We were lucky to catch up with Tommy Erickson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tommy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
The first dollar I ever earned playing music was in Bay City, MI (Home of Madonna!). There was a venue at the time called Salem Rock and the event was a concert thrown by the legendary Bryan Hampton.
Bryan, who along with his wife Julie, always put on all ages concerts that gave kids a chance to cut their teeth and have a positive experience within the music scene. Great times!
Tommy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Tommy Erickson, I sing and play guitar for the band Slumlord Radio – out of Grand Rapids (which started when I moved back to Michigan.) I started playing guitar at 13, taking lessons at Midi-to-Go in Flint, MI with the legend himself Dan Flowers and have been at it ever since!
When Slumlord Radio formed, we had a goal to be the dive bar rock heroes and pay off some gambling debts (which we are getting close to achieving!). I think for us it is important to facilitate having a good time, whether it be a live setting or if they are listening to a recording of ours. We definitely pride ourselves on both and try our best to show the upmost appreciation for anyone who is willing to spend their time to do anything to check us out!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Simple things really, If you enjoy someone’s work – share it with others that you think will enjoy it too. Word of mouth, social media sharing and suggestions is still the best way to help foster some ones creative endeavors/growth. Of course keeping arts and music programs in schools, etc. is also a great way to keep people engaged and learning about how to start their creative journey.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
You know, as silly as it sounds – the driving mission behind it all is to have the best time possible, meet some great folks, and to create some great memories. If not that, a lot of joints I play music at have pool tables, maybe learn to be a pool shark at that at least!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slumlordradio.bandcamp.com/track/til-the-wheels-fall-off
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slumlordradio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlumlordRadioMI/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/slumlord_radio
- Youtube: youtube.com/slumlordradio
Image Credits
1. Chuck Marshall | Life in Michigan | Michigan Winter Beerfest 2. Cheyenne Commerford | The Machine Shop – Flint, MI 3. Jeff Brinn | Ultra Michigan 4. Jordan Kolberg | 20 Monroe Live – Grand Rapids, MI 5. Richard Blondy | New Dodge – Hammtramck, MI 6. Teresa O’ Riley | Festival of the Arts GR 7. Ann McCarty | Mulligans Pub – Grand Rapids, MI 8. Leah Todd | 20 Monroe Live – Grand Rapids, MI