Eric Engblade is an accomplished and acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Engblade's "inspiring musicianship and songwriting"(John Sinkevics, localspins.com) led him to being selected as a finalist in the Great Lakes Song Writing Contest in 2009 for his song "Mission Accomplished"(www.GreatLakesSongs.com).
Growing up in Ludington, Michigan, Engblade frequently uses the natural beauty and history of the Great Lakes region as a reference for his "expertly crafted songwriting" (John Sinkevics, localspins.com). Throughout the year, Engblade can be seen performing as a part of benefit concerts that promote Great Lake clean water initiatives alongside other bookings in theaters, bars, breweries, private events, and music festivals.
At a very young age, Engblade was drawn to the music of "The Beatles, Bob Dylan, John Prine and John Hartford, (thanks to his father CatBob), while also embracing artists as wide-ranging as Nick Drake, Dave Matthews Band and Led Zeppelin, who've rubbed off on his music"(John Sinkevics, localspins.com).
For five years, Engblade fronted, booked, and managed the band The Northern Skies.The Northern Skies, who primarily played cities across the Midwest but also had an East Coast tour under its belt, released two albums to critical acclaim. The band's 2009 self titled release was called a "beautiful", "up-north, front porch masterpiece" (Recoil Magazine, Grand Rapids MI). Their 2012 release 'Thick As Thieves' was hailed as a "homegrown, handmade work of art" (On The Town, Grand Rapids, MI).
"Enhanced by multi-instrumentalist and lead singer Eric Engblade's songwriting"(John Sinkevics, localspins.com), the group's music was described by music critics, fans, venue owners, and local publications as energetic "bluegrass, Americana, and Celtic music that's been poured through an indie rock funnel to distill somethingthatsounds like a party out in the back yard. And yes, there is moonshine at that party" (Revue Magazine Grand Rapids, MI).
Continuing in that spirit, Eric Engblade has released a new 12 song LP featuring upright bassist Justin Avdek, trumpeter Brad Fritcher, cellist Max Morrison, and electric guitarist Justin Wierenga. Engblade continues to spread his "accessible","infectious", "eccentric", "off beat" and "danceable" Folk-Rock With Teeth while touring the Great Lakes Region and beyond (John Sinkevics, localspins.com).