Eric Johanson
Eric Johanson stands at the forefront of modern blues music with his groundbreaking album, The Deep and the Dirty. Released in July 2023 on Ruf Records, his album skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Blues charts, cementing Johanson's status as a trailblazing force in contemporary blues.
As Johanson embarks on his headlining tour in 2024, following an electrifying run on the Death Wish Blues tour with Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to musical authenticity continue to captivate audiences nationwide. He stands as a beacon of modern blues, redefining the genre's boundaries while staying true to its soulful essence.
His musical journey began at an early age when he received his first guitar at five, quickly becoming a self-taught prodigy. Embracing blues legends like Freddie King and Robert Johnson, he honed his craft on regional blues stages, sharing space with seasoned musicians from New Orleans to Memphis' Beale Street. Yet, his musical influences extended beyond traditional blues, drawing inspiration from diverse genres such as rock acts like Tool, Soundgarden, and Nine Inch Nails.
Time living abroad further broadened Eric’s musical horizons, shaping his eclectic approach. Settling back in New Orleans, he fused his myriad influences into a distinctive musical style that defied conventional genre boundaries. His solo albums, notably 2017's Burn It Down, introduced audiences to this unique amalgamation of blues, rock, and funk elements while his work as a sideman for acts like Cyril Neville kept his guitar skills razor-sharp.
The Deep and the Dirty, produced by Jesse Dayton, exemplifies Johanson's musical evolution. This album showcases sharp songwriting and incendiary guitar work, earning critical acclaim for its boundary-pushing style. Guitar Player lauded his "electric whiz" persona, praising his prowess on both acoustic and electric fronts, while American Songwriter drew parallels between Johanson and Hendrix, acknowledging his ability to push the blues/rock boundaries with compelling melodies and lyrics.
The album's tracks offer a diverse sonic landscape, from the fuzz-laden energy of "Don't Hold Back" to the raw, Delta blues-infused sounds of "Just Like New." It seamlessly weaves together roadhouse roots-rock in "Undertow" and introspective, bluesy Americana in "Familiar Sound." Each song resonates with Johanson's commitment to authenticity and self-expression, a testament to his refusal to be confined by musical norms.
Eric Johanson's philosophy reflects his dedication to genuine musical expression: "Music is a way for me to try and make sense of my world and myself." His latest release, "The Deep and the Dirty," encapsulates this ethos, representing a dynamic fusion of his myriad influences. It's an album that embraces the rawness and humanity of blues while fearlessly venturing into new sonic territories.
Balkun Brothers
Balkun Brothers is a sibling rock band from Hartford, CT. Brothers, Steve and Nick, grew up in a household filled with music and they have been playing together since their early teens. The band has been featured alongside acts such as Gary Clark Jr., Johnny Winter, Anvil, Joe Bonamassa, George Lynch, Chris Robinson, James Cotton, Gogol Bordello, Devon Allman, Melvin Seals and JGB, The Mike Dillon Band, Dub Trio, Dopapod and many more. The duo has also been featured on major festival line-ups alongside The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Linkin Park, Motley Crüe, Alice Cooper, Slayer, Iggy Pop and Elvin Bishop.
Balkun Brothers has been a band for over a decade and was voted 'Best Rock Band in New England' at the 2017 New England Music Awards. Steve Balkun was also hand selected by Joe Bonamassa to join him on stage in Los Angeles, CA as part of the Guitar Center Blues Masters competition in 2013 after being voted a grand finalist at the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
On their mission to spread rock n' roll across the universe, the brothers have toured extensively throughout the United States from coast to coast. The band has also completed six European tours since 2015, performing in Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and France.