Us: When you first started out, did you think Pokemon would become as big as it is now?
Eric: No. I thought it would go straight to video like most of the animation I do.

Us: Do you ever watch Pokemon?
-If so, how much?
Eric:I used to watch it every other day. Now I watch it for five minutes once a month.

Us: Is it hard to do James's voice since it's so squeky?lol.
Eric: No. James and Brock are both voices that come very easily. Only Butch is hard on the throat.

Us:Is it hard for you to sing in the style of James and/or Brock's voice?
Eric: No. James is just a lower breather sound where Brock is a higher pitched version of my real voice. If I had to sing like Sqirtle then we would have a problem.

Us: Do you have any other voice characters besides Gaury(is that how you spell it?) in Slayers?
-If so, who and from what?
Eric: I did a series called Greenwood where I was about five characters. I was in The Art of Fighting where I am the stadium announcer and I was in Gal-Force as a bunch of robots.

Us: Do you like being a voice actor?
-Why? (If you do)
Eric: Yes. It's a fun job. I get to do all the things that my teachers hated (making funny voices) and make a living doing it.
Us: -What's best about it? (If you do)
Eric: I don't have to wear a suit to work.

Us:Do you get any say in editing or changing the script?
Eric:Some. If the 'flap' doesn't match I may add a word or two but nothing really important. (Except for Brock when the cart is on his hand - I made that line up).

Us:This is a little out of the subject, but what were some influences for your band?
Eric:My first influence was Buddy Holly. Later I was drawn to Springsteen, Tom Petty and Cat Stevens. I like singer/songwriters.

Us:When did you began thinking about starting a band?
Eric:8th grade. I had a band then. Once we performed I knew that is what I needed to do for the rest of my life.

Us:Don't you find it ironic that your lyrics in "Staring You in the Face" is open your eyes and see what you're missing? I mean, since one of your characters is Brock.
Eric:It is kind of funny. I actually wrote that song before I was Brock. It's also funny that I have squinty eyes.

Us:Out of all the characters you have done, who is the easiest to do?
Eric:Brock. I usually just have to read the lines once and they work for him.

Us:Who's your favorite?
Eric:James is the funniest so I guess I would say him. But I'm really fond of Gourry. I make up a lot of what he says, so you really get to hear my sense of humor.

Us:How did it feel switching from an anime w/ violence and cussing to kid-friendly Pokemon?
Eric:I don't think there is that much cussing on Pokémon. I don't remember saying anything dirty. As for violence, Road Runner is the most violent cartoon I have ever seen. I don't think what I have done is that bad.
(On this question we forgot to say that we meant the anime, Slayers. Oops!)

Us:Which do you like best, playing in your band or being a voice actor?
Eric:Music is my love. There is no comparison. If I had to make a choice it would be music hands down. Voice work is fun, but I could live without it.

Us:Was it hard taking over someone else's role midseason? (James's old voice actor.)
Eric:No. Ted did a good job but his direction was too bland. They let me take James to a new level. I just had to sound like him for the first couple of episodes I did after that it was all on me.

(We weren't sure if he would care if we asked him this, but we took the chance. I'm glad we did!)

Us:Have you ever seen the pictures of James in a bikini from Holiday at Acopulco? (a.k.a. Beauty and the Beach in America)
-If so, what did you think of them? Did it scare you like us? lol.
Eric:I saw them. They scared me. I don't know what the artist was thinking.

Us:Why doesn't Brock walk into walls? lol.
Eric:I don't know what you mean.

Us:Are there any English dubbed uncut videos for sale?
-or-
Are they thinking about making some?
Eric:I have no idea.

Back to Dee & Haley's Pokemon Partay!