Eric Hebert’s professional journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and faith.
Eric Hebert has been a pivotal figure in the audio and production industry for over a decade. He started his journey in 2013 and has since worked with numerous artists and bands - proving his expertise in front-of-house mixing and production management. He currently dedicates his skills to supporting Christian music artist Katy Nichole on tour.
“In a healthy working environment, the front-of-house (FOH) engineer is viewed as an equal extension of the band. You are trusted to take all of the audio sources and deliver the interpretation that the artist or music director aims to achieve." —Eric Hebert
Eric's career took off when he became a Church Technical Director in Phoenix. During his six-year tenure, he honed his skills in audio production and built a strong foundation for his future endeavors. This period was crucial for Eric: it allowed him to become well-versed in many areas of production and introduced him to several key figures in the Christian music scene - including Josh Havens from the band The Afters.
In 2019, Eric made a bold move, transitioning from his church role to full-time touring with artists such as The Afters, Anthony Evans, and Priscilla Shirer. However, the world was about to face a global pandemic that would rock the music industry to its core. Despite these unforeseen challenges, Eric's resilience and determination shone through, guiding his career through these turbulent times and showcasing his adaptability in the face of adversity.
"Being intimately familiar with the content you are mixing and seeking to deliver it faithfully is crucial. This approach garners trust from both the band and the artist, which is your primary goal as an FOH engineer.” —Eric Hebert
Today, Eric finds himself not only working with multiple artists but also serving as a mentor to Katy Nichole. Their connection goes back to his days in Phoenix when Katy, then a local artist, performed at a church event where Eric recognized her talent. He and The Afters’ lead singer, Josh Havens, began working with her, eventually assisting in producing her first EP. Katy began gaining attention through her viral TikTok videos, where she performed acapella covers in parking garages. This exposure and her powerful voice, and heartfelt lyrics garnered interest from major Christian music labels.
Katy is currently on tour opening for We The Kingdom. She performs with a tight three-piece band and relies on tracks to create a rich, dynamic live sound. Eric manages her front-of-house audio and oversees the production aspects of their part of the tour.
On this current tour, they are utilizing a Yamaha Rivage PM5 at FOH and a d&b audiotechnik loudspeaker rig provided by Spectrum Sound in Nashville, TN. (Yes, Eric loves the Ruper Neve Silk pre-amps.)
Eric's approach to gear is practical and adaptive. On this current tour, they are utilizing a Yamaha Rivage PM5 at FOH and a d&b audiotechnik loudspeaker rig provided by Spectrum Sound in Nashville, TN. (Yes, Eric loves the Rupert Neve Silk pre-amps.) The overall tour provides the monitor engineer and infrastructure for Katy and her band.
The venues they play vary from large churches and theaters to smaller arenas, and the staging is often adjusted to suit the space. We The Kingdom’s team, led by their head of production, Daniel Ellis, spearheads most of the day-to-day logistics of managing the advance and getting PA in the air. This allows Eric to juggle his other responsibilities with managing other artists as part of his company, EJH Productions.
In conversation, Eric emphasizes the importance of saying “yes” to new opportunities, which can lead to unexpected paths. When asked, what advice he has for aspiring FOH engineers, He also added, “In a healthy working environment, the front-of-house (FOH) engineer is viewed as an equal extension of the band. You are trusted to take all of the audio sources and deliver the interpretation that the artist or music director aims to achieve. Clear communication and a strong musical understanding are essential. It's not just about music theory but how the music feels and identifying the signature parts of songs that define key moments. Being intimately familiar with the content you are mixing and seeking to deliver it faithfully is crucial. This approach garners trust from both the band and the artist, which is your primary goal as an FOH engineer.” Eric Hebert’s professional journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and faith.
