Eric Bolander Interviewby Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International
Lamitschka: Music has many new fans throughout
Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe
yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?
Answer: I grew up in a small town
of about 800 people in the Appalachian region of Kentucky before moving to
Lexington, KY (pop. Approx. 300,000) as a young man to attend college. I
began playing music and writing shortly after.
My current lyrical content includes references to my humble upbringing, love
for my 3 year old daughter, and discovery. I would say that my sound has a strong foundation
in Roots music. There are definitely
Americana/folk and country references and influences through out my music. Having a rock n roll background, I can’t help
but include a bit of that style within my music.
Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were
your highlights?
Answer: Well, 2020 has been
a rough go for us since mid March but prior to that we had spent some time in
the Lexington Recording Company studio with engineer and producer Duane Lundy back
in February. This has helped us get our new single out and plan for 1 or 2 more
singles for the remainder of this year.
Lamitschka: Your current single is being played by
radio. What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to
hear it?
Answer: I think that the new
single Magic Moon is sonically explosive and tells an interesting story. I believe folks that listen to it will be
taken on a musical journey into my mind and how my songwriting comes together
in layers.
Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have
over your music?
Answer: 100 percent control
as I write my own songs. My producer
Duane Lundy definitely has an influence once we bring songs into the studio and
helps add the last finishing touches on our sound.
Lamitschka: Who inspires you musically and how deep
do your musical roots run?
Answer: Much like most
singer songwriters, I have many musical influences. Currently my biggest are
John Moreland and Bruce Springsteen. My biggest non musical influence is my
dad. He passed away when I was 20 and
has been an ever present reference in my music.
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music
industry?
Answer: Honestly, I really
just want as many people as possible to hear my music. If streaming is the best way for that then so
be it. But there definitely needs to be
some musician friendly reform with how financial revenue is fairly shared.
Lamitschka: As an artist, you so many tasks such as
recording, touring, interviews. What do you like best, what’s your favorite
activity?
Answer: Without a doubt,
touring and playing in front of a crowd.
My bandmates are my close friends and when I get a chance to share that
experience with them, nothing beats it!
Lamitschka: Who is your biggest critic, yourself or
others?
Answer: Definitely myself!
Lamitschka: Many music fans today get their
information about artists online. Do you have your own website and what will
fans find there?
Answer: www.ericbolander.com
I’m also on Facebook, Instagram,
and Twitter
Lamitschka: What’s the best compliment a fan has
ever given you?
Answer: I had a few fans
over the years message me and tell me that one of my songs have helped them get
though a difficult time. Those all
really hit me hard and helped me realize that the struggle of being an
independent musician is worthwhile.
Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de ) for
Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Photo (c) by Kayvilla Blevins