Eric Himan
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2000 | INDIE
Music
Press
Fresh Music - May, 2011
Eric Himan, Supposed Unknown – The Tulsa based folk-rocker returns with his seventh solo studio recording; a work filled with powerful emotion, yearning and self-discovery. It’s clearly a very personal album, yet the sentiments are those anyone can relate to. It’s also Himan’s most musically diverse effort to date, sampling genres from Motown to rockabilly, blues to pop and points in between. May 2.
Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues – The Seattle-based indie folk trio (now apparently a quartet) became darlings of the indie music scene and critic favorites with their EP Sun Giant and their self-titled debut album, both in 2008. The band intended to release their follow up in late 2009, but touring schedules kept them out of the studio. Early tracks from Helplessness Blues should have fans thinking it was worth the wait. May 3.
Stevie Nicks, In Your Dreams – The legendary solo artist and Fleetwood Mac frontwoman unveils her seventh studio album, her first in a decade. The album ranges from its debut single “Secret Love,” which Nicks says she wrote around 1975, to seven new songs penned with her co-producer, Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart. May 3.
Lady Gaga, Born This Way – With her meteoric rise to fame and domination of the charts, it’s hard to fathom this is only Gaga’s second studio album. Is she in for a sophomore slump? Not likely. The title track is already a huge hit, and fans and critics alike have easily made this the most anticipated release of the year. A tremendous job has been done of keeping this album under wraps, but Gaga has set the bar, telling one concert audience Born This Way will be the album of the decade. May 23.
- Oklahoma Magazine
Fresh Music - May, 2011
Eric Himan, Supposed Unknown – The Tulsa based folk-rocker returns with his seventh solo studio recording; a work filled with powerful emotion, yearning and self-discovery. It’s clearly a very personal album, yet the sentiments are those anyone can relate to. It’s also Himan’s most musically diverse effort to date, sampling genres from Motown to rockabilly, blues to pop and points in between. May 2.
Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues – The Seattle-based indie folk trio (now apparently a quartet) became darlings of the indie music scene and critic favorites with their EP Sun Giant and their self-titled debut album, both in 2008. The band intended to release their follow up in late 2009, but touring schedules kept them out of the studio. Early tracks from Helplessness Blues should have fans thinking it was worth the wait. May 3.
Stevie Nicks, In Your Dreams – The legendary solo artist and Fleetwood Mac frontwoman unveils her seventh studio album, her first in a decade. The album ranges from its debut single “Secret Love,” which Nicks says she wrote around 1975, to seven new songs penned with her co-producer, Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart. May 3.
Lady Gaga, Born This Way – With her meteoric rise to fame and domination of the charts, it’s hard to fathom this is only Gaga’s second studio album. Is she in for a sophomore slump? Not likely. The title track is already a huge hit, and fans and critics alike have easily made this the most anticipated release of the year. A tremendous job has been done of keeping this album under wraps, but Gaga has set the bar, telling one concert audience Born This Way will be the album of the decade. May 23.
- Oklahoma Magazine
Hot Sheet
The top 10 entertainment highlights on our gaydar this week: Kylie comes to America, Casper Andreas goes down on camera, Eric Himan rocks out hard, Lindsay and ABBA get drag makeovers, and more.
By Brandon Voss
1. MUSIC: Supposed Unknown, Eric Himan
Produced by trans singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet, Eric Himan’s seventh studio album, which drops May 2, might just be the out pop-folk rocker’s most mature, radio-friendly effort yet. His melodic gumbo of blues, soul, and Motown flavors takes listeners on an urgent, satisfying journey, driving fast and free down a dusty trail of tears and joy. Inspired by an LGBT event in North Carolina, “Out in the Outer Banks” is a highlight. - The Advocate (National)
Hot Sheet
The top 10 entertainment highlights on our gaydar this week: Kylie comes to America, Casper Andreas goes down on camera, Eric Himan rocks out hard, Lindsay and ABBA get drag makeovers, and more.
