Eric McCann

This short film is a portrait of my friend, Gustavo Otzoy — who he was behind the time he spent unhoused and the work he did as an activist. Gustavo was a proud Guatemalan immigrant and a deeply compassionate advocate for his community. After being forcibly evicted from Echo Park Lake in 2021, he became a powerful voice for housing and immigrant justice through LA CAN (@lacanetwork_official ), Street Watch (@streetwatchla ) and CHIRLA (@chirla_org ). I was particularly moved by the role Gustavo's mother played in his life — the grief he carried with him and the kindness she shared. I shared a rough cut with Gustavo and close friends at his birthday in 2022. He didn’t live to see it reach a wider audience. The finished film was first screened at his memorial at Echo Park Lake in December 2023, shortly after his death. This is the first time it’s being made publicly available. (While Instagram is not always the best place for slow-paced, longer-format pieces, you can also find it in its intended 4K format on my website, as well as Vimeo.) "I Am Gustavo" was recognized by several independent film festivals, including NewFilmmakers LA (@nfmla ) and the Awareness Festival (@awarenessfest ) in Los Angeles. Thank you to everyone who's supported this work. CREDITS Director: Melissa Phillips (@hellomissmelissa ) Cinematographer: Sinjun Balabanoff (@sinjunb ) Editors: Melissa Phillips, Shawn Skadburg (@shawnes ) Colorist: Stephen Latty (@stephenlatty ) Sound Editing: Eric McCann (@mccannaudio )

New Years photo dump 🎵🌵✨

10 days until Moon Rover🥹 pre-save link in my bio! This song, like any relationship, was a labor of love. After listening to the “Moon Rover” demo, Eric McCann wrote an arrangement to help express the emotional landscape of the original track. Inspired by the image of an orchestra performing on the moon before the airlock opens and throws the band into space, we incorporated 15 layers of wind instruments — flute, clarinet, trumpet, cornet, bass trombone and tuba — everyone contributing chaotic improvisations around the core melody. We also brought together nine vocalists to form the choir. This project involved many friends and family members who generously helped realize our vision. We’re grateful to include so many familiar voices. To show off Eric’s work, we’ve isolated the arrangements here, but you can hear the complete track October 4th. Produced by @mccannaudio Woodwinds and background vocals arranged by @mccannaudio Video by @hellomissmelissa

We're making progress on remodeling our space! My studio partner @the_hobdog came up with our acoustics solution for a better mixing experience. We're rounding out the minimal design with a sectional from @the.hunt.vintage . They're in Echo Park and highly recommend a visit for vintage pieces and vintage-inspired custom sofas. Working in a single room is a challenge but there's plenty of space for a full band or small ensembles. It's feeling well-honed and ready for anything. Feel free to reach out with a DM or listen to previous recordings on my site. Link in my bio. And stay tuned for new music coming soon.

I think that fourteen year old me would be thrilled by this. Slap bass was always the forbidden technique in school strings programs and probably for good reason. Done well it can be a one person rhythm section heard over an orchestra, but can just as easily derail a group if done poorly. I'm grateful for the countless bluegrass gigs back in Kansas as well as my time with @rockintone and the Cowtown Playboys for helping me refine my rhythmic facility. @hilarycousinsmusic and I started playing together 5 years ago. Lately we've been focused on the four-piece electric band but the opportunity came up to strip down without drums. While @danwistrom busted out the pedal steel, I got to "drive the bus" on the upright. Thanks to @hellomissmelissa and her amazing eye for capturing it. Don't think I've ever seen a close up of my hands using this technique.

Honored to produce the first single from Le Parc @viveleparc . Looking forward to hearing more fuzz from our friends in Montreal. 🫠

December Photo Dump 🎆🍉🕷️

Sometimes we want to stay at home and not be social, keep our troubles out of sight. But then that can be too much to bear, where do you go? We've all been there yet it feels so isolating, especially this time of year. Just stay present, take time when you need, and keep good company when you can 💙 It's been a pleasure collaborating with @stasi.cm_ on her new song. Hope you enjoy it as much as we have making it. Link in my bio

A few glimpses into the making of Liquor Store for @stasi.cm_ . @eric.km.clark expertly tracked an ensemble of violin parts I composed over a bed of cello by @kameaaaaaaa and contrabass. Sounds like a whole section, but we made the magic happen in our project studio. 🙌 Listen now on your favorite streaming service or click the link in my bio.

The first single of the new EP with @themistermonk dropped from the tree this week! Fresco y sabroso ¡Por favor, disfruta!

It's been an honor and a pleasure to play with @1978fordranchero_ddrstudios at the Range in Slab City. The Blues are the source! Looking forward to getting back out there soon 🎸

Recording a nearly 100 year old Steinway with @stasi.cm_ at 1st Baptist Church of Glendale. Her tune is coming together wonderfully and we're excited to unveil it before the end of the year. Thanks to @nine_real for the opportunity to use their facilities 🙏