If you've got a project you'd like me to add some harp or keys to, let's talk! I can't wait to help you work on whatever you've got cookin'! E-mail me I charge a reasonable flat rate per song. I work fast, with your vision in mind. Send me your track and let's rock!
Eric Oblander is a powerhouse harmonica player and a founding member and front man of the Toledo, Ohio-based hard-driving rock band Five Horse Johnson. Since 2001, he has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, leading the band with his unmistakable voice and ferocious blues-infused harmonica style.
Beyond Five Horse Johnson, Eric is widely respected for his session work and live performances with influential acts including Clutch, Local H, Raging Slab, Big Chief, EMI Sunshine, Lionize and The Brought Low.
He is especially renowned for his iconic harmonica performance on Clutch’s breakout hit “Electric Worry,” which was recognized in 2021 by Kerrang! as one of the 13 greatest uses of harmonica in rock and metal (#2 Just behind Black Sabbath's The Wizard) cementing his status as one of the genre’s most influential modern harmonica players.
Eric's playing can also be heard on the video game Tony Hawk's Underground and the films The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia , and Baytown Outlaws as well as the television shows Dog The Bounty Hunter and Justified: City Primeval. Expanding beyond harmonica, Oblander has added Hammond organ, clavinet, and electric piano to his arsenal, lending his musical talents across genres ranging from hard rock, Alt-Country to Funk.
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Credits
Discogs verified credits for Eric Oblander- Big Chief
- Gone In Sixty Seconds
- Gone In Sixty Seconds
- Big Chief
- Various
- Five Horse Johnson
- Five Horse Johnson
- Thornetta Davis
- Various
- Various
- Five Horse Johnson
- Various
- Five Horse Johnson
- Halfway To Gone
- Various
- Five Horse Johnson
- Local H
- Five Horse Johnson
- Various
- Clutch (3)
- Clutch (3)
- Clutch (3)
- King Hobo
- Clutch (3)
- Clutch (3)
- The Brought Low
- Five Horse Johnson
- Five Horse Johnson
- Spearfish A Tribute To Jon English*
- Clutch (3)
- Local H
- Five Horse Johnson
- Five Horse Johnson
Interview with Eric Oblander
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Harmonica and Organ are blues only instruments. When in reality I've played all kinds of genres with both.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Read above.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Express your vision! Tell me what your want. What tones and feel your'e looking for.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: C, A, harps, green bullet, Fender Blues DeVille and Nord E6D
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been in bands my whole life. I started as a roadie for a famous punk rock band, then started my own band. my dad taught me how to play harmonica and it stuck. I have had the chance to tour all over the US, Europe and Australia for over 25 years.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Old school, ratty punk rock blues with a side of greasy funk.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to play harp and organ with Gorillaz. Endlessly cool.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Trust your instincts. If something sounds great (even if its a first try) keep it! Don't beat yourself up over working a song.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock, blues, country.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I can find the one. And give songs room to breathe.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I try to bring my many years of expertise, seasoned touring and recording history and a wide range of influences to each project.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I generally listen to the song I've been invited to contribute to several times to get the feel. Then I check the client notes, and start some simple tone checks. Then I work out the rhythms and notes and always try to come up with something unique.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Very simple set up. For harp I use a good mic (green bullet), a great studio mic and a small Fender amp. For keys I use a sporty Nord Electro 6D and a lovely1958 Hammon M3.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I have had the great honor to tour the world and record with my band Five Horse Johnson, as well as extensive touring and recording with the band Clutch. All of these guys are quality humans and the highest caliber musicians working.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I do a lot of harmonica and Hammond Organ flair for clients to spice songs up.
- HarmonicaAverage price - $70 per song
- Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $70 per song
