Ep. 7: Eric Lichter - Bringing the Outdoors In through Dirt Floor Recording Studio

Tune in this week to hear singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and engineer Eric Lichter speak on the inspiration he draws from his ethereal Connecticut-based log cabin recording studio, Dirt Floor Records. Authenticity is the cornerstone of Lichter’s work, and he seeks to make music that reflects his wholehearted dedication to the craft. Find out what imperfections in a song mean to him, and how he has come to compare layered vocals and harmonies with a love of being outdoors - “because it’s kind of like heaven.” With influences from John Denver and Dan Fogelberg, all the way to the wood bees enveloping his studio and the Connecticut River beyond, Lichter is always trying to find ways to bring the outdoors into his music.

Find Eric at https://www.dirtfloorrecordingstudio.com/ or on Instagram at @dirtfloorrecording

Host: Charles Coplin
Producer: Sustain Music & Nature
Editor: Harrison Goodale
Media Researcher: Lindsay Johnson
Theme Music: Harrison Goodale
Eric Lichter Featured Music: “Lavender Swing”, “Drag”, and “You”

Dirt Floor is a Green Roster Studio, and the first member to have joined our community of environmental bands, luthiers and studios. Run by Eric Lichter, Dirt Floor has really embodied the spirit of Sustain and our desire to bring the environment into the music industry. Sun-powered, in a cabin above the beautiful Connecticut River, and run by a down-to-earth team, Dirt Floor not only respects the environment, it fosters a great environment for bands to record songs and albums.

We bring you this interview with Eric Lichter to shine some light on Dirt Floor, their ethos, and their dedication to being green.

What is Dirt Floor?

Dirt Floor was at one time simply a recording studio, but has grown into so much more. It has become more of a style of production and record making, in a very classic style reminiscent of recordings from the early 1970s, the timeless sort. As a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and artist myself, I often help solo artists craft entire records from the ground up.

What are your proudest accomplishments?

Well, besides raising a small daughter, who I adore, I would say creating a record that helps an artist get to the next level in their career. There are many, so to pick just one would be impossible. Also, watching a community of artists come together through the Dirt Floor connection has been a joy to witness. Jake Klar, Jonah Tolchin, Spirit Family Reunion, Parsonsfield, Kerri Powers and Ian Fitzgerald are but a few of my very favorites, and have become family.

Sustain is all about bringing best environmental practices to the music industry. Can you tell us about what Dirt Floor has done to uphold an environmental ethic?

Considering the environment while running a business, especially a studio, has always been at the forefront for me, as one who tries to live a clean and low impact lifestyle. I also wanted to use old technology and make records using the power of the sun, utilizing solar panels to power the studio portion of the house. It all comes back around to my role as a father, and trying to teach my child how to respect mother Earth

What advice do you have for other recording studios thinking about adopting environmentally-friendly practices?

My advice for other studios looking to do their part and adopt environmentally friendly practices would be to take stock in their surroundings. Do they use plastic water bottles? Is there a lot of trash being produced from clients? There are so many little things that can be considered, and this is a great place to start. I tell clients beforehand that we have everything that they would need and to avoid those plastic bottles. Again that is a small example. Every studio is unique, and the footprint is different for all of them.

How do music and nature relate to you in your life?

For many years I have tried to live light, and to respect mother Earth. She has been an inspiration to me as an athlete, a self-professed nature boy, and of course as a songwriter, in the tradition of writers I've admired like John Denver. Nature helps me to see the wonder in things, and to still look at the world with that sense is a very wonderful thing, and so important today. Every time I step outside my front door, that childlike excitement returns, and I feel it's my responsibility to affect my own world, and hopefully influence those around me to do the same.

What would you like to see come forth from partnering with Sustain?

Partnering with Sustain was a no-brainer for me, and an incredible opportunity I wanted to jump at, knowing that this could only benefit like-minded artists and of course the environment in a positive way, and the possibility of a beautiful ripple effect was something I really wanted to be a part of....

Learn more about Dirt Floor at www.dirtfloor.com

Songscapes Podcast: Eric Lichter of Dirt Floor Studio