"If you wanna accuse me
Of drinkin' too much
If you wanna abuse me
For never being enough
If you think I can take it
Take it on the chin
If you wanna accuse me
Where do I begin
You wanna spend your nights out not knowin' where you've been
Then you wanna bust down my door at 2am
You wanna stand there and say it's all for love
Baby, I'm walkin' out cuz I've had enough"
(Accuse Me lyrics)
Eric Hagen's most recent releases are Accuse Me, which came out on November 1st, and Deja Vu," released on December 13. Both songs will be featured on an upcoming EP, Americana Lonesome set to be released in January 2025.
Eric is an independent artist who draws inspiration from simple moments, words, or phrases that catch his attention. Unlike many other artists, he does not schedule writing sessions or dedicate specific time slots on his calendar for songwriting. Writing and performing is not his full-time job, so he waits for inspiration to strike before beginning a song or lyrics. Once he starts the writing process, he commits to working on it until it is complete.
Accuse Me marked a departure from Eric Hagen’s usual style of music and lyrics, incorporating horn instruments for a soulful country fusion. It was well received upon its release. Although Eric was hesitant to record it that way, the 90% increase in streaming since its release proved it was a great idea. Deja Vu portrays a determined and struggling woman striving to succeed, who caught the eye of a man who recognized her potential beyond her own self-perception.
"She worked herself to the bone
Her heart and her home out on loan
She never paid on time and she lived in squalor
But I never saw someone work so hard for a dollar
She always wanted something new
When every night felt like deja vu
She danced to the song of the pines
And captured hearts like mine"
Deja Vu lyrics
Eric Hagen not only writes his own music, he has a studio in Sturgeon Bay where he records his music. In areas where he feels he lacks expertise, he collaborates with other musicians who contribute their skills to his recordings. Phil Madeira plays the keyboard on Accuse Me, while Patrick Lyons showcases his talents on Deja Vu with pedal steel and mandolin, and Marcus Trana lent his talents on drums.
Eric Hagen said he is a fan of Charley Crockett and Sturgill Simpson, both of whom blend styles that are difficult to categorize into a single genre. Stepping beyond your usual boundaries can be an intimidating process, but by embracing the opportunity for adventure and committing to the experience, you have the potential to significantly expand your audience. This proactive approach encourages growth, fosters creativity, and allows you to connect with a diverse range of fans who will appreciate your willingness to explore new paths.
Keep up with Eric Hagen on his social media pages buttoned below
Congratulations on Accuse Me and Deja Vu, I am excited to hear the rest of Americana Lonesome. It was a pleasure "meeting you", Eric Hagen, In A Country Minute.
