of pop-rock and EDM elements. Is this a sound you hope the band will do more of?
When you’re a new band, a lot of people expect you to – and think that you’re trying to [air quotes] find your sound [end air quotes]. I’m not trying to find a sound or anything; I just make what I like and what sounds good to me. It’s never going to be the same. Everything I do is new. Like, who knows? Maybe I’ll make a hip-hop song next [laughs].
You mentioned how much the industry has changed, so I’m curious: What’s something you miss about the industry?
I really miss going to Best Buy for music. And, like, my mom sending me a photo and saying, “Your CD is in the store.” Like, the idea that somebody actually went out and bought your music from a store, and you got physical sales from it. Everything is so different now with streaming culture.
What advice would you offer other aspiring artists or creatives facing a choice between stability and pursuing their passions?
I believe you have to follow your heart and passions in life because a paycheck alone is not worth it. I had to grow up and get a job, redefine myself, and rebuild from nothing, and I’m proud I did that. But I’d give it up to do something I love. So I don’t know. I don’t want anyone to struggle, but I’d argue that I also don’t want anybody to live the way I live. There’s so much more to life that deserves to be of value. I don’t want to say out loud, ‘I wish I did this because that sucks.’ When I die, I’m not taking my money to the grave. My whole life is music. I don't have friends from school or work – it's all been through the music community. Everybody's still there, and I'm here. Our worlds don't mesh. So I'm good right now, but very complacent and bored despite having the “American dream.” I'm proud of these accomplishments, but it's not who I am. So, I think it's about finding the balance and navigating your way on a path that aligns with your true self. The one where you don’t have to put on a face – that’s what I’m all about.
Do you have any big goals for this project within the year? What can listeners expect next from ERASE THEORY?
I’m just excited about getting the new EP out, touring again, and getting back in the studio to start working on our first full-length.
‘THE GOOD KIND’ IS OUT NOW VIA ICONS CREATING EVIL ART
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