Ervin “EP” Pope

Interview by Visual Collaborative
September 2019 5 min read

Ervin “EP” Pope is an award-winning music producer. Coming from humble beginnings, his perseverance and passion in the music industry garnered him to produce music for many noteworthy celebrities such as The Game, Diddy, and the late mega icon Michael Jackson. As a feature in our Supernova interview series, Pope shares his perspective about the industry, his journey, a forthcoming jazz project Anomaly and other collaborations. 

(VC) Outside all your accomplishments and an impressive body of work. Who is Ervin Pope?

(EP) I am simply a man who believes in integrity. One who was fortunate enough to find his purpose and passion early. Ervin is one who gives God the credit for all that he’s accomplished and one who will never forget his humble beginnings that have prepared him to overcome adversity and prepare him for the ups and downs of the industry and all that comes with it.

(VC) Congratulations on being a voting Recording Academy member amongst many other accomplishments. Is this genre-specific or you get to interact with the whole industry to curb bias?

(EP) It is not genre specific and I do get to vote on a wide variety of artists and styles in many categories.

I do understand that people consume music for many different reasons. Some use it to escape, while others use it to turn up and party to. It also depends on the artist or project I’m creating for

(VC) Most forward-thinking societies or cultures would agree that language is the key to integration. When it comes to music and its constant state of flux, do you lean more on your training or musical instincts?

(EP) I would say my Music Instincts. It’s all about the feel and vibes. I do understand that people consume music for many different reasons. Some use it to escape, while others use it to turn up and party to. It also depends on the artist or project I’m creating for. With me producing such a wide range and many styles of music, my approach varies.

(VC) In your field you meet or have produced for numerous celebrities and prominent figures such as Michael Jackson, Diddy, Jamie Foxx, how does this affect your personal relationships or this is regular business occurrence for you?

(EP) It is most cases the status doesn’t matter. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many huge artists before they got their big break. I know that they are no different than me. We are all the same. Some more famous with more money, yet we are all just Human. This also keeps the vibe right. Most deal with fans 80% of the time. Who wants to come into work and deal with the same thing?

(VC) At this stage of your career considering your present commitments, if you could work alongside any notable personality or creative enterprise. Who would it be and why?

(EP) I would say Adele. I appreciate her gift and think that we could make an incredible body of work together. I would also get a chance to use a lot more tools from my toolbox with her. Live strings, horn sections, and choirs to name a few.

(VC) In your quiet or noisy moments, how does Ervin get inspired? What ultimately motivates you to work the way you do. Are you religious or spiritual like many creative professionals for muses?

(EP) I am a spirit-led individual. I find inspiration in just about everything. When it’s quiet, I hear songs. When it’s noisy, I find myself pulling something from the noise that will inspire a beat or rhythm pattern. I even listen to songs in the background of television commercials or shows and start singing along. I guess I realize that I’m super fortunate to be able to make a living off of what I’m actually born to do and that in itself is motivation.

Many start off with an expected time in which they feel success should be obtained. It’s nothing you can estimate. Push through the pain and focus on what you can contribute or how you can change the world through your art

(VC) As a man in the music industry, based on your experiences, what can you candidly tell the aspiring young artists or producer about success and risk?

(EP) I’d tell anyone that wants to get into this field that you should never quit if this is truly something you were meant to do. It’s going to be hard. It will cost you relationships, friendships, sleep and often times your social life. Many start off with an expected time in which they feel success should be obtained. It’s nothing you can estimate. Push through the pain and focus on what you can contribute or how you can change the world through your art. Everything else will follow. Lastly, I’d tell them to invest in themselves before they can ask someone else to.

(VC) Tell us about your forthcoming album Anomaly and the kind of commercial or personal work can the world expect from you within the next 24 months?

(EP) Anomaly is my Unreleased Jazz Project that I’m currently working on. Anomaly will be my 4th Full-length Jazz Album. My first being “With These Hands” followed by “Infectious” and “October 42” available on all platforms. Anomaly will be a little more edgy and aimed more towards the trap and melodic driven urban joints. The World can expect a lot from me and The Furnace within the next 24 months. Look for me on a World Tour with Hip Hop Legend The Game featuring my band The Furnace Band Live. I also signed a gift to the industry last year. An all-around Artist In every sense of the word of the word. @maez301 Maez is Rapper / Singer / Songwriter / Performer out of Maryland. We signed him to a recording deal with the number one independent rap label in the world “Strange Music” He’ll be releasing his debut self titled Album Maez301 on Nov 08, 2019. Completely Produced, Co-Executive Producer and A&R’d by Ervin EP Pope. Arguably some of my best work to date. Stay tuned for more release and info regarding Maez301.