Artist Spotlight: Eric Bolander

Courtesy of Kayvilla Blevins

Eastern Kentucky Native Eric Bolander offers listeners Americana/folk music that is lyrically driven by life experiences, presenting a look into the intimate details of his life and upbringing. The Appalachian Preservation Project is proud to present Eric Bolander as this week’s artist spotlight.

Tell me about your background. Who are you at your core? Why did you become a musician?

I grew up in a small town in northeastern Kentucky, Garrison. Moved to Lexington after my Army National Guard basic training to attend college at the University of Kentucky studying visual arts and art education. I've been a high school art teacher for 17 years now. Visual arts and music are incorporated in my daily life. Being a Creative has its extreme ups and downs but I love being connected in those ways. Sharing my love for the arts with students and fans alike is my passion. Who am I at my core? I'm a Kentuckian, a father, a lover, a creator, and a friend. I plan on staying that way! Becoming a musician basically was a natural transition for me with my art background. Songwriting and performing is simply another avenue as an artist for me and it allows me to reach folks in a different way. Simply put, I became a musician because I am a musician, and perhaps I was always meant to be one.

How long have you been recording/gigging?

15 years; about 8 years doing what I'm putting out now (Americana/Folk/Roots music)

Why did you begin pursuing professional music?

I wanted to pursue touring and professionally releasing my songs. This has been a passion to share these songs with anyone willing to listen.

What is the most challenging part of recording/gigging? The most rewarding part?

Booking is a very complex and time consuming portion of being a working musician. I am very thankful for my manager (Tiffany Finley of Black Mountain Management) and booking agent (Allen Roper of The Art Agency). Without them now, I wouldn't be able to play and take advantage of many of the great opportunities I've had over the last 2-3 years. It's a true team effort. As far as rewarding, nothing compares to the feeling of playing my songs with my bandmates in front of folks wanting to hear them. If it were a drug, it would be illegal.

Recording music can be as financially difficult as it is logistically difficult. But once all those pieces are in place, at whatever level allowable, the magic happens. I'm thankful to have worked with some amazing engineers and musicians but I feel it necessary to give a shout out to my bandmates and producer/engineer. Seth Murphy and Ben Cladwell have been rock solid for me since the early days of my solo music career. Ben actually dates back to my metal days. John Ferguson has been in the background of many past recordings and joined the band a few years ago. Newcomer to my band but old friend from back home, Kyle Mulikin, has brought in some great guitar/bass playing for our live shows and will most likely creep in on some new recordings. The man in the black hat, Duane Lundy of The Lexington Recording Company, has been an honorary band member in the studio as the engineer and co-producer on my last two full length records as well as the current new material. Yes! There's new music coming this year!

What artists inspire your songwriting the most?

I'll keep this one short. Because I could write a thesis on this topic. John Moreland, Bruce Springsteen, City and Colour, and Manchester Orchestra have been the biggest influences specifically to my songwriting.

What life experiences inform your music?

All. haha. Family, grief, sacrifice, love, loss, anger, adversity, my heros, my enemies, my mistakes, my successes, my granny, my dad, my mom, my daughter, and my love for melody over everything.

How do you hope your music impacts people?

I hope my fans/listeners find love, empathy, hope, passion, happiness through pain, and a sense of humor through my songs. Don't take yourself too seriously; because I sure as hell don't!

What has been the most personally impactful moment in your career so far?

Working with Tiffany Finley of Black Mountain Management in addition to building what I consider one of the best live bands in the business! (minus myself haha)

I saw on your website that your music was described by the phrase "a realization that happiness can be perpetuated through pain," can you tell me more about that?

True happiness can't manifest itself. There has to be some struggle and pain/loss before that happiness can be realized. If everything is handed to you, you'll never know the struggle therefore never truly be able to appreciate what's sittin in front of ya.

How do your relationships with your family members impact your music?

Honestly, they're in almost every song and they'll almost always be. Family comes first, always.