PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man’s musical tribute to the Pacific Northwest has gained some traction online after he posted it on Facebook.
In Eric Lawton’s song, “Pacific Northwest,” he declares “country ain’t just all about the life down South.”
Lawton, who was born and raised in Port Angeles, said he wanted to write a song everyone on the Olympic Peninsula could relate to.
It worked.
Since posting the song online in late January, he’s heard from people across the country asking where they can buy his album — which he hasn’t been able to produce yet, he said.
“I’m shocked and humbled by how much love and support I’ve gotten from that song,” he said. “It’s crazy.”
Lawton’s song, which garnered some 60,000 views and 1,500 shares in about a week, was inspired by the people and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, he said.
His song references the Seahawks, the Elwha and Hoh rivers, Rainier beer, flannels and Carhartts. His video featured Lake Crescent, Devils Punch Bowl, Port Angeles Extreme Sports Park, Castaways Bar, Clallam County Fairgrounds and 7 Cedars Casino, among others.
“There’s so much to take pride in around here,” Lawton said. “Seeing how many people came out of the woodwork and talked to me when I put that song out, seeing how many people have that deep pride of the Northwest, has been awesome.”
He recorded the song in his home studio, but he wants to have it done professionally.
On the track, he is playing all the instruments — drums, bass and guitar — and is doing vocals.
Lawton has a couple of gigs planned throughout the next two months where he hopes to raise money to have a country album professionally recorded.
He has an acoustic show planned at Station 51 Taphouse, 125 W. Front St., Port Angeles, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 18.
He said Station 51 plans to buy a keg of Rainier to support the album.
“All the money made from that keg will be donated to my GoFundMe,” Lawton said. “That’s amazing of them.”
He also has a full band gig planned for 7:30 p.m. March 18 at Castaways Restaurant &Lounge, 1213 Marine Drive, Port Angeles.
To listen to the song, visit www.facebook.com/eric.lawton.7965/videos/1433239310053457.
________
Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
