Eric Roebuck is a 29-year-old singer-songwriter, guitarist, and keyboard player rooted in Huntington Beach, CA. For the past 15 years he has been grinding away in different garage bands, from country to rock to reggae groups, playing in every venue and dive bar in the area. With over a decade of touring, gigging, and recording under his belt, he is ready for something more. Keeping to his blues and rock roots, Eric has started a solo venture teaming up with some of the most talented players gathered over the years. With Ian Foreman (drums) Jeff Livingstone (bass), and Alex Vo (lead guitar) part of the mix, Eric and his band have set out to put together a nostalgic yet fresh and unique take on an old-school rock band.
Taking notes from guys like CCR, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Band, Dr. John, Little Feat, and Taj Mahal, Roebuck aims to twist these classic sounds into a modern era. Although labeled as a solo artist, Roebuck and his band tend to take more of an ensemble approach. “I’ve always looked at groups like The Band as something very special because of how those guys weaved their own personalities into the music so well,” says Roebuck. “It was a total group package, and everyone fit into their own roles. It’s so much more interesting that way. More natural. Things get too contrived and stale when it’s just the one dude making all of the decisions. No one wants to deal with that.”
Today Glide is excited to premiere Roebuck’s debut single, “Need a Change,” which is officially due out May 21st (PRE-ORDER). This guitar-driven journey incorporates plenty of bluesy licks and searing, stabbing solos. Reminiscent of groups like Gov’t Mule, the Black Keys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Neil Young, there is definitely a 70s rock and roll sound happening. Roebuck’s vocals are haunting and powerful, hitting you like a shot of whiskey that goes down easy with the help of one fiery guitar solo after another. This is the kind of thick, guitar-heavy blues-rock that is a rare commodity these days, especially when done in a way that feels natural and authentic.
Recorded in September of 2020, “The song embodied what I saw was going on personally and in the world around me at that time,” says Roebuck. “Things slipping into chaos and confusion. Not taking stock of what’s important and why. Almost like waiting for the whole thing to blow,and to then have to start to put the pieces back together.” The single was recorded at Jazz Cats studio in Long Beach, CA with local legend engineer Jonny Bell, and it features epic lead guitar solos by Alex Vo, Jeff Livingstone, and Henry James.
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Photo credit: Victoria Bailey
