An Interview With Musician Eric Himan
Rising Pop Rock Artist On His Latest Album and Current Autumn Tour
Charleston born singer songwriter Eric Himan is gradually climbing the ladder of success as his music grows in popularity, especially in the gay community, but it has not come without effort. Here, Eric talks about the trials of managing himself and the process of creating his ninth studio disc, Resonate.
SW: You've said in previous interviews and on your website that this album is more personal than your previous work. Was there a conscious shift in how you approached making the album?
EH: I approached Resonate with a lot of space. I didn't force things too much like I did with some songs in the past. I think it made a big difference and I ended up getting the freedom to write about things I haven't written before lyrically: my family troubles, politics, a happy love song, ha!
SW: Touring seems to be something that you enjoy from your written and video blogs. Is playing live something you relish more, say, than studio work?
EH: I do relish live playing more. There is something about being on stage and the live experience that you can't fake. That is real and making a connection. Making that connection through CD is not as instantaneous.
SW: Anybody that reads your blog on even a casual basis will realize that, as a musician, you have taken complete control of the business side of your career, from managing your own label to publicizing yourself and being your own booking agent. Did you take to that naturally or was it something that took a great deal of trial and error?
EH: I had a manager for a while who was my best friend and we parted ways business wise to save our friendship. I ended up learning a lot from her and the way she did business. I picked it up with a bit of trial and error and finally feel that I have a good grasp of it. Not many musicians are willing to grab the reins like that, but in my case, it was sink or swim. I swam.
SW: If there are other musicians reading this that would like to take similar control of their careers and wear a great many business hats, what are the five key bits of advice that you would give them?
EH: I would say:
- Learn your audience, find out who you are speaking to and market to them
- Remain Focus on your biggest dream goal and don't get distracted with comparisons
- To book yourself, see where artists in your genre play and start heading for those places.
- Don't get discouraged by failure; you are just weeding out what not to do.
- Keep the lines of communication open with the ones that follow your music.
SW: Your music has an intensity and real passion. Do you feel your sexuality adds a touch of authenticity to your music in that, everything you say, especially on this album, is coming from a raw and personal space?
EH: I think that is the best way anybody has put it. My sexuality was an honest part of me and I wanted all the parts of me to be shown to give an accurate picture of myself through my music. I believe you are correct.
SW: How long does your tour continue for, and what's next after that?
EH: My tour continues through the end of Fall. I take a bit of a break and start up again in the spring. I am in talks with another music group to go out on the road together. This time I will be adding my drummer on the road. This will be the first time for that! Very exciting.
Eric Himan's new album Resonate is available at ITUNES and selected stores. For a full list of tour venues, video log performances and more, visit Eric at his website where you can also read his personal blog which details both his performances and the managerial side of his work for insights into the industry.
Eric Himan
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