BIO

For nearly two decades, Eric Krasno has been an omnipresent figure in popular music. We've heard his virtuosic, innovative guitar playing with Soulive and Lettuce (both of which he co-founded), seen him onstage supporting the likes of the Rolling Stones, Dave Mathews Band, John Mayer and The Roots, watched him take home multiple GRAMMY Awards, and benefited from his deft, behind-the-scenes work as a producer and songwriter for everyone from Norah Jones, Tedeschi Trucks, and 50 Cent to Talib Kweli, Aaron Neville, and Allen Stone. Krasno's recent project The Eric Krasno Trio or “E3” combines his soul/jazz roots with rock and roll, blues and psychedelic funk. The band weaves between all of his albums, previous projects while throwing in some classic covers.

^{5 MINUTES WITH ARTIST}

PRS: In addition to being known for your work as a guitarist, you do quite a bit behind the scenes as a producer and writer. Do you see yourself transitioning further into these roles in the future, or will the stage always be your priority?

EK: The truth is I love both producing records and performing live. I have been balancing both for many years now, but since moving to LA last year I’ve focused more on my studio work. I’ll never quit playing shows though...there’s nothing like the feeling of being on stage and playing for fans.

PRS: You already have quite a busy year ahead of you with Soulive, Oteil & Friends, Dr. Klaw and other projects, but is there any chance of us also catching you with Lettuce in 2020?

EK: I don’t tour with Lettuce anymore but always sit in with them when I can.... Usually at Jazz Fest in New Orleans or if we are the same town we make it happen. I also work with them on studio projects whenever I can. A lot of the guys played on the Aaron Neville album I produced a few years back.

PRS: Does your gear selection vary from group to group, or do you have a “one size fits all” touring rig that works for every situation?

EK: I definitely switch things up for different gigs. If I’m with Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead) I tend to bring out different effects (envelope filters, phasers etc) than if I’m with Soulive or doing a solo show. I am about to do a show called Love Rocks where we play with 20 different artists (Dave Matthews, Leon Bridges, The Black Crowes) so I have to have a lot of different colors on the palette. I have been relying on the Silver Sky a lot as I think it can cover many of the tones I need.

PRS: Who are the top three guitarists that have historically shaped or are currently influencing your own playing?

EK: Thats a tough one!! I would say Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, George Benson (SO many more though).