By Brandon Voss
1. MUSIC: Supposed Unknown, Eric Himan
Produced by trans singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet, Eric Himan’s seventh studio album, which drops May 2, might just be the out pop-folk rocker’s most mature, radio-friendly effort yet. His melodic gumbo of blues, soul, and Motown flavors takes listeners on an urgent, satisfying journey, driving fast and free down a dusty trail of tears and joy. Inspired by an LGBT event in North Carolina, “Out in the Outer Banks” is a highlight. - The Advocate (National)
For his seventh studio release, Supposed Unknown, singer-songwriter Eric Himan explains, “Though the rest is still ‘unknown,’ I intend for ‘Supposed’ to take me to great places I haven’t been before.” That meant a journey through a sonic and lyrical landscape that introduces dreamy pop to his atmospheric brew of soulful blues and folk-rock.
From The Advocate’s “40 under 40” to LOGO’s #1 Click List Artist to Out Magazine’s “Out 100,” the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based troubadour has racked up national acclaim with tunes such as “Save the Afternoon” and his cover of Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years.” Himan’s music has a catchy, coffeehouse-ready vibe not unlike Jay Brannan or even Amos Lee, at once socially aware and intimate, an ear to melody and melancholy.
Joining Himan on the Alberta Street Pub stage this Thursday, May 19 is Tucson’s trans folk songstress Namoli Brennet, touring in support of her own disc, Black Crow. Four-time Outmusic award nominee Brennet, who also helped produce Supposed Unknown, has an introspective, fearless style that calls to mind Patty Griffin and Joni Mitchell—raw, real and struggling to, as she sings, “fly like everyone, fly like we were meant to fly.”
Brennet is known for more than just her genre-busting balladry. The talented multi-instrumentalist has scored two plays, written commissions for chorus and piano, and her music was recently featured in the documentary Out in the Silence. For their Portland date, both Himan and Brennet will perform solo sets and accompany each other on select songs for an evening of inspired acoustic stylings.
Himan and Brennet perform this Thurs., May 19 at 9:30 p.m. at Alberta Street Public House, 1036 NE Alberta St. Ticket prices TBD by artist; call 503-284-7665. - Just Out (Portland, OR)
For his seventh studio release, Supposed Unknown, singer-songwriter Eric Himan explains, “Though the rest is still ‘unknown,’ I intend for ‘Supposed’ to take me to great places I haven’t been before.” That meant a journey through a sonic and lyrical landscape that introduces dreamy pop to his atmospheric brew of soulful blues and folk-rock.
From The Advocate’s “40 under 40” to LOGO’s #1 Click List Artist to Out Magazine’s “Out 100,” the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based troubadour has racked up national acclaim with tunes such as “Save the Afternoon” and his cover of Simply Red’s “Holding Back the Years.” Himan’s music has a catchy, coffeehouse-ready vibe not unlike Jay Brannan or even Amos Lee, at once socially aware and intimate, an ear to melody and melancholy.
Joining Himan on the Alberta Street Pub stage this Thursday, May 19 is Tucson’s trans folk songstress Namoli Brennet, touring in support of her own disc, Black Crow. Four-time Outmusic award nominee Brennet, who also helped produce Supposed Unknown, has an introspective, fearless style that calls to mind Patty Griffin and Joni Mitchell—raw, real and struggling to, as she sings, “fly like everyone, fly like we were meant to fly.”
Brennet is known for more than just her genre-busting balladry. The talented multi-instrumentalist has scored two plays, written commissions for chorus and piano, and her music was recently featured in the documentary Out in the Silence. For their Portland date, both Himan and Brennet will perform solo sets and accompany each other on select songs for an evening of inspired acoustic stylings.
