Eric Johanson has released “Shake the Fever,” the first single from his forthcoming studio album, The Open Bayou, out on October 16.
Built around a heavy fuzz guitar riff and Johanson’s power-trio approach, “Shake the Fever” offers the first preview of the direction of the new record. Johanson produced The Open Bayou himself, while Bill Skibbe, known for his work with Jack White, The Raconteurs, The Kills and Jon Spencer, handled mixing and mastering.
Johanson will release The Open Bayou through his newly formed Levee Ward Records, with distribution by Amplified. The decision to release the album through his own label gives Johanson greater control over the music and the creative process behind it.
“My north star is what feels true and exciting to me,” Johanson says. “Once you start wondering what a label, a producer or somebody on your team is going to think, part of you steps outside the music and starts trying to explain it. With this record, I didn’t explain anything. I followed the ideas all the way through.”
Johanson worked closely with Skibbe for several weeks to establish the sound of The Open Bayou. The pair focused on creating a raw, immediate sound built around texture, atmosphere and the impact of Johanson’s guitar-driven trio.
The new album follows Johanson’s The Deep and the Dirty, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums chart, and his 2025 release, Live in Mississippi.
Johanson has also maintained an extensive touring schedule. His power trio performed in more than 100 cities across 10 countries in 2025. He has toured as both a headliner and supporting act for The Record Company, Samantha Fish, Tab Benoit and North Mississippi Allstars.
Throughout his career, Johanson has also shared the stage with Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne and the Neville Brothers, and has performed with Terrance Simien and Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet.
“Shake the Fever” is the first music released from The Open Bayou. Additional details about the album are expected to be announced.
