Eric Johanson blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that’s dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, roots, blues, and modern influences. His playing is expressive without being flashy—riff-driven and rhythmic one moment, fluid and melodic the next—always serving the song rather than overpowering it. There’s a rawness to his sound, but also a sense of purpose, pulling from the weight of tradition while pushing toward something new. Whether channeling the swampy pulse of his New Orleans home or leaning into heavier, fuzz-laden textures, Johanson’s music strikes a balance between grit and finesse, power and restraint. As American Songwriter puts it, he “displays his guitar prowess but within the borders of melodies and lyrics that push the boundaries of blues/rock… searing guitar work, and persuasive songwriting.”
His latest album, The Deep and the Dirty (2023), debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart and solidified Johanson as one of the most compelling guitar-driven artists today. Since its release, he has been on a whirlwind tour, playing over 100 cities and 10 countries in 2024 alone. The buzz surrounding him continues to grow—he was named one of Guitar Player Magazine's 25 Best New Blues Guitarists and earned a spot in Total Guitar Magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Blues Guitarists of All Time. Industry veteran Bob Lefsetz remarked, “It’s like he digested all the music of the sixties—just like those musicians listened to the progenitors—and kept the flame a-burnin’. This guy has a place in the firmament.”
Born and raised in Louisiana, Johanson’s roots run deep in the blues and rock traditions. His early years were spent performing at local venues and leading underground rock bands, developing a sound that blended the heaviness of rock with the emotional depth of blues. After a stint living overseas and further refining his approach, he returned to New Orleans and quickly became a sought-after guitarist, known for his ability to merge Southern roots with a forward-thinking edge.
His breakout moment came when blues luminary Tab Benoit signed him to Whiskey Bayou Records and produced Johanson’s debut solo album, Burn It Down (2017). The album introduced him as a serious guitarist with an ear for strong songwriting, leading to a two-year tour with Benoit himself playing drums in Johanson’s band during his opening sets. From there, his sound evolved further, catching the attention of Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), who produced Johanson’s second album, Below Sea Level (2020). That record marked a creative shift—darker, heavier, and more introspective—solidifying his identity as an artist willing to push boundaries rather than stay confined to a single genre.
With a growing international following and a relentless drive to create, Eric Johanson isn’t just a standout guitarist—he’s an artist carving out his own lane, redefining the space between rock, blues, and everything in between.
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