Supposed Unknown, the new album by sexy crooner and tattooed Eric Himan, has gathered positive reviews and the newest single and music video for “Dust” has allowed the now industry veteran to broaden his fan base. Whether social networking has something to do with it or he simply got his due, Himan is looking excitedly into the future as he tours in support of the album and single, which includes a stop in Market Days in Chicago this weekend.
After nearly a decade of ten releases, with no major record label backing, and the fun August Cover Mondays, Eric has been able to maintain a loyal fan base whilst showcasing his versatile style via pop covers which he kindly gifts to his fans, those who are part of his cyber newsletter. In years past he has covered Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Adele, Jewel, Dolly Parton, Phil Collins, Journey, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, including two covers this month by George Strait and The Cure.
Despite the great buzz about his newest release, Eric does not take himself too seriously and tries to keep his life simple and filled with creative endeavors. He told Shawn Schikora of the Windy City Times “I really didn't have big intentions for the CD. I was just excited to work with my friend and fellow singer/songwriter, Namoli Brennet. We recorded at her house in Tucson, Ariz., and we just clicked. By the time the session was over, I had about 10-12 songs which made it easy to consider it my next full-length disc."
"Recording the CD was the most relaxed recording session I ever had. There was no looking at the clock to see how much time I had left in the studio or my wallet. It was organic, and Namoli was a great producer to have on the disc."
Eric was kind enough to also answer some additional questions about his artistic journey with me, and these you can read below:
1) Are you a vagabond by nature or by trade?
I used to be a vagabond by nature. Growing up a military brat made it easy to be a traveling musician but these days (after 10 years of touring) I have found myself a vagabond by trade.
2) Describe a moment when you felt your loneliest on the road.
During the time of the DC sniper, I played down in Richmond (traveling alone) and ended up getting a flat tire that night driving up to DC. I was changing it by the side of the road thinking I could get shot. That felt like a really lonely moment on tour.
3) Describe the moment you realized you wanted to be a performer.
That moment was actually realized by my dad. He noticed it when I started taking guitar lessons. Whenever there was a music program on TV (some live concert TV event), that I would immediately go to my room and start playing when the show was over. Right after that time, I started performing for my family and knew it felt natural.
4) When writing music do you begin with lyrics or the melody? Can you walk us through the composition of one of your songs?
I've written a song with the words first, the music first, at the same time, etc. The best times of writing music is when I am just sitting down playing guitar and something comes to mind and I start singing a melody. The words find the spaces and all of a sudden I have a chorus. This moment of course is rare, but my favorite kind of songwriting to do.
5) Simple or lavish?
Simple. Traveling around like crazy with my gear, times and dates to book, etc; Life has to be simple.
6) What advice do you have for those who are thinking about performing for a living?
My advice is start today. Don't wait for the perfect gig. The perfect gig sometimes comes after a string of very-not-so perfect gigs.
Eric Himan performs at Northalsted Market Days Saturday, Aug. 13 and will be stopping in the following cities on the following dates:
9/11/11 Tulsa, Oklahoma
10/28/11 Oil City, Pennsylvania
10/29/11 Ardmore, Pennsylvania
11/01/11 New York, New York
11/02/11 New Hope, Pennsylvania
10/28/11 Oil City, Pennsylvania
10/29/11 Ardmore, Pennsylvania
11/01/11 New York, New York
11/02/11 New Hope, Pennsylvania
For ticket information check out his [[official site]].
Comments