Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Eric Thor

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

One of my earliest memories in music is watching the Monkees TV show as a kid. It was inspiring watching friends playing living together and playing music together. It inspired me to pursue being in a band. The Monkees also had great songs, so that was inspiring too.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I started writing bits of songs when I was a teenager, but I didn’t take it too seriously when I was young. However, I grew up listing to bands with great songs and great songwriters (Beatles, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon etc.), so I think that became part of my songwriting DNA as I got older. 

What’s the story behind your current music project?

I did my first solo project in 2019. That kind of sparked creative that produced another album in 2024 and now my latest release which is officially coming out in January o f 2026. This latest release is inspired by a lot of my influences (Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Eagles). 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I would describe my genre as Americana, but that genre is a generic term that covers a lot of musical ground. I would say my music has folk rock and country influences combined with a storytelling songwriting style. 

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

From a songwriting standpoint, I have learned not to give up a a song or idea too early. I think I used to believe there was some kind of unseen expiration date on a song idea and if I didn’t finish within that imaginary time frame, then the song was a lost cause. I have learned that isn’t true and songs can come quickly, but sometimes they evolve over a longer period of time. I have learned to keep working on a song and not give up too early. This approach has helped me over the last few years and it was jump started by that initial project in 2019.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

GarageBand software is my go to for creating demos. For me creating a demo to give my musicians a sense of the song is an important part of the preparation for live shows or before going into the studio. GarageBand allows me to get some of my ideas down, but leaving enough space and creative freedom and  for the musicians to add their own ideas and parts.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

I play music with a couple of other indie artists in Louisville right now (Nathan Donaldson and Andy Branton). I appreciate their music and we all support one another as well. Also, one of my favorite indie songwriters is Besides Daniel. Also, One of my favorite indie bands (The Lost Dogs) just released a new record and I am enjoying listening to that right now.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

Personal experiences are definitely a part of my songwriting ethic. My first record was actually based on my people, places and experiences growing up in a small town in Western NY. Even when a song is not really autobiographical, I tend to put personally meaningful lyrics within the songs when possible so that I have a point of connection. 

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope that my music feels honest and authentic. That people will connect when listening. There are some melancholy themes in my music and often I am dealing with the internal tension I feel between the reality of everyday life, in contrast to the more idealistic and lofty hopes and dreams. 

 What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

For me music is relational. I started playing music in my teens by playing bass in a band. I made and played with many talented musical friends over the years, and continue to do so. I love the interplay and communication that comes from playing music together. 

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

My dream venue no longer exists. I grew up seeing bands at the Surf Club in Bemus Point, NY. As a teenager it was always a goal to play at the Surf Club, but it no longer exists. Honestly like any artist I would hope to play at any venue where people who might like my music would be present. Maybe opening for another artist that I respect in a similar genre. I actually really like playing house concerts and listening room venues. I think my music works best in these settings. 

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I don’t really dream about collaboration, but there are certain artists that I would love for them to cover my songs. I had a song called Another Mystery Train that I thought would be great for Johnny Cash. I would love to have my music covered by others, that would be a honor. 

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? With this new record, I am relaunching under a new artist name. My new name will be Erik Thor. The new record is called Waiting for the Sun. It will be released on Bandcamp in January 2026, then will be added to all the streaming and download platforms in February. 

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I am hoping that the creativity and the songs keep coming. If the songs keep coming, I will keep making records and hopefully playing live shows. I am hoping that people will listen to the new record and that it will get the exposure and attention that I think it deserves. 

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope that listeners like the songs as much as I do. I know that music is subjective, but I am trying to connect with the people that will really like and appreciate my songs. I value good songwriting, so I am hoping that people will appreciate the songwriting and storytelling that I value as well. 

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