Eric Schenkman Brings Rock, R&B and Romantic Possibility to New Single “Hit On Me”

Eric Schenkman is giving listeners another glimpse into his forthcoming solo album Ten Smiles with “Hit On Me,” a spirited new single that pairs an infectious groove with a playful romantic premise. The track follows “Recipe” as the second release from the upcoming record, offering a different side of Schenkman’s musical approach.

Best known as a guitarist, singer, and co-founder of the Spin Doctors, Schenkman has spent decades moving comfortably between rock, pop, blues, and R&B. “Hit On Me” draws from that broad musical background while keeping its focus firmly on a catchy hook, a strong rhythmic pulse, and the possibilities that can emerge when one relationship comes to an end.

“The song describes a scenario where a girl is getting dumped out of a bad relationship,” Eric explains. “The message is ‘don’t walk away, hit on me instead, I’m right here.’”

The concept began in an unexpectedly simple way. Co-written with Corky Laing, the founding member of Mountain and writer associated with “Mississippi Queen,” the song developed from the basic idea of striking a drum before taking shape as a full-fledged song about attraction and second chances.

Musically, “Hit On Me” is driven by the rhythm section of Al Cross and Stan Miczek. Their playing gives the track a steady forward motion, while Schenkman’s guitar work brings together elements of rock and roll, classic pop, and vintage R&B. A wah-wah guitar solo adds another layer to the arrangement, giving the song a dose of attitude while maintaining its buoyant character.

“I just wanted it to sound like a rockin’ pop song that offers a choice to a wounded lover,” Eric shares.

That idea is reflected in the lyrics, which approach romance with warmth rather than melodrama:

Well, something happens when we’re together
Like the wind when it chases the sky
Clouds are dancing
They’re painting smiles for you
Just happens that they don’t have to try

The song's upbeat sound is particularly notable because its starting point is a difficult romantic situation. Rather than dwelling on the breakup, Schenkman imagines what might happen after it, when someone realizes there could be another direction worth taking.

“Hit On Me” also continues a long musical journey for Schenkman. His work with the Spin Doctors helped establish him as part of one of the most recognizable bands to emerge from New York City’s rock scene. The group became internationally known through songs including “Two Princes,” “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues,” “What Time Is It?” and “Off My Line.”

Schenkman’s musical background extends well beyond the Spin Doctors. Raised in Toronto after his father, Peter Schenkman, joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as principal cellist in 1967, he grew up surrounded by both classical music and North American rock. Over the course of his career, he has worked with artists such as Kip Hanrahan, Phoebe Snow, Carly Simon, and Natalie Merchant, including an appearance on Merchant’s album Tigerlily.

He also took part in In From the Storm, a 1995 orchestral project devoted to reinterpreting the music of Jimi Hendrix.

Schenkman began his solo recording career with Who Shot John? in 2019. He later reunited with the Spin Doctors for Face Full of Cake, released through Capitol Records in 2023.

With “Hit On Me,” Schenkman continues to explore the range of sounds that will shape Ten Smiles. Where “Recipe” put the spotlight on his guitar playing, the new single places equal emphasis on rhythm, melody, vocals, and a lighthearted take on romance.

The arrangement keeps the song moving without overcrowding its central hook. Guitar accents, rhythmic interplay, and Schenkman’s vocal delivery work together to give the track an easy momentum that suits its message of taking a chance on something new again.

“Hit On Me” is available now, with the official video offering another way into the song's upbeat world. The single is available through Slammin Media, with global distribution via Believe.