Eric Himan by Eric Himan

Eric's Bio:

Where would we be without music? The musical landscape for singer songwriters has become homogenized as every major label looks for the next "big" thing, or to reproduce copy- cat success stories and overnight sensations. What do you do if you are a gifted performer who does not wish to conform to the standards of the industry? If you are Eric Himan, you follow your passion, looking for creative ways to express yourself through sound, and find non- traditional ways to deliver your message to those looking for something real.

Four short years, Eric Himan has begun to build his own reality. Eric Himan (released September 2000) began as an experiment. Eric wanted to provide his coffee shop and other live performance goers something to take with them when the lights went down. This bare, acoustic CD captures Eric's soulful roots. Eric Himan began to get passed around in the Northeast, friends started sharing with other friends, and people began to ask Eric to venture out of State College, PA and come to their towns to perform. It was also during this time that Eric began to play many collegiate events. He managed starting to regionally tour while still a full time student at Penn State University. Thumbcrown Records was born. Thumbcrown derived its name from the crown tattoo displayed on his right thumb. In less than 6 months, Eric sold over 500 copies of Eric Himan after shows and locally in State College. To date, Eric Himan is in its fourth printing and has sold over 2000 copies.

The road continued to call Eric, and he answered the call, playing over 40 colleges and numerous venues up and down the East Coast in 2001. Eric was beginning experience how others were able to find comfort and perspective through his songs. This inspired him to write vigorously and experiment with genres. He was ready to take more time in the studio and record I Go On (released September 2002). He desired to make a CD that reflected more truly his blues, jazz, and even bluegrass influences. His songwriting grew more introspective as he tackled topics such as discovering ones purpose and passion, family acceptance, the death penalty, and the complexity of relationships. Eric continued to tour incessantly and establish himself on the NACA circuit. Instinct Magazine was first to pick up Eric's story nationally and offered him at feature in their May 2003 edition. Fender Guitars also gave a nod to Eric and now lists him as an endorsed artist. Eric appears in the 2004 edition of Fender's Frontline Magazine.

Newly graduated from The Pennsylvania State University, Eric pursued the label and touring with drive. He began playing everywhere he could. In the summer of 2003, Eric played over 15 LGBT Pride events nationwide. Over 60 colleges hosted a performance from Eric, and copies of I Go On sold at a phenomenal rate. AAA radio begun spinning tracks off of I Go On and regional papers all over the country began to pick up Eric's story. With the momentum of coming off a fantastic touring experience, Eric again decided to make the album that was in his heart. Joining with long time friends, Steve Bentz and Nicole Steele, and teaming up again with Bill Filer of Audible Images Studio, they set out to make All For Show.

All For Show was a labor of love for Eric. It captures a time in Eric's life when he was faced with many challenges. This CD is different from his last two in both delivery and content. He took some risks on this CD that he hadn't previously, deciding to be more open and honest about who he is, and what his experiences were. OUT Magazine and Genre picked up the release of All for Show and featured Eric in their December 2003 editions. Additionally, regional papers nationwide also lent Eric coverage with the release of All For Show. Gay.com also featured Eric in a "celebrity qsat" in December 2003. On December 9, 2003 All For Show was released to an eager audience. Selling over 1000 copies in its first four weeks, it seemed that the risks Eric took in recording the CD have paid off. "This CD is different from my others. The more I write, the more I dive into myself and find things that connect me to everyone. To play these songs out now and

have listeners come up to me and tell me how closely related the songs are to their lives, just overwhelms me and makes me want to sing for them!" All For Show was listed as a "Top Sellers Now" on cdbaby.com for four straight weeks.

With national exposure and CD sales exploding, Eric decided to again do what he loves to do and hit the road to support the CD. Eric began his first true national tour stopping at many LGBT Youth Centers across the country, delivering his music, positive message, and dynamic personality to folks who were looking to connect with someone honest and not following any specific mold. Along with the LGBT Centers, Borders Books and Music took and interest in Eric and All For Show and are hosting performances and signings for Eric nationwide. Thumbcrown Records now has a major distributor, TNT Media Group.

To date, Eric looks to have a band join him on the road, and continue to grow as a musician and individual. Thumbcrown Records began for Eric as a way to make his dreams come true. He could not have imagined the impact that simply making music true to himself would have on so many.

Average Customer Review: