Eric Leikam

By Pamela Cody

Appearances can be deceiving - who hasn't at some point met someone and formed an opinion before being surprised by what that person is really like? Case in point for Austin-based artist Eric Leikam. Behind those sad hound dog eyes and laconic wit beats the heart of a man with a passion for music and an indefatigable work ethic. 

And that voice - a deep, smooth, whiskey--honey flavored baritone, reminiscent of the great Robbie Robertson. 

That tireless drive is what fuels Eric's creativity and performances. On a recent trip to Spain to perform at the Pueblos Blancos Music Festival, Eric and his band mates, Sharon  Bourbonnais and Grady Humble, navigated the steep streets of Montejaque back to their lodgings late one September night. It had been a long day of walking, carrying their gear, traveling to their performance site, playing until the wee hours, then the long bus ride back home. But instead of kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying the success of the day, the trio got out their instruments and proceeded to jam and hash out songs until 4am. Always striving to be better, Eric's professionalism and dedication to his craft is inspiring. 

Leikam has worn many hats over the course of his career: singer, songwriter, author, actor, and voice talent. His debut 2018 solo EP, “Don't Pass Me By,” is an evocative mix of music, pensive and heartfelt, with an alluring blend of slight melancholy tinged with an underlying sweetness and optimism. Eric is a well-known performer in and around Austin, sharing the stage with other local talent such as Sharon Bourbonnais, the Rockin’ Gospel Project, Shelly Knight, and Steelbeam. He is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, proficient on bass, guitar, drums, and keyboards. 

Eric's distinctive voice can also be heard on Austin’s Newsradio KLBJ afternoons, his podcast “Live Music Capital,” and DC Universe Online. Leikam also lends his support to the Guatemalan-based Atitlan Music School, serving on their board of directors. 

Eric can be seen performing at various Austin venues and is already hard at work on his next solo project. 

 Pamela Cody is a South Texas based  freelance writer, world traveler and music fan