Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Engblade.
Eric, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a small beach town in West Michigan called Ludington. I was always a singer. My family tells the story about how when I was four or so I would sing church songs very loudly in grocery stores. I was accompanied by a recording of my dad on guitar while I sang “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan in my first school talent show when I was in third grade. My grandpa gave me my first guitar when I was eleven. I was in band and choir in high school and was encouraged and supported by my choir director, Becky Sopha, to explore music as a profession. I went to DePaul University and studied music and religious studies. During college I recorded two albums of original music and started performing. In 2008, I recorded my first full album in a recording studio. Fast forward to the present and I have released several albums, have toured the country, and teach at two different music studios. I continue to perform across the Great Lakes Region and am releasing a new album, Plant Our Trees Vol. 3 this late fall.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a musician or an artist is a constant struggle. Along with financial concerns and being away from family for gigs,I feel like Im in constant existential crisis. However, what grounds me is my work with young people and their families and viewing my job as a waybto build community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist (Guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, and percussion), a performer, and a teacher. I am very proud of my albums that I have recorded, some of the venues I’ve played, and artists I’ve shared the stage with. However, I am most proud of the work I do with children. I teach all of the aforementioned instruments at Ada Conservatory of Music in Ada, MI. I also teach Music Together classes at Joyful Sounds Music Studio in Grabd Rapids, MI for 0-4 year olds and their caregivers. Passing on music to the next generation is truly a joy in my life. In a whole that seems to be ever moving toward a future that’s dependent on computers and screens, it is my honor to pass on a love of music to others. Music and art is what makes us human and I’ve personally seen it change lives.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love video games and I love music. However, the video game “Guitar Hero” is super hard for me! My wife Tammy got pretty good at it back when it was the new thing….good enough to beat me most of the time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericengblade.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ericengblade
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/ericengblade
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/ericengblasw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ericengblade
