The digital landscape has long been a fertile ground for emerging talent, and ERISTHEPLANET, born Eris Jackson, is a prime example of an artist who has masterfully navigated its complexities to forge a distinct musical identity. At 25, the DMV-bred rapper has transitioned from a tween YouTube sensation to a critically acclaimed musician, a journey marked by introspection, reinvention, and a keen understanding of her digital footprint. Her recent debut mixtape, IT BE THAT DAMN PHONE, released today, solidifies her position as a significant voice in the burgeoning "internet rap" scene, a genre she defines by its lyrical engagement with online life and fluid genre shifts. Jackson’s initial foray into public life began in 2017, a period often referred to as the "golden era" of YouTube. As a young teenager, she launched a popular fashion and beauty channel, becoming adept at creating lifestyle content through makeup tutorials and daily vlogs. This early exposure to content creation and audience engagement laid a foundational understanding of digital platforms that would later inform her music career. However, the transition from online personality to artist was not without its challenges. The Metamorphosis: From Public Persona to Private Reflection "I’m pretty seasoned with my digital footprint," Jackson stated in a recent interview, acknowledging the years spent cultivating an online presence. Yet, she candidly revealed that the shift away from constant public sharing was a necessary period of personal growth. Following her departure from consistent YouTube content, Jackson described this phase as her "gap years," a time characterized by significant life changes. "Real life was hitting me," she confessed. "I had just stepped into actual adulthood, living on my own for the first time… I really just wanted privacy. It was a really low time for me. I didn’t wanna share my life anymore." These years were a crucible for self-discovery, involving the common struggles of early adulthood: navigating a series of odd jobs, confronting deep-seated insecurities, and embarking on a profound journey of self-exploration. "I was literally killing my old self," Jackson reflected on this transformative era, a period that has since become a rich source of inspiration for her music. The artist who emerged from this metamorphosis possesses a triumphant and uninhibited flow, delivering lyrics that serve as an anthem for self-assurance and personal empowerment. Her musical approach demonstrates a deep appreciation for diverse genres, and she has already garnered significant attention, including viral success with her lo-fi anthems and the SZA-cosigned hit single "Geezer." The Genesis of "Internet Rap" The title of her debut mixtape, IT BE THAT DAMN PHONE, is a direct nod to her online origins and a reflection of the pervasive influence of digital devices in contemporary life. Jackson conceptualizes this project as "internet rap," a classification that encapsulates her lyrical exploration of the online world and her ability to seamlessly transition between musical styles, akin to switching browser tabs. This approach is also an extension of her desire to create music that resonates with a broad audience, particularly those who seek enjoyment and connection. "I always say I’m not trying to be the best rapper out here," Jackson explained. "I’m not on that type of time. I’m doing what makes me feel good, having fun with it, and I feel that people that are on the same wavelength as me will understand it the most." DMV Roots and Musical Influences Growing up in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, often referred to as the DMV, has undeniably shaped Jackson’s artistic sensibilities. The region is renowned for its vibrant cultural landscape, particularly as the birthplace of go-go music, a genre characterized by its infectious rhythms and call-and-response vocals. Jackson acknowledged the unique influence of her upbringing, stating, "I think the DMV is very special. There’s nothing like it. Our culture, it definitely sticks with you for the rest of your life. We’re the home of the sound of go-go music. Even with the newer sounds that we have, I feel like there truly is nothing like it." Her formative years were also marked by admiration for a diverse range of artists. Jackson cited Frank Ocean as a lifelong inspiration, admitting she would likely still "fangirl a little bit" over his work. Rihanna and Tyler, the Creator were also significant influences, with Jackson developing an appreciation for the latter’s innovative artistry from a young age. These eclectic influences are subtly woven into the fabric of her own sound, contributing to its distinctiveness. A Decade of Digital Immersion and Its Impact Jackson’s journey into music is intrinsically linked to her early immersion in the online world. "It’s really cool that it’s come full circle and that a lot of people are rediscovering me through music," she commented on the reappraisal of her YouTube past. "Growing up, I always loved watching YouTubers, so I decided to start making my own videos around 14-years old. A decade later, without YouTube, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am. I wouldn’t be as comfortable getting into music, because I’m really an introvert at heart still… I feel like I dipped my toe in being in the public eye pretty early." The profound impact of growing up online has been predominantly positive, according to Jackson. "More good than bad for sure," she asserted. "It definitely boosted my confidence pretty young. I didn’t talk much growing up, but I would talk to a camera for some reason. It was a comfortable escape for me to be online and find community and people like me, because I felt like my surroundings didn’t really match who I was and it was hard for me to find people that I could relate