Eric was selected as the 2019 Artist-in-Residence by the city of Lanesboro, MN and was commissioned to create the work and album release titled Root River Vibes. He proposed the idea of gathering and recording stories from local residents and composing music inspired by the stories and experiences in the Root River area. Much of this time was spent biking different areas of the Root River State Trail and finding sunny spots next to the river to create and record. By the end of his 4 weeks, He had composed and recorded a 23-track album of music and stories inspired by his time there.

In 2017, Eric founded a guitar and electronics looping project and dubbed it “Excessive.” Using small recording devices, synthesizers and drum machines, he began capturing musical moments in various settings such as airplanes, public parks, trains and anywhere else he found creative inspiration. During this time, Excessive also took on a monthly performing residency in Saint Paul with many guest musicians and a focus on experimental music. These improvised performances further developed Excessive’s unique sound, with heavy contributions from bandmates Matty Harris and Braden Dickie, leading to the 2019 debut album "Flared Opinions" Independent Music Award Nominee.