Though Blitzen Trapper is now a successfully touring country/folk band with a massive following and a number of acclaimed albums under their belt, their road to success was not easy. Bandleader Eric Earley formed the band in Portland, Oregon in 2000 after a period of homelessness, and was spurred to record the first Blitzen Trapper album, “Wild Mountain Nation,” after the death of his father. Earley, who writes most of the band’s music, recorded the album in an old telegraph building, where he also later recorded critically-acclaimed album “Furr”. Blitzen Trapper’s music is an evolving mix of rambling country and gritty rock, propelling them to what Earley refers to as “reluctant success”. Their most recent record “American Goldwing,” a longing and nostalgic album, was released in 2011, once again showcasing Earley’s poetic talents and skilled songwriting abilities.
Blitzen Trapper stopped by our studio on Monday, July 15th, and you can check out the audio from their live performance below! You can also catch them later tonight at The Parish, and tomorrow night at The Moody Theatre opening for Belle and Sebastian.