to. So, it really did feel like I made friends with a bunch of strangers on the internet that enjoyed the things that I did as much as I did." This early experience of forging connections through shared interests in a digital space provided a crucial emotional and social foundation. The Spark of Musical Ambition The decision to pursue music as a serious career was a more recent development, spurred by the organic reception of her initial releases. "It wasn’t very long ago that I decided I wanted to actually push myself and put myself in a different position," Jackson revealed. Her first single released on all platforms, "345," was initially conceived with a lighthearted intention. "I wasn’t really interested in taking music seriously when I first dropped ‘345’," she admitted. "People just wanted more, and it made me feel really good. It made me feel good that people actually enjoyed what I put out, because I was just being funny, being silly." This positive reinforcement from her audience provided the impetus to dedicate herself more fully to her musical aspirations. The Viral Phenomenon of "Geezer" Jackson’s breakout hit, "Geezer," achieved significant viral success, capturing the attention of prominent figures in the music industry, including Drake and SZA. The track’s ubiquitous presence is a testament to its infectious appeal and relatable themes. "I wrote that in January of last year," Jackson shared about the genesis of the song. "I had been making a bunch of music before ‘Geezer’ came out. I was always sharing it on my story, little snippets here and there, and people were like, ‘Just drop, just drop.’ I had already dropped DNA before then, and that started to go viral as well, so my confidence was up. I felt like a new person, like I truly had a new purpose. I had discovered this new version of myself, and that’s pretty much what I talk about in the whole song. The entire beginning of ‘Geezer’ is literally me talking about that rebirth. And the second half is just more in the present, like the literal things I was experiencing at the time." The lyric, "I just killed the old me, this renaissance," from "Geezer," encapsulates Jackson’s artistic evolution. She firmly believes she is still in the nascent stages of this creative rebirth. "100 per cent," she affirmed when asked if she felt she was still in her renaissance period. "This is still the beginning for me. I definitely don’t look at this as ‘Oh, I’ve achieved so much.’ No, this is still me just getting started, really. This is the beginning of the first chapter." Songwriting: A Mirror to Real Life Jackson’s songwriting process is deeply rooted in personal experience, drawing inspiration directly from her daily life. "Real-life experience," she stated. "I’ll literally take something that just happened the day before and put it in the raps. If something pisses me off, or if someone pisses me off, for some reason, that just brings it out of me." She embraces the raw and sometimes "low-vibrational" nature of her reflections, viewing them as an authentic outlet. "On ‘Geezer,’ I think I had just dealt with this girl, [so I wrote] ‘I can get a badder bitch’. Shit like that. Someone called it low-vibrational, but I’m like, fuck it. If it’s low-vibrational, then that’s what it is. I’m just having fun at the end of the day. I’m making my real life situations into something I can laugh about and have fun with. It’s an outlet for real." The Power of Visuals in Artistic Creation Beyond lyrical content, visual aesthetics play a crucial role in Jackson’s creative process. She identifies as "very left-brained" and believes that "visuals are their own language." Her inspiration is often sparked by observing the world around her. "Being visually inspired is literally what inspires my music," she explained. "Like seeing certain things can 100 per cent inspire an entire song. I can have one good night out and I’m just observing the entire room, and that could be the next song that I make, just based off of different things I experienced that night, or things I’ve seen." This holistic approach, integrating auditory and visual elements, contributes to the immersive quality of her music. IT BE THAT DAMN PHONE: A Digital Diary The debut mixtape, IT BE THAT DAMN PHONE, serves as a comprehensive exploration of the themes that have shaped Jackson’s life and career. The title itself, a common refrain from mothers warning their children about excessive phone use, resonates with the project’s central conceit. "First of all, everybody’s mum be saying that. My mum always said that to me growing up, and it actually really be that damn phone," Jackson explained. The mixtape features numerous references to iPhones and the digital interactions they facilitate, reflecting her assertion that "the phones really are the problem." The project compiles music made over the past two years, with some tracks dating back as far as two years prior to its release. A standout track, and Jackson’s personal favorite, is "Two iPhones Hummer." The mixtape is fundamentally an embodiment of her life’s narrative, particularly for those who grew up immersed in the digital age. It encapsulates the idea of bringing experiences full circle, where digital problems manifest through texts and online disputes, a concept she terms "internet rap." As IT BE THAT DAMN PHONE becomes available to the public, ERISTHEPLANET is poised to solidify her unique position in the music industry, a testament to her ability to evolve, innovate, and connect with audiences through the potent fusion of personal narrative and digital culture. Her journey from a burgeoning YouTuber to a recognized musical artist underscores the transformative power of reinvention in the digital age. Post navigation London’s Vampire Ball: A Celebration of Enduring Gothic Fascination and Creative Expression
