Conversations with Eric Dodd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Dodd. 

Hi Eric, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
It’s great to talk with y’all. My journey in the music business began at church in my hometown of Greensboro, Georgia braving the occasional solo in the kids’ choir. Years later, when I was just 11 years young, Santa delivered my first guitar for Christmas. A year or two into taking lessons, I decided I wanted to write my own original songs, and fell in love with that feeling of having something I created. Fast forward several years to high school, and I joined my first band, and from time to time, still perform music with those same guys. Further down the road to college, I launched my career as a solo artist and after studying Music Business and graduating from the University of Georgia, I hit the road playing over 100 shows per year around the southeast.

In 2014, I took the inevitable leap of faith and moved to Nashville to continue my pursuit as a singer-songwriter. My goal was to sign a publishing deal and accomplished that in year 2. Currently, I have over 700 songs in my catalog.

Most recently, alongside a long-time friend, we launched a startup called Oconee Music Foundry: A Live Events and Artist Development Company. We have had success curating private “singer-songwriter in the round” events around the southeast. The elevator pitch is “bringing Nashville stories and songs to you.” In addition to this business, we have added an artist development arm under the Oconee Music Foundry umbrella where we walk alongside artists to navigate the business and ultimately grow their careers.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Like so many, the “music business road” has been difficult at times, but it has never failed to grant me many smooth miles right when I am on the verge of moving on from the music business, songwriting, performing, etc. I have been fortunate to make a comfortable living since going full-time in the music business, but that is from working hard and planning ahead to anticipate the downtimes and slower months. I have had to make many sacrifices and have had to miss so many important life events such as friends’ weddings, special occasions with family, and simply having a weekend off. The hustle and struggle are real, but are certainly worth it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer-songwriter and music business executive originally from Greensboro, Georgia, calling Nashville, Tennessee home for eight years now.

I specialize in songwriting for myself and other artists, live performances, curating live events, and also managing new artists.

I am known for being a romantic with a wild heart and am most proud of a song I wrote for my wife called “The Reason” that recently hit 4 millions streams across all Digital Streaming Platforms and the music video climbed its way to number one on CMT’s 12 Pack Countdown.

I have been told what sets me apart is my work ethic and tenacity. I may not be the most talented singer, but I make up for any deficits with hard work and always trying to write a great, impactful song. I love what I do, and I do many things in the music business. Lots of people think that we just show up and it’s all ready to roll, but the reality is: I curate shows for myself and others, I am co-managing a young female artist, I write around 100 songs per year for myself and other artists and pride myself in being present when I am off work and at home with my family.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always looking to co-write songs with other passionate songwriters and new artists. You can find my music on all Digital streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Pandora.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericdoddmusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ericdoddmusic
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ericdoddmusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/ericdoddofficial
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ericdoddmusic

Image Credits
Matthew Berinato
Holley Sue Harbuck