Himan and Brennet perform this Thurs., May 19 at 9:30 p.m. at Alberta Street Public House, 1036 NE Alberta St. Ticket prices TBD by artist; call 503-284-7665. - Just Out (Portland, OR)
Eric Himan hosts fundraiser concert for Arts & Humanities Council
"I don't want to make a dime off this show," says Eric Himan of his fundraiser on Friday. "I just want to show people another side of me." JEREMY CHARLES / Courtesy
By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Published: 5/26/2011 1:43 AM
Last Modified: 5/26/2011 4:01 AM
It's not about the money.
Wait, yes, yes it is. It's absolutely about the money - just not in the way most of us might think.
"I don't want to make a dime off this show," Himan said over a cup of coffee here in Tulsa during a recent tour break. "I just want to show people another side of me."
The philanthropic side.
He wants to make some dough for Tulsa's Arts & Humanities Council.
"There's so much need and want and expression going on around us every single day," he said. "It's there. All we have to do it really listen for it."
You may not know Himan, but you know of him. He's won many local honors, appeared on local radio shows, and his music's been licensed to MTV, VH1, Oxygen and E! networks.
And, those who do know him have seen the work he's done in and with the Tulsa community. He's performed for charity events for United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Breast Impressions, Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice, and Oklahomans for Equality, to name a few.
It's part of what makes his album title, "Supposed Unknown," so fitting. All proceeds go to the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, which promotes the arts and culture throughout Tulsa.
"We'll help other 'supposed unknowns' by donating to this great night for a good cause," he said.
The community is getting in on this benefit, too. The Tulsa Rock Quartet also will perform, he said.
A wine and beer bar will be sponsored by Oklahomans for Equality. Cosmo Cafe will cater. Marshall Brewing Company, Pepsi and Messenger Media & Design are all pitching in for the event.
Fundraiser and CD release show
Eric Himan
"Supposed Unknown"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Harwelden Mansion, 2210 S. Main St.
Admission: $50 donation, minimum. Limited seating available. RSVP at www.erichiman.com.
Original Print Headline: Eric Himan talks about his philanthropic side
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=269&articleid=20110526_269_WK23_ULNSId884759 - Tulsa World
Eric Himan hosts fundraiser concert for Arts & Humanities Council
"I don't want to make a dime off this show," says Eric Himan of his fundraiser on Friday. "I just want to show people another side of me." JEREMY CHARLES / Courtesy
By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Published: 5/26/2011 1:43 AM
Last Modified: 5/26/2011 4:01 AM
It's not about the money.
Wait, yes, yes it is. It's absolutely about the money - just not in the way most of us might think.
"I don't want to make a dime off this show," Himan said over a cup of coffee here in Tulsa during a recent tour break. "I just want to show people another side of me."
The philanthropic side.
He wants to make some dough for Tulsa's Arts & Humanities Council.
"There's so much need and want and expression going on around us every single day," he said. "It's there. All we have to do it really listen for it."
You may not know Himan, but you know of him. He's won many local honors, appeared on local radio shows, and his music's been licensed to MTV, VH1, Oxygen and E! networks.
And, those who do know him have seen the work he's done in and with the Tulsa community. He's performed for charity events for United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Breast Impressions, Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice, and Oklahomans for Equality, to name a few.
It's part of what makes his album title, "Supposed Unknown," so fitting. All proceeds go to the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, which promotes the arts and culture throughout Tulsa.
"We'll help other 'supposed unknowns' by donating to this great night for a good cause," he said.
The community is getting in on this benefit, too. The Tulsa Rock Quartet also will perform, he said.
A wine and beer bar will be sponsored by Oklahomans for Equality. Cosmo Cafe will cater. Marshall Brewing Company, Pepsi and Messenger Media & Design are all pitching in for the event.
Fundraiser and CD release show
Eric Himan
"Supposed Unknown"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Harwelden Mansion, 2210 S. Main St.
Admission: $50 donation, minimum. Limited seating available. RSVP at www.erichiman.com.
