Yamaha Drums, Yamaha/DW hardware, Sabian cymbals - Live (Sabian or Zildjian - whatever works best for the situation - when recording ;-), ProMark 5BN Japanese White Oak Drumsticks, AUDIX/K&K Systems microphones, Drumlights(TM).
Influences
I'm influenced by pretty much everything, musically. I love classical, pop, rock, metal, funk, jazz, progressive, etc.
I realize that it will sound pretty vain, but I also like to listen to the music I've been involved with writing and recording. If you don't get into your own material, how do you expect anyone else to? Of course, I spend more time away from my own music - but I do enjoy it, nonetheless. ;-)
My main drumming influences include Terry Bozzio, Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Phil Ehart, Charlie Adams, Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Jeff Porcaro, Niko McBrain, and just SO many more.
My biggest musical artist influences include Mozart, Beethoven, Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Yanni, Rush, Yes, Kansas, Styx, Journey, REO, TSO, Sara Brightman, Savatage, Zeppelin, Triumph, Chick Corea, Spyro Gyra, Zappa, Iron Maiden, and again just SO MANY more - and I have to include my friends Jamison Masters and Lonnie Melland as my influences, as well.
Sounds Like
Myself (hopefully).
I can hear so many of my drumming influences in my recorded work. But I try to remain open to outside influences - wherever they may come from. I frequently incorporate concepts and techniques that interest me from other drummers, musicians, artists, craftsmen, comedians, actors/stage performers, and even athletes into my own playing style. Sometimes just being in a specific location is enough to inspire my imagination and spark new ideas to try. And like any musician, sometimes just a new piece of equipment can also do the trick and eventually work into my 'style'.
UPDATE 5/25/2009 - I ordered my new drum set earlier this month. Posted a blog here about it - check it out. It won't be here until October 2009 because it is being specially made for me, but it will definitely be worth the wait!
Hi, my name is Eric, and I've been a drummer / musician since the age of five years old. The only reason anyone would know of me, is because of the work I did with my progressive rock band EQUINOX. Equinox signed our first major label deal with JVC/Victor, and our debut album hit the Top 20 and Top 40 charts in many countries back in the mid-to-late 90's. We were on top of the world for a short period of time (our 15 minutes of fame ;-), and we charted higher than other prominent rock artists of the time, like: Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden, Mr. Big, Anthrax, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, Aerosmith, Great White, and others (see the charts in my photo section). Today Equinox songs still receive airplay in more than 50 countries (per official ASCAP accounting reports), and we're all very proud of that achievement.
I do a lot of recording session work for artists from around the world, and fill-in with certain artists in a live capacity as my schedule allows. Any interested parties should email me through my website - www.ericdrums.com . Some of my session work has made it out into the world of video games and commercials (jingles). I tend to get busy with that kind of work just prior to every holiday season.
Currently, I'm performing with the band Joy Ride - 80's Pop to Current Rock. The band plays the more exclusive circuit venues and corporate events around the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. You can visit the band online at www.joyriderocks.com. At a Joy Ride show, you'll hear your favorite dance and party songs from artists like Ricky Martin, Maroon 5, Neil Diamond, The Beatles, Pink, Katy Perry, Kevin Rudolf, Duran Duran, Van Halen, AC/DC, Gretchen Wilson, Buck Cherry, Finger Eleven, Johnny Cash, U2, Wild Cherry, Green Day, Big & Rich, and many more! Plenty of fun dance music to keep your booty shakin' all night long!
I've previously been a member of the band Luna Sea - a fun variety band of longtime friends that played shows and festivals all around the multi-state area. The Bad Animals - A Tribute To Heart, who were Nominated by the MMA as one of Minnesota's Best Cover/Tribute Acts for 2006 while I was in the band. I'll be filling in with them for a few shows in 2009 - watch my calendar for updates. Some of you that are familiar with more of my past work will also remember my involvement with Shaky Jake, Renaissance (funk group featuring Prince's cousin Tony V.), The Mindy Gunn Group (classic AOR female touring artist), Torok (hard rock group also featuring Michael Torok from Impaler) and Vox Tempus (featuring former background musicians from Equinox and Takara).
I've been a Martial Artist for more than twenty years, and have been an instructor for fifteen years. I collect ancient weaponry (mostly swords), and watches (novelty to luxury time pieces). I'm an amateur magician, and I love anything to do with horror memorabilia. I'm married to my beautiful wife (who insists that I flirt too much ;-), and we have two gorgeous daughters. For more information about myself and the artists I've previously worked with, or to contact me with regards to hiring me for recording sessions, please visit my website - www.ericdrums.com
The July 25th "Three Man Salute To Pink Floyd" show at Neisen's in Savage is coming closer, please everyone start spreading the word and help make our Twin Cities Metro area debut a big success........... Thanks Sonny G
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Yeah I was there, I don't know where my head was at, cause I didn't see you guys, I was prolly cranky and hungry lol That place was hoppin...dang! Things are well, just truckin' along :)
Hey Eric, not much new here..Had 6 more pine trees planted and am putting in some fruit trees tomorrow..Finally spending some time in the studio again, so hopefully have some new tunes up this year..I'll have to work on the blog thing :o)
hey! you guys come to spikes on june 12th but im not working that night! :( i think i'll stop in until 9 though cuz i can't be in there after 9...unless i talk to my boss! you guys should play some paramore songs and kelly clarkson that would be sweet :)
Hey My Friend...hope your Memorial day weekend was memorable. Bet ya had a great time with the family but ohh you are killing me! You know a Joy Ride fix always gets me through my rotten weeks and uggg going to be a while by the looks of it until we will get to see you all again. Please bang a few songs out on those drums this week for me and make it loud!!! And have a GREAT week while you are at it! :)
I had a good weekend, actually got a couple of days off!! I rock! lol Yeah that night was odd, I hadn't seen Kathy in a month, we sped off to catch up, after that I went outside, was walking, and this dude made a face at me out the window..it was Ringer lol So I sat and chatted with him, I was kinda out of it that night, been gettin my arse kicked, catch ya at Maxx's or Scoops or both! Have a rockin short week Doooood! :)
UPDATE 5/25/2009 - I ordered my new drum set earlier this month. Posted a blog here about it - check it out. It won't be here until October 2009 because it is being specially made for me, but it will definitely be worth the wait!
