Eric Riehle
Eric is a performing songwriter from the heart of God's country, the central-west lakes area of Minnesota.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I spent my youth traveling the country in various cover bands, mostly hard 80's style rock...No one anybody would remember, unless they were in those bands...It was a great education, and I was fortunate to have been in acts that opened for such notables as Cheap Trick, Robin Trower, Lita Ford, Wishbone Ash...
Since those days, I had delved in and out of the songwriting muse, never so seriously as the last two years or so. A turning point for me was after a performance of a song at a local talent show; my dad walked up afterward and said 5 simple words that changed my whole outlook on my craft: "You could SELL that song!!" My dedication to becoming a great songwriter really began there, amazing what a few words of acknowledgement can do, eh? I have no delusions concerning the competitiveness and "luck" involved in the business, but I never have the regret of not having given it my best shot...
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Occasional performances, acoustic/vocal, along with friends. I played professionally for several years, gave it up to pay the bills...I perform with a lady who I've known since childhood, an act we call "Stella & the Regular Joe"...This chick has the voice of the angels...Or the Sirens, dependant upon your philosophical position...
Your musical influences
I listen to virtually anything, find influence in it all.
What equipment do you use?
Seagull S6 Cedar acoustic, Spector NS2-A bass, custom built elec., Yamaha AW1600, Alesis XT ADAT, lots of outboard gear...
Anything else?
Yeah, please disregard the voice behind the curtain...
