Eric Bettencourt, a singer-songwriter from Portland, Maine, is neither typical nor traditional in his songwriting craft. He has a voracious appetite for quality lyrics, rhythm, and melody which leads him to cite influences ranging from icons of rock like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Guns N' Roses, and Bob Dylan to well respected modern artists such as Ray Lamontagne, The Wood Brothers, Iron and Wine, the White Stripes and M. Ward. Fortunately for his ever-increasing fan base, Eric is able to isolate the most endearing qualities of musicians he respects and fuse them seamlessly into his own unique sound.
Tantamount to his writing is the creation of a new auditory experience through song. Within this, however, he uses the laws of musical attraction to create a universally emotional draw. Eric's strength is his passion for creating music that deeply touches the listener while at the same time sustaining a sense of reassuring familiarity.
His debut album, Fine Old World, released January 10, 2009, is testament to his integrity and skill as a songwriter. Please read more about the record here.
Aside from the solo singer-songwriter act, Eric plays lead guitar and sings in popular local band Giraffe Attack. He also plays his original music with a full band dubbed the Eric Bettencourt Group. Over the last few years, he has begun dabbling in the art of recording and producing- his debut album was self-recorded and produced- and he runs a modest studio out of his home. Eric is currently producing albums for several local artists. One of many projects on the horizon is his second full-length release, which will hopefully be completed late in 2009.
Shadow Shine LLC, a production company the ever-driven Bettencourt recently incorporated, will encompass a record label, publishing company, and booking agency, and will maintain his continuously growing studio recording operation. www.shadowshine.com
For the past five years, Eric's bread and butter has been teaching to enthusiastic guitar students. If interested in signing up for guitar or bass lessons, please click here.
