Nice to Meet Ya: Eric Morris

The definition of “superhero” has undergone dramatic change in the last few months. No longer does Marvel and DC Comics have the sole control of the name. No, as a civilization we have learned that the real heroes are those that put their life on the line in times of emergencies.

These are doctors, nurses, teachers, first responders and other professions working on the front lines to keep others safe. Like fictional superheroes, believe it or not, real heroes might have another fascinating identity, like North Hays County Fire and Rescue’s Eric Morris.

He’s been volunteering for ten years for NHCFR and is a Second Lieutenant at the Dripping Springs Battalion and he really enjoys what he does. Get him in a conversation about firefighting and he explains what a great opportunity it is, whether volunteer or career.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to advance themselves. There’s all kinds of advanced training… the sky’s the limit, it’s a cool organization. I’m a mechanical guy working on fire trucks. I’m having a blast,” Morris said.

His other identity is as a programmer, but not for some corporation. He’s worked for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry--Lady Gaga, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, TLC and Nicki Minaj.

He’s the main guy when it comes to getting the music perfect for a staged music tour. It’s a very high-pressure technical job, which Morris does with ease.

“Professionally, I’ve worked in the music industry and have done tours for the last 25 years,” he said.

Born in Ohio, he made his way to L.A. and the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, where he was an honor’s graduate. He worked with Keith Sweat, and then his career took off. “Being a competitive guy we found our niche together in the mid-90s… the gear became advanced, and they don’t explain that in manuals.”

He soon became a creative music director and show producer. "The music industry brings people together,” he said. Having worked all over for shows, he knows a lot of people in the music industry. “Anywhere you could drop me, I’d probably know someone.”

His job has been so much fun. “Never in a million years …I don’t know how I was chosen. I have to recognize and do right by (my) gift,” he said. After living in California for a few years, he realized he needed to relocate.

“Housing prices in L.A. went berserk, and I was already disenchanted. I never saw myself as an L.A. guy…the tension, it wasn’t for me.” He wanted to move to a different state and a friend of his was at the University of Texas and had a house in South Austin.

He toured homes in Round Rock, Leander and other locations. Finally, seeing Dripping Springs was last. “We came in from Oak Hill. It wasn’t hard. We came over the crest with the water tower. It was a perfect morning, a little foggy. It was a picture perfect town, a church with a steeple. I just fell in love.”

Now with the pandemic, live shows have all but stopped. “The virus has decimated (all) in general. Music happens in drink establishments,” he said.

As for the local scene, he has nothing but praise. “It’s a great music scene, I’ve been fortunate.” He’s worked with area artists and now he has a Texas base. “The talent pool in Dripping Springs is amazing.”

At least for now, he remains stationary in Dripping Springs and couldn’t be happier, superhero identity and all.