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I am selective about what makes it onto my iPod, so when I added the entire “Lushes Foolish” disc by the Erik Andersen Band, I knew that we’d found February’s Band O’ The Month. The album offers a little bit of everything—no matter your musical tastes, you should find at least one song worthy of your iPod. I sat down with singer/guitarist/songwriter Erik Andersen to talk about his take on life in the Valley.
-Lise
Email us to enter to WIN a FREE Autographed Erik Andersen Band
CD and SJFanboy.com goodies. (Contest end March 5) |
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| SJFanboy |
I love the variety of musical styles on your album. Was that an intentional strategy when you put the cd together? |
| Erik Andersen |
It’s just the way I write. When I recorded the cd, I wanted to give the listener an idea of the kind of artist I am, but it wasn’t intentional. I wanted to put out album that reflected my style. I’m thinking that the next one may be similar—rock oriented, but relflecting a lot of different genres. |
| SJF |
You’ve been playing music for quite a while now, right? |
| Erik |
Yeah, I got started pretty early. My parents had me take piano lessons. It wasn’t really challenging for me, because it seemed like I goofed off a lot. That didn’t last very long. |
| SJF |
How old were you then? |
| Erik |
I was about four or five. I was pretty young. I started really getting into music in high school when I learned to play bass guitar. A lot of my friends were starting to get into bands. I wanted to be in a band. My dad actually owned a music store, so getting instruments was pretty easy. At that time I was really into skateboarding, so I was into punk music and some alternative. I got into a few bands then. Eventually I made the switch to playing guitar. |
| SJF |
What caused that switch? |
| Erik |
One night one of my friends was playing something one day off the top of his head. I wanted to be able to do that, too. There were a couple of guitars at my house, so I got one and a chord book and just started learning some things. Figured out that I could make some cool noises with the guitar. It seemed a lot more user-friendly than the bass. I actually still play bass, especially when I am writing a song and get an idea about how I want the song to sound. I write all the parts of the song, so it helps me to be able to go to my bass player and say, “Here’s what I am thinking.” |
| SJF |
Tell me about how you got started playing live. |
| Erik |
About three years ago I made the decision to see what I could do with my music. I wanted to see if I could make a living with music. I made some home recordings and then went to coffee shops and bars to start playing where I could. I wanted to play live and I knew I had to start at the ground level. So, I got involved in the Modesto-area scene. I started opening up for other bands, playing at X Fest. I won a MAMA. It took me about nine months to get there. When I was at X Fest I realized that I needed a band. |
| SJF |
Is this when you got together with the guys to become Sojourn? |
| Erik |
Yeah. A buddy of mine played bass so he started playing gigs with me. Then he had a friend that was a drummer. That’s the way Sojourn started out. We were able to play bigger and better places. I was able to play the music I really wanted to play. As a solo artist, you’re really limited to folk music or blues, whatever, it’s just you and your guitar. But, when you have a band you can plug it in and play the punk rock, whatever. We actually won a MAMA award, too, in 2003. That was cool. |
| SJF |
Do you still get stage fright? |
| Erik |
Oh yes. Every time. Every time. Then I get a couple of people clapping or dancing and then I can relax and really get into it. That’s when I can really feel like I am the most myself. It’s really gratifying and helps keep me going. |
| SJF |
What’s next for you? |
| Erik |
I am trying to sell as many cds as I can. The way that I can do that is by getting out to play shows. I am looking for a manager to help me with the business side. It keeps getting bigger and bigger, and I need help with that. I’ve got this five year plan in mind where I’m either going to be able to sustain this, or I’m not. Music is an art, and I could be playing every night of the week, but I am working toward supporting my family. I want it to be more than a hobby that I’m passionate about. I want to get my band up to a really tight level where we’re playing great, and playing bigger and better shows. I want to record another album, too. |
| SJF |
Who are some of your favorite bands? |
| Erik |
U2. Tom Petty. Foo Fighters. |
| SJF |
I read that your guitar style is influenced by Jerry Garcia and Steve Miller. |
| Erik |
Oh yeah. When I was younger, I’d go to see the Dead a lot. I was a big time Deadhead. And Steve Miller used to play all the time. So, when I was learning to play guitar, I tried to learn as many Jerry Garcia solos as I could and then interpreted into what I was doing. |
| SJF |
What advice would you give for someone who was thinking about becoming a musician? |
| Erik |
Sure, a lot of it is about talent, but if you’re really passionate about it, it’s worth it. Get started in whatever piece of music you’re interested in, whether it’s playing music, or doing something like SJFanboy. |
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Erik Andersen
Official Website
Purchase Lushes Foolish
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Bands O' The Month
Megan Slankard Band
Three Second Rule
Better Left Unsaid
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