Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and Savannah blues legend Eric Culberson opens up about his early Savannah gig stories, near-electrocution moments onstage, and why he believes he’s already living his dream — and much more.
What first got you into music?
Had a musical family. Watching other family members playing guitar as a kid got me interested in it.
How would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time?
It’s difficult to describe what I would sound like to a first-time listener. I have no idea. With the band I would just say you know raw rock and roll and Blues. I’ve been doing a lot of acoustic stuff so that’s been fun. Playing a lot of recognizable songs you would hear on the radio everything. John Cougar Mellencamp, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Bob Seger, Billy Joel. Paul Simon and then I throw in some original blues and Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker. Either way I just like to have fun. People need an escape from the daily grind.
What’s a personal song of yours that holds special meaning?
“Ceiling Fan Blues” – I wrote that song when I was renting a room in a house over on East Hall street and I didn’t have AC, there was no internet, and no cell phones at the time. It tells a story of betrayal, loneliness, and brokenhearted frustration.
My guitar has introduced me to so many beautiful, amazing people and places.
How did you get started in the Savannah music scene?
I started playing in a place called Miss Billy’s on Franklin Square. Then it went to City Market, and then it really took off when Crossroads put me and the guys as the house band. From there I ended up owning Savannah Blues for 6 years. During that time I was playing everywhere from Maine to Key West and from Chicago to New Orleans and most points in between. My guitar has introduced me to so many beautiful amazing people and places.
What are your favorite Savannah venues to play, and why?
I don’t have any favorite venues to play, wherever I get to play is my favorite place. I enjoy outside in the Market, and on River Street because I get to play to people of all ages and demographics.
Which Savannah artists and/or musicians would you love to collaborate with?
The Savannah Music Collective is a great place to network and collaborate.
What are your thoughts on the current state of Savannah’s music scene?
The current state of Savannah’s music scene is pretty diverse now. There’s a lot of talent, and more venues popping up all the time. I’m thankful for business owners that include music and strive to incorporate that into what they’re doing.
What inspires your music lately?
Playing a lot of acoustic guitar has inspired me. That’s helping me become a better electric guitar player.
How do you prepare mentally for a live show?
I don’t really prepare mentally to be honest. I just go out and feel the vibe and go from there.
I just go out, feel the vibe, and go from there.
What’s a “guilty pleasure” song or artist you secretly love?
Sturgill Simpson.
What’s a funny or unexpected moment that’s happened to you onstage?
Almost getting electrocuted a few times, when my lip touched the microphone and I saw the Blue Flame. It’s not visible to anyone else.
If you could play ANYWHERE in Savannah — even a weird location — where would it be?
I wouldn’t mind doing a blues concert at the Enmarket Arena.
What’s a long-term dream or milestone you’re working toward as an artist?
It’s pretty much a way of life. The world opens itself up to you and I take it day to day. As far as a dream goes, I’m living it.
What’s next for you—new music, shows, or collaborations?
Doing a tribute to the three kings, BB King Freddie King and Albert King in May at Victory North with BB King’s drummer Tony Coleman and Bob Wilson who recorded Nashville Skyline with Dylan and also toured with Freddie King. Then we have all the local Usual Suspects up there too, so we have a 9-piece band. Kevin Rose on guitar, Eric Moore or Jon Hill on bass, Dominique Harris on drums and from the ATL Trent Patton, Justin Golding, Daniel Mastriani-Levi on horns.
What message would you give to your fans?
Couldn’t do it without you. Thanks for the love, it’s mutual.
As far as a dream goes, I’m living it.
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