Original Print Headline: Eric Himan talks about his philanthropic side
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=269&articleid=20110526_269_WK23_ULNSId884759 - Tulsa World
http://erichiman.com/?page_id=8 - Official Press Page at EricHiman.com
http://erichiman.com/?page_id=8 - Official Press Page at EricHiman.com
Out in San Diego
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Q & A with Musician Eric Himan
BY AARON HEIER
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing singer/songwriter Eric Himan, whom I affectionately refer to as my little tattooed Jewish “brother from another mother,” for almost 10 years. Since releasing his first self-titled solo CD, this vocal powerhouse with an indelibly distinct range and rasp has toured the country several times over, produced and released no less than seven albums, written hundreds of songs, won countless awards and received massive acclaim the likes of Out Magazine’s Out 100, Advocate Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Oklahoma Magazine’s Best of the Best Musician and hitting #1 on Logo TV’s Click List. Eric is not your average pop radio star, either. He’s a music mogul – the businessman behind the music business of Eric Himan responsible for everything from studio time, production, mixing and distribution to touring, venues, collaborations, merchandising, marketing and money making.
On Wednesday, May 11, Eric along with fellow musician Nomali Brennet, is returning to San Diego to perform some of his classic hits along with new music from his latest CD, Supposed Unknown, which is quickly gaining momentum thanks to a heavy rotation on Sirius XM’s Coffeehouse station. Eric’s one-night-only performance at the San Diego LGBT Community Center will follow a very special one-on-one interview with yours truly so fans can get to know him and his music, up close and personal. This special Two Cents with Eric Himan event starts at 6:30 p.m. with a live performance following. Entry fee is $10 at the door with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Center’s many youth programs and services.
To prepare for the in-person sit down, I chatted with Eric and asked a few questions about his music, his new CD and his return to San Diego.
Aaron Heier: You've been a singer/songwriter for more than a decade now. How has your music and career evolved and grown over the years as you've released new CDs?
Eric Himan: Since I started putting out CD's and touring 10 years ago, I have seen big changes in my sound and career. It all started with my acoustic guitar in my bedroom in Fort Walton Beach, FL. I went to college at Penn State and started putting out CD's and touring while still in school. My musical influences have changed noticeably from folk, to straight-up blues, even reaching to the country/bluegrass genre. I have also had to become this businessman by default. When you are starting out in the music business, you are told of all these people that are there to help you (publicist, booking agent, manager). But if you don't have the capital for these people, you have to roll up your own sleeves and figure it out. That made me grow up real fast.
AH: Your new CD Supposed Unknown is your seventh solo project. Tell us about this CD and what your fans can expect to hear when they listen to it that might be different from your previous material.
EH: This CD is very magical to me. I got stuck in old habits for quite some time (recording at the same place, putting my music out in the same way) and I think it was holding me back. I decided to change things up by switching producers and asking a friend/singer-songwriter, Namoli Brennet, to produce the disc with me in her home studio. She records all her own music and they have this great atmosphere to them that I love. Chris Bellman, who mastered CD's such as Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill, Ani DiFranco's Dilate, and many more, was the mastering engineer on this album and did a fantastic job. Because of these influential people, this CD sounds different than my prior CD's. This also has to be the most relaxed CD I have ever made because I had the time and space to make it the best that it could be.
AH: You're an out & proud gay musician. Has that honesty been an important part of your music and how has the industry accepted you as an artist?
EH: Being a songwriter that mainly writes songs about my own life, I wanted people to know as much as they could about me from the get-go instead of hiding. I address a lot of things in my songs about myself and it would have been a bit hypocritical to leave my sexuality out of it in a time when the LGBT community (me included) is fighting so hard for equal rights. I have had my share of both positive (getting picked up by mainstream/satellite radio, Fender Guitars endorsement) and negative experiences in the music industry (a top record producer kept using gay slurs during a recording session), but I never shied away from being myself for fear of how they would accept me. There’s a special place in my heart for Ani DiFranco and the Indigo Girls for teaching me that lesson.
AH: You've performed in San Diego numerous time and during this tour you're performing at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. Why do you select the Center and not a more traditional music venue?
