Rollins Media

A self-described hard-working native of the South, Eric Durrance is a multi-talented, self-taught musician and soulful vocalist with moxie. The Tallahassee son (who divides his time between his farm in Florida and Nashville) is a well-rounded singer/songwriter who attributes his personal character and allure toward country music to his family and down-to-earth upbringing.

"I learned to play a little bit of everything. My stepfather was a drummer, guitarist, piano player and one heck of a singer, and my mom and grandfather taught me to sing harmony," Eric introduces. "My grandparents, who have been married for 53 years, are my ‘oak tree;’ they’re strong and faithful individuals who taught me to be honest and follow my heart and they just love George Jones! So, I’m at home in Country."

Early in his formative years as a musician, Eric gravitated toward the harmonious sound of The Eagles and the group’s song craftsmanship, while developing a genuine admiration and respect for some of country music’s legendary tunesmiths--Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, to name a few.

"I write music that comes from my heart," shares the prolific singer-songwriter. "I like to write music that puts body and soul out there and has a magical way of saying what everyone feels. I like to be real and I believe a good, honest song is the key to an artist’s success."

With an vocal delivery that achieves just the ideal balance between rebellion and Southern gentility, Durrance's music is wrought with "benn there, done that" messages of love, loss, hope and inspiration. His passionate delivery is a throwback to a sweeter time when country music was "simply" a musical story.

On his debut country album, Eric delivered a breath of fresh air to the genre--from the touching ballad "Angels Fly Away" and the piano-laced progression of "Life Is Hard," to the driving rhythm and modern-day lament found in"Turn It Off," which was a No. 17 video on Great American Country in 2009, thanks to fan votes.

Durrance's debut was co-produced by veteran Mark Bright and Teddy Gentry, who in addition to being renowned as the co-founding member of the super group Alabama and a musical wizard behind the board in the studio, prides himself on being a "hit hunter."

"I’m really a songwriter first and I always put the song first. Teddy and I were completely in tune with one another when it came to selecting the right songs for this project," Eric has said. "Like good wine, Teddy taught me that a good country song has to ‘breathe.’ I learned the importance of ‘tension and release,’" Eric said. "(And) when I worked with Mark, he pushed me to my full potential; I really learned to stretch my vocal range and his philosophy is to ‘mark’ your music ‘When it’s on, it’s on!’ ... "

With a July 4, 2009, concert in his home state that attracted more than 30,000, to his credit, Durrance currently is writing songs for his forthcoming album project that's set to be released in late 2009 or early 2010.