It's been a while, but Eric Himan, the award-winning independent singer-songwriter, will return to perform on January 10 at The Chapel in San Francisco, this time on a bill with The Gregory Douglass Band and Jeff Campbell. In a phone interview from his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the frequently-touring musician talked about his home-based 2015, the challenges of being an independent musician and a husband.
"I stopped touring because I needed to take a break," said Himan. He and his partner Ryan have been together since 2007. "And now we have a kid in the house."
Wait; a kid?
No, they didn't adopt, but the couple are hosting Ignacio, a 16-year-old foreign exchange student from Spain. A problem with his original nearby host led Himan and husband (whose aunt works for the exchange program) to host the teen, whose nickname is Nacho.
"He is such a good kid," said Himan. "He has his own bedroom, bathroom and his side of the house. But sometimes, it's not easy. Parenting is hard, especially when it's not your kid."
Himan said Nacho has adjusted to U.S. life, "He plays video games, excels at soccer, the usual stuff," and keeps in touch with his family. "You want to be his friend, but you have to be a sort of parent, too."
This is different for the often-roving musician who's performed across the country. From his solo shows at nightclubs and bars (Himan has played several San Francisco venues over the years), to touring with music icons Ani DiFranco, Patty Griffin and Leon Russell, to recording his latest EP in Nashville with renowned producers, has not been a homebody.
"Normally, I tour like crazy," said Himan of his schedule after releasing his latest album, Playing Cards , which as produced by Zac Maloy (The Nixons, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry).
"I got married legally in Oklahoma, which was huge," he said. "And I spent a lot of time performing in theatres. I came back from this super career high to not knowing what the next step is. I wanted to stick around with my husband. And then Nacho showed up. So it's kind of a different life."
We discussed the various ups and downs of being an independent artist. Himan successfully crowdfunded his recent album, but wonders how to continue the momentum while having to work so hard to create and promote his music.
photo: Josh New
"Music is usually something I'm always doing," said Himan, who is known for his unique covers as well as his original songs. His reputation as a professional led to recent requests to play in Louisville, Chicago and San Francisco.
At The Chapel, he'll share a bill with Gregory Douglass, who, with a nine-piece band, will perform all the songs on his latest album My Hero, The Enemy. Jeff Campbell is the third artist brought in by EBH Presents, a local company created by event producer Eric Hanson.
"It's hard to turn down awesome people who have a gig for me," said Himan. "It's been nice that I haven't fully stopped."
With a larger catalog of songs in his repertoire, Himan said he's hoping to assemble a new band format, like his recent group, Eric and The Adams. But for his next SF show, he'll be solo. Along with his new music, he may play a few older favorites.
"I'd rather play fan favorites than promote my new single," said Himan.
For now, it's about getting the word out. Only a few years ago, indie artists could promote themselves online and build a fanbase. Now, the playing field is crowded, to say the least.
Playing Cards.
"When it comes to promoting my art, I don't want to come off as disingenuous," he said. "But it's hard to compete, when everybody and their grandma has an Instagram account."
But with his talented colleagues sharing the bill, and The Chapel being a default popular venue, Himan is enthused about the concert.
"I think it's going to be a great night."
Eric Himan performs at The Chapel with the Gregory Douglass Band, and Jeff Campbell. Sunday, January 10. $15-$20 (VIP$75-$150). 7:30pm. 777 Valencia St. www.erichiman.com www.thechapelsf.com