Eric Johanson (US/Full Band)

Eric Johanson is not your typical rock or blues artist. His music strikes a compelling balance between gritty rock intensity and deep blues emotion, delivering a sound that feels both raw and refreshingly original. Johanson’s skillful guitar playing and distinctive voice form a captivating blend that is drawing increasing attention from audiences and critics alike. His newest album, The Deep And The Dirty (2023), continues to make waves, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Since its release, Johanson has been on a whirlwind tour, hitting stages across the US and Europe in over ten countries. The buzz around him is real—he was named one of Guitar Player magazine’s 25 best new blues guitarists and earned a spot in Total Guitar magazine’s Top 50 blues guitarists of all time.

It wasn’t long before his unique style caught the eye of blues luminary Tab Benoit. Benoit signed Johanson to his new Whiskey Bayou record label, producing Johanson’s debut solo record, Burn It Down (2017). The album established Johanson as a skilled guitarist with a deep connection to blues traditions, yet also someone unafraid to push boundaries. The two embarked on a two-year tour, with Benoit himself playing drums in Johanson’s band during his opening sets. Johanson’s sound soon gained the attention of Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), who produced Johanson’s sophomore album, Below Sea Level (2020). The album marked a creative leap for Johanson, combining raw, emotional songwriting with heavier guitar tones and darker, more introspective themes. For his most recent album, The Deep And The Dirty, Johanson teamed up with producer Jesse Dayton, crafting what many critics are calling his strongest work yet. The album’s raw, powerful sound and masterful guitar playing are further illuminated by meaningful and catchy songwriting. As American Songwriter put it, “Johanson pens solid material that, like Hendrix, displays his guitar prowess but within the borders of melodies and lyrics that push the boundaries of blues/rock.”