EH: This new CD is a bit more intimate and mor - San Diego Magazine
Eric Himan: Indie Idol
As he releases his seventh studio album, Supposed Unknown, grassroots folk-pop rocker Eric Himan looks back at his determined decade as an openly gay artist and lyrical activist.
By Brandon Voss
Mainstream musicians may continue to make headlines for coming out of the closet, but Eric Himan has been out and loud since his 2000 debut. Gearing up for a national tour to promote his seventh studio album, Supposed Unknown, which will be released May 2 on his own Thumbcrown Records label, the handsome, heavily tattooed Oklahoma-based singer-songwriter explains how the climate has changed for gay artists and why he has never been suited for American Idol.
The Advocate: Congratulations on Supposed Unknown. How does it compare to your past releases?
Eric Himan: It has to be the most relaxed disc I’ve ever made. I used to book studio time and try to cram all the recording, mixing, and mastering into a little less than a month. But this time I asked my friend, award-winning transgender singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet, if she would produce this CD in her home studio, so I was able to take my time. Namoli did an amazing job producing and mixing this with me, and it was mastered by Chris Bellman, who has mastered CDs like Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, Ani DiFranco’s Dilate, and many more. There’s something special about collaborating with people that inspire you, and that makes this new disc stand out from the others.
What’s the significance of the album title?
The title comes from a lyric in my song, “You First” — “I am constantly given advice at my shows to enter contests on TV that rocket supposed unknowns to fame and to wealth that many never see. Am I still an American if that is not my dream?” Many times I get questioned because I don’t audition for shows like American Idol. Although I’d love the exposure to a wider audience, and I have no judgment for those who do audition, those shows aren’t for me. My goal isn’t to become the richest and most famous musician that I can be molded into; it is to make a consistent living and to continue growing as a working musician. Without the big push of a record label, publicists, and agents, I decided 10 years ago to become my own billboard, tour as much as I could, and put out CDs every year or so. Thanks to Ani DiFranco and other indies for showing me the way.
What was the inspiration behind “Dust,” the first single from the new album?
“Dust” is a song about the jealousy and competitiveness I’ve seen and sometimes felt in the music world. I love the albums from the ’60s where musicians backed each other up and didn’t make a big deal about it, and I hope to always have those relationships with my other singer-songwriter friends. But there are moments where opportunities knock for some and not for others, me included. So the song comes from those moments where I feel like I’m getting pretty far on my indie path, but then another musician takes the fast track, and I feel like I didn’t move one bit. I didn’t notice many songs that address this issue, so I decided to write one.
As he releases his seventh studio album, Supposed Unknown, grassroots folk-pop rocker Eric Himan looks back at his determined decade as an openly gay artist and lyrical activist.
By Brandon Voss
You’ve frankly explored gay themes and issues before in songs like “Love Shouldn’t Have to Hide,” “Little Boy Blue,” and “Protest Song.” Which track on the new album might resonate most with your gay audience?
I have focused on gay themes in the past because those issues were crossing my path, but with this disc it was a bit subtler. “You First” focuses on our leaders and how courageous it is to stand up for what’s right, knowing you’ll also make yourself a target for those who don’t agree with you. The last song on the CD, “Out in the Outer Banks,” has the most direct reference to the LGBT community. I wrote it after a trip to that [North Carolina] area last summer and had a great time performing there for a gay organization. There aren’t any gay bars there, so they organize an LGBT get-together every Sunday on one of the beaches. I’ll be returning this year for their very first Pridefest in June. Although they’re getting a bunch of resistance from non-supporters, they’re moving forward with the festival, and I’m proud to be a part.
More than a decade after your first CD, do you feel a responsibility to your gay audience to continue addressing gay themes and expressing your sexuality in your music, even if it means sacrificing some mainstream acceptance?
