2016 CCMA Discovery Program winner, Eric Ethridge released his debut single, “Liquor’s Callin’ the Shots” via (iTunes and Spotify)
The single was produced by JUNO Award-winner Brian Howes. Ethridge has built his momentum in the country music scene after the release of a series of country-pop music videos in 2015, which landed him a mention in Rolling Stone Magazine. He was also a runner-up in the Boots & Hearts emerging artist showcase and has since went on to win top prize in the highly coveted CCMA Discovery Program in 2016.
In addition, Ethridge has gone on to share the stage with major acts such as Brett Kissel, Eric Church, Emerson Drive, Chad Brownlee, Randy Houser, The Brothers Osborne, Chris Young, Billy Currington, Thomas Rhett, Kip Moore, Jess Moskaluke, and Florida Georgia Line.
Ethridge is currently working with several producers: Jeff Coplan, Todd Clarke, and Brian Howes on his debut EP which is slated for release later this year.
We had an opportunity to interview Eric.
Jenn-You were runner up in the Boots & Hearts emerging artist showcase and have since went on to win top prize in the CCMA Discovery Program in 2016. How did that feel?
Eric- The CCMA Discovery Program was an amazing opportunity. Winning the award was definitely a shock, and a great honour! Earlier in 2016, the CCMA had brought the final six acts down to Toronto to meet and learn from a multitude of industry professionals. They also went though the key aspects of being an artist in the Canadian music industry. As a young artist, often you make decisions in situations where there is really no clear right answer. Being selected for the CCMA Discovery Program was very humbling, and really helped to re-assure my decision making as an artist. For that I’m sincerely grateful!
Jenn-Who are some people who influence you musically?
Eric- Although I’ve been influenced by all types of genres and artists through the years, I would say that overall I’m influenced by artists who like to take risks and push boundaries. I love listening to artists like Eric Church, Keith Urban, The Brothers Osborne, and Sam Hunt. All of them seem to have a brand that is unique, but also somehow manages to stay authentic, even as it evolves over time.
Jenn-Congratulations on your debut single “Liquor’s Callin’the Shots”. Did you write it yourself?
Eric- Thank you! I co-wrote it actually in L.A. with Brian Howes, Jason Van Poederooyen, and Nolan Sipe.
Jenn-You are currently working on your debut EP which is slated for release later this year. What is it like to work with producers Jeff Coplan, Todd Clarke and Brian Howes?
Eric- It’s great having an opportunity to work with such high level producers. I have learned a lot from each of them and each of them bring something unique to the table. For my EP however, I’ll pretty much be working only with Brian Howes on the project now. It has been really interesting to see how each producer’s creative process works, and how they each take different approaches to arrive at the end result.
Jenn-Do you have a favourite track from the EP?
Eric-I don’t know if I have a favourite track per se…I like each track for a different reason for sure. Unfortunately, I can’t quite tell you what they are yet 🙂
Jenn-Do you have plans of any kind of tour after your EP is released?
Eric- Although there are no specific tour dates yet, once the EP is released I definitely plan on promoting it all over the country! In the mean time, we should have 2 or 3 singles released by that point!
Jenn-Last question, do you have any plans to come to the East Coast?
Eric- I just got back from the East Coast actually! I had such a great time visiting the radio stations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. I would love an opportunity to play Cavendish someday as well! I may even just come out and tour around solo, as I wish I could have stayed on the east coast longer!
www.ericethridge.com
Twitter: @EricEthridge
Instagram: @ericethridgemusic
Facebook: /ericethridgemusic
