Uh oh, Vixens! We may have ran into a nice guy that we can love, for real. Well, he’s happily married, but Eric Roberson breaks down the tales of the good guys in his sixth studio album,Mr. Nice Guy, that may have us in swoon mode for the softer cats. On this LP, which is available now, women (and men) can learn from and relate to the Eric’s storytelling about love, life and how to deal with both. We chatted with the Jersey crooner about the little things that Vixens often overlook in a man. Do we want a guy to open a door? Sure. Then why do we dispose of the guy who does and ten times more? Hmm… This self-proclaimed Mr. Nice Guy doesn’t finish last, by any means. Happily married and a new father, he dished about the misconceptions of being “that” guy and changing those perceptions. And, of course, we got him to divulge his favorite clothing brand! –Niki McGloster (@missjournalism)
Specifically, in love, what are the downsides of being “Mr. Nice Guy”? Would you say that you’re a nice guy when it comes to love?
I would say that, and I say that I probably had some relationships not work out because of it. But some relationships worked out because of it, so no matter whether you’re a bad guy or a nice guy, it’s important that someone understands you and sees you for you. There’s a lot of misconceptions in being a nice guy, and one is that you’ll be passive or quiet. That doesn’t mean that. It just means that your intentions are in a genuine and good place, but it doesn’t mean that you cant be a leader or director or someone who wants to share in compromising for the betterment of stuff.
Do you think that women are confused because they’re always like, ‘Oh, I want Mr. Nice Guy,” then they mess it up when they get that guy? Do you think that women are confused about what they truly want?
Well I would say, in general, a lot of times it’s not as appreciated. A guy who really takes the time to open the door or really pay attention to small details is not always appreciated which then makes guys want to take shortcuts. The crazy thing is assumptions and games and all such negative things in relationships really hurts and young ladies get used to it.
With this album, what other messages are you trying to get across that you haven’t tried to get across before?
The album is really a story [about] a nice guy who’s been overlooked and trying to maintain his morals, as well as try to find and maintain love. I think that it’s a story that people can relate to, but there’s also stories in here that help people relate. First of all, truth be told, we’re in a tough time economy-wise, so if my album could take somebody’s mind off something, [then] that’s another part of the album.
You have a one-year-old son. I’m pretty sure you want to raise him to be a Mr. Nice Guy, so how do you plan on battling the negativity that surrounds monogamous relationships on television and in music?
I don’t think I should shield him from everything. I think a lot of it is communication. I never saw my father drink a drop of alcohol, ever but we had liquor in the house and beers in the refrigerator for when his boys came over. As a young boy when they were watching football games, he would say, ‘Hey man, go grab your uncle a beer and grab me a Pepsi.’ It was like, just the example he showed. I don’t think it will be anything where I’ll be shielding my son, but I wont hesitate to have that extra conversation with him when he is willing to listen to me.
Now to switch over into a little bit of style and fashion, what is your personal style whether on stage or in your everyday life, what do you like to wear?
I’m addicted to a few brands, one is Hugo Boss. I’m strongly addicted to it, and I’m just waiting for them to realize it, so they can start sending me clothes [Laughs]. I definitely love fashion. I’m a sneaker kid; I have way too many.
Did your wife try to stop you from buying sneakers?
I don’t think so. I think it’s a little bit of self-discipline but I pretty much have a walk-in closet of just sneakers. My son has helped because now my sneaker desire has gone to his feet, and I want to make sure that he’s styling. He’s about to have more sneakers than I do!
I like that you pay attention to your image and your style, that’s always good to see [in men]. Lastly, what is next for this Mr. Nice Guy who seems to have it all right now?
Just to grow. Organized growth. This is the eighth album we put out, and I’m looking forward to eventually doing #9 and touring. I just want to continue to balance that with day-to-day life, try to make today better than yesterday.
