As the countdown begins for the release of Flatwood Shakes’ debut single, Free From the Fire (dropping January 24th), we’re diving deep into the mind of Eric Blaine—the one-man force behind the project. In this blog, we explore Eric’s journey, his unexpected influences, and the creative process that has shaped the sound of Flatwood Shakes.
The Influence of Cinema Giants
When you think of rock music, the likes of John Williams, James Horner, and Hans Zimmer might not be the first names that come to mind. Yet, these legendary movie composers played a significant role in shaping Eric’s musical sensibilities. Growing up as a big fan of blockbuster films like Star Wars, Braveheart, and The Dark Knight, Eric was captivated by the way these composers used music to tell a story.
“It wasn’t just background noise; it was storytelling,” Eric explains. His love for orchestral scores led him to spend a decade studying music theory, harmony, and counterpoint. His stack of Hal Leonard orchestral scores became his textbooks, and for a time, his ultimate dream was to conduct an orchestra performing one of his original pieces.
While that dream never materialized, Eric credits this deep dive into orchestral music for giving him a unique perspective on composition. “Orchestral music is like painting with sound. Every instrument has its own color, and when you layer them together, it creates a massive emotional impact. That’s something I try to bring into my rock music—layers, dynamics, and storytelling.”
From Danny Elfman to the World of Rock
Eric’s journey from orchestral aspirations to rock music began with Danny Elfman. Known for his transition from the quirky rock band Oingo Boingo to composing iconic film scores, Elfman became a bridge for Eric. “Elfman showed me that you could blend rock’s energy with orchestral storytelling,” Eric shares. Inspired by this, he began studying rock bands with the same intensity he once reserved for symphonies.
The Rock Icons That Shaped Flatwood Shakes
Eric dove headfirst into the world of rock, drawing inspiration from legends like Metallica, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and the Foo Fighters. Here’s how each band shaped his sound:
- Metallica: “The Black Album was my gateway,” Eric recalls. “The raw power and unforgettable melodies hooked me immediately. Then, Load and Reload showed me how a band could evolve while staying true to their identity.”
- Nirvana: Eric describes Kurt Cobain’s music as “raw and unfiltered.” Albums like Nevermind and Bleach inspired him to channel vulnerability into his own songwriting. “It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real,” he says.
- Soundgarden: With Superunknown, Eric found a balance of heaviness and introspection. “Chris Cornell’s voice was otherworldly, and their ability to create music that’s both powerful and thought-provoking deeply influenced me.”
- Foo Fighters: “Dave Grohl’s energy and passion are infectious,” Eric says. Songs like “My Hero” and “Everlong” helped Eric find his voice as a songwriter, inspiring him to craft music that connects on a visceral level.
The Story Behind Free From the Fire
So, how do these influences come together in Flatwood Shakes’ debut single? Free From the Fire is a testament to resilience and independence. The song’s dynamic build, driving rhythms, and emotional lyrics reflect Eric’s journey of severing ties with the past and rising from the ashes. “I wanted it to feel like an anthem for anyone who’s ever had to break free and start over,” he says.
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