Eric Johanson Releases New Video ‘Just Like New’
New Orleans rock / blues artist Eric Johanson has just released a video for his song “Just Like New” from his latest album, The Deep And The Dirty, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts. This weekend he kicks off his Don’t Hold Back Tour.
As Johanson embarks on his headlining Don’t Hold Back Tour 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.
Once again, Johanson proves his mettle as a multi-talented guitarist, singer and songwriter. Whether performing electric rock-blues or acoustic blues, Johanson is ascending to the top as we speak.
“’Just Like New’ is a song I wrote while trying to reset my frame of mind, and refocus myself on the present moment,” Johanson shares. “It’s so easy to get carried away by your own thoughts, or worries, or just the speed of modern life. It’s important for me to try and recognize when I’m getting lost in all that, and remember that I can come back to the here and now, the feeling of sun on my face, or the sound of the music. Things really can be brand new again.”
Watch “Just Like New”
This weekend Johanson embarks on the first leg of his 2024 Don’t Hold Back Tour, headlining venues throughout the Midwest, after extensive tours last year supporting Samantha Fish. This year will see Johanson and his band performing across the US, as well as touring Europe for the first time. For Tour Dates See Here
Johanson’s musical journey began at an early age when he received his first guitar at age 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.
Tickets and Info See HERE
Don’t Hold Back Tour 2024 Upcoming Dates:
• 1/27 – Decatur, AL – Princess Theatre
• 2/1 – Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe
• 2/3 – Cleveland, OH – The Treelawn
• 2/4 – Rochester, MI – The Roxy
• 2/5 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
• 2/6 – Evanston, IL – Space
• 2/7 – Minneapolis, MN – The Dakota
• 2/8 – St Louis, MO – Blue Strawberry
• 2/9 – Kansas City, MO – Knuckleheads
• 2/24 – New Orleans, LA – Maple Leaf
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