Eric Alterman’s music has been described as “timeless yet contemporary,” and “heartfelt and yearning.” His evocative songwriting draws on a range of inspirations, from love and heartbreak, to images from dreams and travels in nature. His intricate acoustic guitar playing and chord progressions recall everything from classic folk to Brazilian Tropicália. Alterman is backed by Universe Parade, a rotating group of musical collaborators on percussion, trumpet, violin, and more.

From a young age, Eric Alterman developed a passion for acoustic folk music and songwriting, teaching himself guitar and singing in his small NYC bedroom, even as he pursued classical music on the cello and piano. Over the course of a 15+ year career as a professional cellist, his path led him to Rio de Janeiro in his early 20s, where he joined the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. There, he performed with Brazilian legends such as Milton Nascimento, Caetano Veloso, and Gal Costa, falling in love with their music and absorbing their sound. After five years in Brazil, Alterman resettled in Oregon, where he continues to perform both as a cellist and a singer-songwriter.

In the years following the Covid pandemic, Eric’s passion for songwriting was reignited. Through his music, he has processed both the grief and joy that came with major life changes, and he continues to be influenced by the diverse musical worlds he’s experienced—from New York City to Rio de Janeiro to Portland, OR.