Artist/songwriter Eric Dodd’s feel-good lyrics spilled over to a feel-good week for the Georgia native as he released his new single “The Reason” during CMA Fest in Nashville. Listen here.
“’The Reason’ is my real-life commitment song,” said Dodd. “It’s about looking over the edge, taking that leap, and realizing later it’s the best thing you ever did. I hope people listen to this song and think about giving all they have to their significant other and doing it unconditionally. I believe it’s more than just a love song; it’s a life song.”
“The Reason” has already been added to playlists for Amazon Music (Introducing Country) and Apple Music’s Breaking Country and Cool Country. Dodd co-wrote “The Reason” with Michael Whitworth and Dan Fernandez, who also produced the track. Wide Open Country premiered the song on Thursday, June 7 calling it “heartfelt” and “anthemic.”
Eric Dodd has a little fun with fans during CMA Fest while taping a package for Center Stage Magazine.
Photo Credit Jami Fugate
“With a smooth, southern-tinged vocal, atmospheric guitars and clap-along drums, ‘The Reason’ doesn’t feel too far from tunes like Billy Currington’s No. 1 single “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” opined Wide Open Country writer Jeremy Burchard.
Dodd, who is an avid and accomplished golfer, followed the premier with an exclusive release party for fans on Friday June 8 at TopGolf in Nashville. The event was presented by Music Mix Daily including a Facebook Live performance and interview with Dodd hosted by Lesa Browning. Then Dodd took his sense of humor and natural charm to Bridgestone Arena for an interview with Missy Wolf from Center Stage Magazine. He then turned the tables and the microphone on fans asking, “What’s ‘The Reason’ you love country music?”
On Saturday, June 9, Dodd announced a surprise pop-up concert at the Blend Bar with Davidorff Cigars in downtown Nashville. Blend, which has locations in Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Houston, was named Best Cigar Lounge in the World by Cigar Journal. The acoustic concert was attended by fans and industry supporters. Songwriter Moriah Donby and MV2 Entertainment artist/songwriter Nora Collins performed with Dodd as did high school bandmate and lead guitarist for Collective Soul Jesse Triplett, who produced Dodd’s first EP in 2016.
Dodd grew up in Lake Oconee, Ga. chasing golf balls and guitar. He had a natural gift for both. He earned a golf scholarship to Georgia College and State University, where he majored in business. When he wasn’t playing in golf tournaments, he was playing in frat houses with his band. He eventually transferred to the University of Georgia to pursue a music business degree and immerse himself in the fertile Athens music scene (R.E.M. and Drive-by Truckers).
He first gained national attention as a CMT Discovery Artist, but he honed his craft playing more than 200 dates a year throughout the southeast performing in clubs, SEC colleges, and music halls where his likable personality, sanguine lyrics, musicianship, and energetic stage presence earned him a faithful following in a region with strong musical tastes and a deep pool of talent.
As a songwriter, Dodd, who is signed to MV2 Entertainment, can be sweetly nostalgic and equally rambunctious. On “The Reason” he sings with equal parts ache and authenticity that was inspired by his family. Consequently, he writes about love and relationships with a heightened level of sincerity, respect, and honesty.
A romantic with a wild side, Dodd weaves seamlessly between rock, country, and Americana with a delivery that is believable and genuine. He has opened for Sam Hunt, Old Dominion, Jake Owen, Sister Hazel, Cole Swindell, and Zac Brown Band.
Catch Eric Dodd on the road:
6/23 – The Tin Roof, Louisville, KY
7/3 – The Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee Summer Concert Series
7/9 – Triple Crown Bar, Davenport, IA
7/11 – The Local, Nashville, TN
7/26 – Mad Life Studios, Woodstock, GA
7/27 – The Country Club, Augusta, GA
7/28 – Veazey Jam, Greensboro, GA
8/11 – J. Peppers Southern, Kernersville, N.C.
8/31 – Oconee Brewing Company, Greensboro, GA
9/14 – University of Georgia, Athens, GA
10/20 – Rhythm and Blues Festival, Greensboro, GA
