Out September 26, 2025, via Music Factory Records
With Scared of Eric, Music Factory Records delivers more than just a song—it presents a living tribute to innovation itself. The new instrumental single unites guitarist Ari Joshua, organist Delvon Lamarr, drummer Grant Schroff, and the incomparable saxophonist Skerik in a blazing fusion of psychedelic funk and modern jazz.
The composition is written by Joshua as an homage to Skerik, a name that carries legendary weight in the world of experimental music. Over the years, Skerik has redefined how the saxophone can sound, blending raw emotion with fearless exploration. Whether performing with Critters Buggin, Garage A Trois, or Les Claypool’s Fancy Band, his approach to music has always been about discovery—never repetition.
Joshua’s admiration for Skerik runs deep. “I first saw him play when I was thirteen,” Joshua shares. “His energy, his phrasing, his attitude—it all made a lasting impression. Getting the chance to write something for him and then record it together feels like a dream realized.” That deep respect is evident in every note of Scared of Eric, where melody and rhythm seem to orbit around Skerik’s unmistakable sax tone.
Recorded live at Studio Soli by Mell Dettmer, the session captures the immediacy of musicians responding to one another in real time. Later mixed by Jason Gray and mastered by Doug Krebs, the track maintains its organic energy while polishing the sound to studio perfection. The vibrant cover art, created by Chris Ball of Deepgroove Designs, mirrors the adventurous spirit of the track.
At its core, Scared of Eric is a meeting point between admiration and artistic daring. It honors Skerik’s boundary-breaking legacy while showcasing how collaboration between like-minded artists can birth something new and vital. The result is a groove-heavy, mind-expanding celebration of sound—one that feels both timeless and forward-looking.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lqj00wvJTOQ?si=3O_GISgnaFndk_Cr
Listen here: https://s.disco.ac/xtuksnyabqst
Links:
Official Website: https://www.arijoshua.com
Bandcamp: https://arijoshua.bandcamp.com
Ari Joshua Music Pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arijoshua
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arijoshualovesyou
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/arieljoshua
Music Factory Records:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusicfactorylabel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusicfactorylabel/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themusicfactorylabel
