Tx2Tn Podcast Ep 155 with Erick Willis

Erick Willis is a Texas-based singer-songwriter known for his blend of country, roots-rock, and soulful melodies, often drawing from personal experiences and his rural upbringing. Born and raised in Henrietta, Texas, Willis discovered his love for music early on, singing in church choirs with his grandmother starting at age five and participating in holiday specials. He credits his single mother for instilling a strong work ethic, while her affinity for hard rock bands like AC/DC, Whitesnake, and Journey influenced his sound, alongside his grandfather’s introduction to classic country music. Willis began performing young, appearing in local talent shows, opry events like the Texasville Opry and Johnny High’s Country Music Show, and taking voice lessons before shifting focus to sports in his teens. Reigniting his passion in high school through a guitar class, Willis started writing his own songs and performing at open mics during college, quickly transitioning to paid gigs. He released his debut self-titled EP in 2012, followed by EP Spring ‘13 in 2013, marking his entry into the Texas music scene with a style that mixes heartfelt, Texas-inspired lyrics with roots-rock grooves and occasional gravelly vocals. His full-length albums include Please (2014), Flood Gate (featuring tracks like “I Can’t Stop,” “Tensaw,” and “Keep You Forever”), and the recent Day & Night (2025), which includes songs such as “Give Us Your Money,” “You Really Hate Me,” “Alabama,” and “Thoughts and Prayers.”   Willis has built a dedicated following through organic growth, performing around 150 shows annually across the U.S., both solo and with his band, emphasizing authentic connections with audiences. Influenced by a mix of church music, hard rock, and golden-age country, Willis’s work often explores themes of life, relationships, and perseverance, earning him praise for his smooth voice and emotional depth. As of 2025, he’s actively touring to promote Day & Night, with recent performances at venues like Bluelight Live, The Post in Fort Worth, and festivals such as Caveman Music Festival, alongside upcoming shows in Texas locations like Granbury. Willis continues to engage fans via social media and live events, focusing on spreading his music and maintaining a genuine presence in the independent country scene.