Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Vasquez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eric, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
At the age of 10, I saw my first Pompadour hair cut on the cover of a Muddy Waters album. I remember, listening to the record and not only being extremely moved by the music but also mesmerized by their clothes & style. I immediately asked my mom to take me out to get a Pompadour haircut, which she responded, “That haircut is not cheap, better get yourself a job.” Twenty-eight years later, I still have a Pompadour, and it is sponsored by Haarschnitts Men’s Grooming in Gruene, Tx.
Sure, I get some strange looks with my razor-sharp chops & sky-high hair, but as a working-class musician, it has opened more than a few doors for me. Having your own image and standing out from the crowd is just as important as honing your craft. I have always been turned off by backward baseball hats and shorts onstage, dressing dapper and looking professional is very important to me. I was recently Endorsed by Old Chap Men’s Wear in Fort Worth, Tx for my Stage Clothes. Old Chap is Menswear inspired by the working class of the late 1800’s through WWII. Each garment is handmade by JD, himself, no mass production here.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Since our last interview, some big things have happened. As an artist (Booker-E on Drums), I have acquired Endorsements from Pork Pie Percussion, Soletone Cymbals, & Cooper Groove Grips Drumsticks. I am also looking forward to starting Audio Engineering classes this Fall at Grammy Award winning, Marius Perron’s Audio EnginEARing School in San Antonio.
Starting January 2023, I became the drummer and backup vocalist for touring Rockabilly band, Two Tons of Steel. The first time I saw Two Tons, I was 16 years old at Gruene Hall, it was also the first time I two-stepped with a girl. The energy of the band and all the dancers blew me away. It seems like a dream to be playing in the same band over 22 years later.
When not on the road, I continue to play with my personal band, The Prairie Rattlers with Danimal Johnson (Hank3). The Prairie Rattlers have had the pleasure of playing with some amazing musicians this year including Joe Bass Miller (Reckless Kelly), Chris Crepps (Dale Watson), & Vance Hazen (The Georges). The Prairie Rattlers recently recorded with up-and-coming artist, Tasman Sharp on his new EP at Dup Studios in Burnett, with Danimal Johnson producing the EP.
My booking company, Booker-E Entertainment & The New Braunfels Pinups have an amazing event in the works for 2024. The 2nd Annual Hill Country Rockabilly Weekender will be coming to New Braunfels May 17-19, 2024. The Hill Country Rockabilly Weekender is 3 fun filled days 0f Rockabilly Music and themed events in the beautiful Hill Country of New Braunfels. Headliners will include The Prairie Rattlers, Two Tons of Steel & Dale Watson. Located 0n the Guadalupe River, at Mountain Breeze Campground on River Road, the festival is fun for the whole family. We are currently looking for Sponsors & Vendors for this 3-Day event. For more information check out the website at hillcountryrockabillyweekender.com or Facebook & Instagram.
While some may find my hair & style a bit funny, I have embraced it and made not only a name for myself but also created multiple businesses off my Rockabilly image. My passion is to exude positive vibes and bring inclusiveness with my events and music. Music may be the last thing in this world that brings us together, and I am very fortunate to be a part of it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The best advice I can give is you have to really love what you do or you won’t be successful. Being in a band is not just playing your instrument. You have to really love what you are doing because it is not always fun or easy. It comes with alot of expenses, advertising, and work. But if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life.
To be successful at anything, you have to stay the course, don’t give up. This was the easiest part for me because I am in love with my instrument and the high vibrations that music gives me. It was a release for me from the real world and I practiced as often as I could. I created a structured program to hone my craft that changed as my skills progressed. I filled in with a few bar bands around town, but it never felt right. In 2021, I decided to venture out on my own with steel player, Danimal Johnson of Hank 3 to create The Prairie Rattlers. The magic Dan & I have created together is unbelievable. It took 17 years for me to find that music soul tie, but I stayed the course and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us
The most impactful thing I have done to achieve these goals is to seek out mentorships. I have been very fortunate to take lessons from some of my drumming role models Hunt Sales, & Ernie Durawa, & Rich Baur. Continuously seeking out mentorships in your craft and not resting on your laurels is the only way to succeed in the music industry.
Most important of all, build a network & a community. You can’t do it on your own. I am very fortunate to have a network of people backing me including Venues, Musicians, Photographers, Sponsors, Endorsers, Friends, my advertising genius Tamara Rodriguez with Exquisite Endeavours, and my personal mentor & friend Danimal Johnson.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Booker-E Entertainment is looking for talented artists who are “in love with music”, value networking and building community. Please Email a LIVE YOUTUBE Video to [email protected] with your phone number for consideration.
Website: bookereentertainment.com
The Hill Country Rockabilly Weekender is currently looking for Sponsors & Vendors for their 3-day Rockabilly Music Festival in New Braunfels, Tx. Check it out on Facebook & Instagram
Website: hillcountryrockabillyweekender.com
Contact Info:
- Website: bookereentertainment.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookereondrums
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/7P1h-78j6ZQ
- Other: hillcountryrockabillyweekender.com https://www.facebook.com/theprairierattlers https://www.facebook.com/bookere.entertainment https://www.facebook.com/twotonsofsteel
Image Credits
Terry Maulin, Tim Castleman, Tamara Rodriguez
