Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Hancock.
Hi Eric, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Eric Hancock, and I used to play in all original rock bands back in the day. After a 10-year layoff, I decided to put a band together and see what happens. Greg Sherman was a mutual friend and indicated he would be interested in playing the drums for the new band. Since then, he and I added one member at a time, and before long we started playing out.
We have played at House of Blues, 8th Wonder Brewery, Dan Electros, Jailhouse Saloon, the Antique Festival in Round Top, City of Sugarland, City of Palestine, The Strawberry Festival, Texas Typhoon, BFE Rock Club, Concert Pub North, and many others. We are also going to appear on Hank’s Think Tank podcast.
At present, the band includes Matthew Day – lead vocals and guitar, Eric Hancock – lead guitar and vocals, Robbie Espinor – bass guitar and vocals and Greg Sherman – drums and percussion. We play cover songs (mostly from the ’70s) but generally not all just the big hits. We play songs that we like first and foremost, with an emphasis on bands like Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, The Police, and Stone Temple Pilots.
We also endeavor to make the songs our own, and add ourselves to the music – our goal is not to sound exactly like the original artists but more like The Reverb Cartel doing their music! We love playing, and we all share a love and passion for music – that is why we do it!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have had to deal with a few flakes during the audition process – we’ve gone through something like (5) bass players. We have had band members that did not practice enough or take their responsibilities seriously – we won’t be the best band we can be, which means committing to the music! We rehearse every week and we expect each other to be prepared. Sometimes we’ve played gigs for almost no one in the audience
Finding the right venues to play can be a challenge. We are middle-aged now, and we’ve found that folks our age don’t go out every week to hear live music! Another thing I have had to learn is that things are a little different now than when they were 25 years ago – like how my body feels the day after hauling around a bunch of heavy equipment!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have worked hard to create my guitar tone; as a guitar player that is part of your unique sound. Not the least of which is your fingers! While we don’t play original music now, we take pride in our song selection.
When we play Pink Floyd music, I generally play the guitar parts and solos “note for note” – their guitar player (David Gilmour) has recorded some anthemic and incredible guitar solos, and I feel like I need to do them justice. I want the listener to feel like they are at a Pink Floyd concert.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Enthusiasm and commitment to excellence.
Pricing:
- $500 minimum for bars and clubs
- $800 minimum for private parties
- $20 T-shirts
- $10 bumper stickers
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thereverbcartel
- Facebook: @The Reverb Carte
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGTVH-aZpDM