Because I have addressed gay themes in my songs throughout my career, I do feel that responsibility, and many have come to expect me to speak about it on each CD. I’m very proud of this fact, and I have never shied away for fear of not getting mainstream attention. My influences are songwriters who chose to address the problems they saw facing their communities, and I’m part of the LGBT community, - The Advocate
Eric Himan: Indie Idol
As he releases his seventh studio album, Supposed Unknown, grassroots folk-pop rocker Eric Himan looks back at his determined decade as an openly gay artist and lyrical activist.
By Brandon Voss
Mainstream musicians may continue to make headlines for coming out of the closet, but Eric Himan has been out and loud since his 2000 debut. Gearing up for a national tour to promote his seventh studio album, Supposed Unknown, which will be released May 2 on his own Thumbcrown Records label, the handsome, heavily tattooed Oklahoma-based singer-songwriter explains how the climate has changed for gay artists and why he has never been suited for American Idol.
The Advocate: Congratulations on Supposed Unknown. How does it compare to your past releases?
Eric Himan: It has to be the most relaxed disc I’ve ever made. I used to book studio time and try to cram all the recording, mixing, and mastering into a little less than a month. But this time I asked my friend, award-winning transgender singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet, if she would produce this CD in her home studio, so I was able to take my time. Namoli did an amazing job producing and mixing this with me, and it was mastered by Chris Bellman, who has mastered CDs like Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill, Ani DiFranco’s Dilate, and many more. There’s something special about collaborating with people that inspire you, and that makes this new disc stand out from the others.
What’s the significance of the album title?
The title comes from a lyric in my song, “You First” — “I am constantly given advice at my shows to enter contests on TV that rocket supposed unknowns to fame and to wealth that many never see. Am I still an American if that is not my dream?” Many times I get questioned because I don’t audition for shows like American Idol. Although I’d love the exposure to a wider audience, and I have no judgment for those who do audition, those shows aren’t for me. My goal isn’t to become the richest and most famous musician that I can be molded into; it is to make a consistent living and to continue growing as a working musician. Without the big push of a record label, publicists, and agents, I decided 10 years ago to become my own billboard, tour as much as I could, and put out CDs every year or so. Thanks to Ani DiFranco and other indies for showing me the way.
What was the inspiration behind “Dust,” the first single from the new album?
“Dust” is a song about the jealousy and competitiveness I’ve seen and sometimes felt in the music world. I love the albums from the ’60s where musicians backed each other up and didn’t make a big deal about it, and I hope to always have those relationships with my other singer-songwriter friends. But there are moments where opportunities knock for some and not for others, me included. So the song comes from those moments where I feel like I’m getting pretty far on my indie path, but then another musician takes the fast track, and I feel like I didn’t move one bit. I didn’t notice many songs that address this issue, so I decided to write one.
As he releases his seventh studio album, Supposed Unknown, grassroots folk-pop rocker Eric Himan looks back at his determined decade as an openly gay artist and lyrical activist.
By Brandon Voss
You’ve frankly explored gay themes and issues before in songs like “Love Shouldn’t Have to Hide,” “Little Boy Blue,” and “Protest Song.” Which track on the new album might resonate most with your gay audience?
I have focused on gay themes in the past because those issues were crossing my path, but with this disc it was a bit subtler. “You First” focuses on our leaders and how courageous it is to stand up for what’s right, knowing you’ll also make yourself a target for those who don’t agree with you. The last song on the CD, “Out in the Outer Banks,” has the most direct reference to the LGBT community. I wrote it after a trip to that [North Carolina] area last summer and had a great time performing there for a gay organization. There aren’t any gay bars there, so they organize an LGBT get-together every Sunday on one of the beaches. I’ll be returning this year for their very first Pridefest in June. Although they’re getting a bunch of resistance from non-supporters, they’re moving forward with the festival, and I’m proud to be a part.
More than a decade after your first CD, do you feel a responsibility to your gay audience to continue addressing gay themes and expressing your sexuality in your music, even if it means sacrificing some mainstream acceptance?
