Eric Bettencourt

Eric has just released his fourth CD release of the year, This Big House. It is a three song EP of which the title track will be available as a free download for a limited time.

The song, This Big House, is actually the third version of this song. The first was a solo acoustic demo version, which was recorded and filmed at the same time for youtube. It was included on the Two Wine Glasses/The Fear EP, which dropped in July. The second version was made for the movie, "Come to Know", which was made by the Maine Film Collaborative. (Read the previous news post for more info.)

The newest version, of which you can download for free for a limited time, is a completely new take with a slightly more upbeat tempo. Singer/songwriter Amanda Gervasi (Gypsy Tailwind) sings the backing vocals while Charles C. Gagne (Dominic and the Lucid, Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia) play drums on the track. Everything else you hear, the guitars, banjo, and bass were all played by Eric.

Liza Jane is an old, traditional tune which Eric was inspired to record after hearing The Wood Brothers cover of it. Ryan Cyr, Erics Giraffe Attack band mate, sings the background harmonies.

The third song, My Lady Tuesday, is the final take on an acoustic, instrumental piece that has been evolving for almost ten years.

The purchased CD of this includes the alternate version of This Big House, which was used on the "Come to Know" soundtrack.

Listen to the songs and/or buy them here: www.eric-bettencourt.com/tunes

This Big House EP:
Produced by Eric Bettencourt
All songs written by Eric Bettencourt except Track Liza Jane (Traditional arranged by Eric Bettencourt)
Recorded by Eric Bettencourt except drums on This Big House, by Billy Slifka, Bipolar Studio
Mixed by Eric Bettencourt and James Whalen, Shadow Shine Studios
Mastered by Jim Begley, The Studio
Cover art and design by Liza Kelley
Published by Shadow Shine Publishing
Copyright © 2009 Shadow Shine Records

The Portland Music Foundation invited Eric to be on a panel discussing home recording.

When: Wednesday the 11 of November.
Time: 6pm
Where: Space Gallery, Congress Street Portland.

Click here for more details.

Picture from The Giraffe Attack Collection CD release  now on mainetoday.com. All photos by Cara Slifka. 

(Click here to view)

I know it has only been eight months since the release of my debut record, Fine Old World, but this announcement is to let you know that my next full-length album, The Giraffe Attack Collection, will be available on September 15, 2009.

The following is a little bit about the album and the years leading up to it.

Almost four years ago, I purchased a modest recording setup with the intention of finally recording some of my many original songs. Basically I started two projects at the same time. First, I started an album consisting of tunes that were either too mellow for the live pub setting or too tough to pull off in my three-piece rock band, Giraffe Attack; this group of songs became my debut album, Fine Old World, released in January 2009. The other collection of songs I started recording were ones that I played live with Giraffe Attack; they are more upbeat, possible to pull off in a three-piece band, and tend to keep people rocking when played live.

In March 2007, Giraffe Attack released a limited-run EP, Nation.Stonewalled. The original plan for the full-length Giraffe Attack recorded album was to split the record down the middle: half would be my music, the other half would be original compositions by Ryan Cyr, Giraffe Attack drummer and vocalist. In this fashion, Nation.Stonewalled includes Ryan's original tune, "Nation", and my original, "Stonewalled" (which also appears on The Giraffe Attack Collection). Recording for many of the other songs were started (and some even finished) early on, but as time has worn on, our individual musical goals in Giraffe Attack changed. After seeing the immense amount of work and preparation that went into releasing Fine Old World, the band members decided to instead release individual, solo albums. Though not recording as a group, Giraffe Attack nevertheless continues to be a fun rock and roll cover band, playing to rowdy crowds all over Southern Maine.

Needless to say, although The Giraffe Attack Collection bears only my name, it would not be the same record (or even done for that matter) if it weren't for the skills and input of Ryan Cyr and Chris "Cheese" Chasse, my fellow band mates of Giraffe Attack. At this time I'm helping Ryan to finish the songs he has started to be included on his upcoming debut record.

The Giraffe Attack Collection will be available for download on September 15th from online retailers such as iTunes and Amazon.com. CD's will also be available in most Bullmoose Music stores and either CD's or downloads are always available directly from my website. (For cheaper than anywhere else!!!)

CD release Party Details:
With special guests
Giraffe Attack
Jacob Augustine
Amanda Gervasi

Empire Dine and Dance
September 19, 2009
$5 advance $8 door
21+