DECATUR – Millikin alum and country music recording artist has returned to the recording studio and will debut a new EP album “Hey Maker” on March 17.
of six tracks, including four previous releases ("You're My Hometown," "Love It All Goodbye," "Angel To Save Me," and "Sometimes Late At Night"), a bonus track, "Right In Front of You," which highlights Eric's piano-playing talents.
The title track to the EP, "Hey Maker," describes a personal conversation with God and being amazed about how he can bring that special someone into your life.
“Hey Maker welcomes folks to a more romantic side of country music,” Eric said. “The collection features love songs, which I hope listeners can resonate with, whether they’re looking for that ‘perfect someone,’ getting married, standing by a loved one during tough times or falling in love at first sight.”
“Hey Maker” was produced by Millikin alum Matt McClure ’92, and McClure has a co-writing credit on the six songs.
Growing up on a farm in Latham, Ill., family, love and hometown memories inspire Burgett’s music. Burgett began performing on an old upright piano at his parents' tavern, The Korn Krib, along with Sunday services at the Latham United Methodist Church.
“There is something for everyone on this EP. I’m a piano player, so you’ll definitely hear the 88s, which I’m really excited about because this is my first project that really showcases that,” Eric said. “The title track, ‘Hey Maker,’ is a very personal song. It’s all about setting aside time with ‘the man upstairs’ and thanking him for the special things you couldn’t live without…in this case, that special someone is my wife, Aimee.”
Eric and Aimee, a 2009 Millikin graduate, were married in 2018 at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Burgett released his debut EP, "Pass it On," in 2019 on Bow to Stern Records. He has released a series of singles since, including “You’re My Hometown,” released in 2023. After the release of “Hey Maker,” Burgett plans to continue releasing new music to his fans every six to eight weeks through Bow To Stern Records.
Burgett has also been busy touring, recently opening shows for Chris Stapleton, Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Charlie Worsham, Phil Vassar, Clint Black, Jana Kramer and Craig Morgan.
His 2022 touring highlights included a show in Texas at the legendary MO’s Place, where country greats like Ronnie Milsap, George Strait and Merle Haggard played, and a performance in another historic venue at Cane’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Okla.
Burgett has also worked with the Nashville-based organization , writing songs with several military veterans to help them cope with post-combat trauma. Through this non-profit, Eric was featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, which was filmed on the Grand Ole Opry Stage.
“More than anything, I’ve been blessed to be able to share my story and music with folks all over the country,” Eric said. “I want folks to leave my shows a better person and hear my songs and say, ‘Wow, that’s my story, too’ or ‘This song really makes me feel something.’”
Track Listing
1. “Hey Maker” (writers: Eric Burgett, Matt McClure, Kellys Collins, Liz Hengber)
2. “You're My Hometown” (writers: Eric Burgett, Matt McClure, Clay Mills, Kelly McKay)
3. “Love It All Goodbye” (writers: Eric Burgett, Kyle Jacobs, Kyle Schlienger)
4. “Angel To Save Me” (writers: Eric Burgett, Matt McClure, Kyle Jacobs)
5. “Sometimes Late At Night” (writers: Eric Burgett, Matt McClure, Tony Wood)
6. “Right In Front of You” (writers: Eric Burgett, Matt McClure, Jason Blaine)
