Foolin’ Yourself by Erik Rabasca (Interview 2026)

Edition Seventy-Two – Week Seventy-Two; Unit 2:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

Introduction

Connecticut-based singer-songwriter and producer Erik Rabasca has spent years building a body of work that crosses the boundaries of folk, roots, reggae, soul, jazz, and Americana. As the founder of Highest Frequency Records and formerly the creative force behind Light Warriors, Rabasca has developed a reputation for thoughtful songwriting that explores personal growth, human connection, and resilience. His latest work continues that tradition, pairing timeless acoustic influences with contemporary storytelling that feels both intimate and universal. In this interview, Erik discusses his musical journey, the inspiration behind his recent releases, the philosophy that drives his songwriting, and what listeners can expect from the next chapter of his career.

Short Review

Erik Rabasca’s music is rooted in honest songwriting, warm acoustic arrangements, and a genuine appreciation for musical traditions that span folk, country, reggae, soul, and jazz. His songs prioritize storytelling over spectacle, allowing meaningful lyrics and expressive performances to take center stage. The result is music that feels authentic and reflective while remaining accessible to a wide audience. Whether exploring personal transformation or broader themes of hope and connection, Rabasca demonstrates a mature artistic voice that continues to evolve without losing sight of its heartfelt foundation. (This review is based on publicly available information and the artist’s released work.)

Q&A

Your music blends folk, roots, reggae, soul, jazz, and Americana. How did those influences naturally come together to shape your sound?

“I’m a life-long music obsessive. When a style hits me, I go deep into the listening rabbit hole and often find inspiration there. I never thought I’d make an Americana/Country Folk album though because I was genre blending rock, funk, jazz, dub reggae and psychedelic music with my other projects (all on Highest Frequency Records). With the “New Scrolls” album, these songs started coming up and I welcomed them. It’s my most accessible and most cohesive record to date. People are singing along with choruses after hear the first one… that’s been really fun at shows.”

What inspired you to pursue music as a lifelong creative path?

“I don’t know anyone who does it for life that actually chooses to do music. The music chooses us. For me, the more I learn, the more there is to learn because there’s always a deeper level to who you become. We have to accept that that’s all we’re here to do… learn and grow until we kick.”

Your recent work explores themes of resilience, reflection, and human connection. Why are these subjects important to you as a songwriter?

“My Rasta friends say “music is life”. We have to live and we have no choice but to experience. We have to keep learning and growing, especially after a few decades on this plane. If you resist more growth, life will kick the living shit out of you until you submit to the lesson and opportunity of the moment. So you have to accept the growth challenges. My radar is always present for what wants to come through these experiences we all go through.” 

Can you walk us through your songwriting process, from the first spark of inspiration to the finished recording?

“We might be here for days… how long do you have? lol
There are infinite ways this writing process begins and my approach is constantly evolving. The spark can come from a mindful moment, a line from a movie, aggravation, frustration and anger, joy, a long walk or great show…sparks are always present. Because my tastes are wide, I demo all songs to listen and learn them for live shows where I test what works and learn what gets a response, what feels right in the performance and how it can evolve. Eventually I record them to see what fits best in the song cycle. Sometimes songs are written quickly while putting an album together to fit into the album sequence. Other times, it’s pure flow. But ultimately, it’s all mindfully improvised, from initial spark to finish.”

Where can we hear more and why should we?

“Sun Ra said, the state of the world is the state of it’s music. The world is an obvious disaster, always at war, more fires every summer, less water, more greed, greater separation between haves and have nots, less opportunity for working class, increasing poverty, homelessness and hunger. So the state of our music must be shit too. The music industry is more focused on popularity and celebrity than art.

So why listen? Because despite the current realities, art still exists. My “New Scrolls” album is exactly what it says it is. Listen if you like mystery, if you care about lyrics and if you love quality human-made non-AI music. This album doesn’t fit the industry box… it rejects everything industry tries to box you into. It’s pro-human experience in the full spectrum of emotions from loss to love.

You can explore the artist roster on the Highest Frequency Records bandcamp page. highestfrequency…p.com/“

Anything to add here?

“My record label, Highest Frequency records hit 10 years earlier this year. That feels like an accomplishment. “New Scrolls” is charting on three national album radio charts. That’s been fun even if it is fleeting. There’s a lot of music coming out on the label into 2027. I encourage music lovers to explore our bandcamp and support with a purchase if you like it. Most of it doesn’t fit the neatly checked industry genre boxes. There’s something for most from deep listening rewards to casual background. We’re mostly streaming everywhere but follow us and support our Bandcamp. Thank you for the great questions.
highestfrequency…p.com/“