Because I have addressed gay themes in my songs throughout my career, I do feel that responsibility, and many have come to expect me to speak about it on each CD. I’m very proud of this fact, and I have never shied away for fear of not getting mainstream attention. My influences are songwriters who chose to address the problems they saw facing their communities, and I’m part of the LGBT community, - The Advocate
Discography
PLAYING CARDS (2015)
GRACEFULLY (2013)
SUPPOSED UNKNOWN (2011)
RESONATE (2008)
EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2007)
DARK HORSE (2005)
ALL FOR SHOW (2003)
I GO ON (2002)
ERIC HIMAN (2000)
Photos
Bio
- As heard on XM/Sirius The Coffee House (recorded live sessions for them, as well)
- Recently joined tours with Leon Russell (southeast US) and Ani DiFranco (northeast US)
- Recently added to HOLLISTER's In-Store Playlist nationally
- As seen in The Huffington Post, American Songwriter Magazine,Towleroad, Out Magazine, and The Advocate
- Opened for Patty Griffin, India.Arie, Leon Russell, Edwin McCain amongst others.
- Featured at Songwriter's Festivals around the country including the 30A Songwriter's Festival alongside Ani DiFranco, Loudon Wainwright III, Matthew Sweet and more.
- Endorsed by Fender Guitars
- Winner of The Singer/Songwriter Awards (WeAreListening.Org)
- Licensed songs to E!, MTV, Vh1, and The Discovery Channel.
- *Best of the Best-Okahoma Magazine three years in a row
- *Winner-Artist of the Year/Best Male Vocalist-Urban Tulsa Weekly's Music Awards
GRACEFULLY by Award-Winning nationally touring artist, Eric Himan, brings the songwriter/acoustic guitarist to a brand new place: the piano bench.
After releasing and selling his music (over 40,000 cds sold independently) through his record label, Thumbcrown Records, licensing original music to MTV, E!, and heavy rotation on satellite radio (SiriusXM's The Coffeehouse), Eric delivers his latest, GRACEFULLY, his most ambitious album to date. Well known for writing and performing on the acoustic guitar, GRACEFULLY is the first full album written and recorded with Eric on piano. A horn section, a new element in his recordings, was brought in and arranged by saxophonist, Ryan Tedder, with Dave Johnson on trumpet. This album has one last feature: the album was fully funded through his listeners via the crowd-sourcing website, PledgeMusic. Eric was able to bring in some heavy hitters such as drummer, Brandon Holder (current drummer for Leon Russell) and bassist Matt Hayes (Jacob Fred Jazz Odessey, Wayne Newton) thanks to the support of his many generous listeners. This album was recorded in Eric's hometown of Tulsa, OK by Rockwell Ripperger (of the platinum selling band, Stephen Speaks) and Brandon Holder, mixed by Ripperger, and mastered by the grammy-award winning Chris Bellman (Alanis Morissette, Ani DiFranco, Katy Perry) at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Los Angeles, CA.
A collection of songs gathered throughout the past three years, GRACEFULLY holds elements of pop, soul, rock, R&B, and even a bit of a latin feel with its entrance, RED HOT TEARS. WAITING FOR THUNDER inspired by the story of Malala Yousafzai, the 14 year old Pakistani student who was shot by the Taliban for promoting girls' education, brings the rock genre into light on GRACEFULLY. Other highlights of the album are the gospel tinged, HOW CAN YOU SLEEP?, bringing back the horn section for a swinging tale of love on its way out, the pop-driven-perfect-for-a-sunday-morning, EVERYTHING TO YOU, and the title track, GRACEFULLY, a tribute to Eric's grandmother, Grace, who raised Eric with his grandfather and father. Grace who passed away last Fall at the age of 97, led a full life of motherhood, a careers in photography, and at one time, a colorist for DC Comics in the 1930's. Smiling from the cover art of this new record, Grace gives the stamp of approval for the grandson she encouraged artistically as Eric puts it " to live life like you taught me, GRACEFULLY".
Band Members
Links