Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Von Der Heide.
Hi Eric, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After my father passed away in 2015, I honestly thought my time in music was over. Losing him hit me hard, and for a while I completely stepped away from everything creatively. I had reached a point where I was ready to walk away from being a musician altogether. My wife was the person who pulled me back from that mindset. That support changed everything for me. Without her encouragement, I probably would have hung up the musician hat for good after my father’s passing.
In 2016, I started iH8 with a very specific vision in mind. I wanted to create something that reflected the sound, intensity, and atmosphere I had always envisioned, without compromise. The early years were challenging and involved a lot of trial and error — different lineups, rebuilding momentum, and finding people who truly connected with the direction of the band. From 2016 through 2025, there were multiple lineup changes, but every version of the band helped shape what iH8 would eventually become.
A major turning point came in 2018 when vocalist Bobby Guzman joined the band. Bobby brought a new level of energy and creativity, and together we began reworking and refining the material that would ultimately become our debut album. That process took years of writing, revising, recording, and developing the identity of the band. In October 2021, we released Despite the Death, which was a huge milestone for us and represented years of persistence and dedication.
The lineup continued to evolve and strengthen over the following years. Ryan McHugh joined on bass in 2022, bringing a solid low-end foundation and helping tighten the live sound. In 2024, Julio Whispell came in on drums and added a new level of aggression and precision to the rhythm section. Then in 2025, Charles Oliver joined as second guitarist, completing the lineup and helping fully realize the sound I had envisioned years earlier when I first started the project.
Looking back, iH8 became more than just a band for me — it became a way to channel loss, perseverance, and personal growth into something creative and powerful. What started during one of the darkest periods of my life eventually turned into a band built on resilience, loyalty, and the determination to keep pushing forward.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 2016, I started iH8 with a very specific vision in mind. I wanted to create something that reflected the sound, intensity, and atmosphere I had always envisioned, without compromise. The early years were challenging and involved a lot of trial and error — different lineups, rebuilding momentum, and finding people who truly connected with the direction of the band. From 2016 through 2025, there were multiple lineup changes, but every version of the band helped shape what iH8 would eventually become.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Outside of the band, all of us still maintain our own careers and responsibilities, which honestly adds a lot to the work ethic and perspective we bring into iH8. None of this has been handed to us, and balancing everyday life with music has taught us discipline, time management, and commitment. We all come from different professional backgrounds, and I think that diversity helps shape the personality and dynamic of the band.
As for myself, I work as a concierge. A big part of that job is communication, problem-solving, and working with people from all walks of life. It’s taught me patience and professionalism, especially in high-pressure situations, and those skills definitely carry over into managing the day-to-day challenges that come with being in a band.
Our vocalist, Bobby Guzman, works in construction. That kind of work demands long hours, physical endurance, and consistency, and I think that same hardworking mentality shows in his approach to music and live performance. He brings a very grounded, blue-collar work ethic into the band, and that mindset has helped us push through a lot of obstacles over the years.
Our drummer, Julio Whispell, is currently attending college, so he’s balancing academics alongside rehearsals, performances, and writing music. It takes a lot of dedication to juggle both, and it shows his commitment not only to the band, but also to building a future outside of music. Having someone in that stage of life also brings a fresh perspective and energy into the group.
On bass, Ryan McHugh currently works as a cook. Kitchen work is fast-paced, stressful, and demanding, especially in high-volume environments. It requires attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure, which are qualities that translate surprisingly well into performing live music and functioning as a tight unit on stage.
Our second guitarist, Charles Oliver, works as a flight training simulator technician, which is an incredibly technical and detail-oriented field. His background brings a different kind of precision and analytical mindset into the band, especially when it comes to equipment, production ideas, and tightening the technical side of our sound.
At the end of the day, we’re all regular working people pursuing music because we genuinely love it. We rehearse after work, write music on limited schedules, and sacrifice personal time because we believe in what we’re building together. I think that makes the band more authentic, because everything we’ve accomplished has come from persistence, passion, and a shared dedication to the music.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The Dallas music scene has always had a unique energy to it, especially when it comes to heavy music and local culture. Venues like Trees, Reno’s Chop Shop, and The Bomb Factory have all played important roles in giving bands a place to grow, build audiences, and connect with the community. For a lot of musicians in the area, those venues became more than just places to play — they were part of the identity of the Dallas scene itself.
Back in the late ‘90s through around 2007, the Deep Ellum scene was really at its peak. There was something happening almost every night of the week. The area was packed with clubs, artists, promoters, and fans who genuinely cared about live music. It didn’t matter if you were a national touring act or a local band just getting started — there were opportunities everywhere. The atmosphere felt raw, authentic, and creative. Bands were constantly networking, supporting each other, and building a real community around the music.
As the years went on, though, you could definitely feel the decline begin. Between roughly 2007 and 2019, a lot of the venues that had become staples of the scene started disappearing. Places like Liquid Lounge, Curtain Club, The Door, and Galaxy Club all eventually closed their doors. For a lot of local musicians, that was tough to watch because those venues represented an era of Dallas music that meant a lot to people. When clubs like that disappear, it affects more than just entertainment — it impacts opportunities for local artists, networking, and the overall culture of the scene.
Lately, though, it finally feels like things are beginning to move in a positive direction again. New venues are opening, more local shows are happening, and there seems to be renewed interest in supporting independent artists and live music in Dallas. You can feel younger bands starting to emerge again, and audiences seem hungry for live performances in a way that reminds me of earlier years. I think the scene still has enormous potential, especially because Dallas has always had so much talent across every genre.
My hope is that the momentum keeps building and that local artists continue getting the support and opportunities they deserve. Scenes go through cycles, and it feels like Dallas might finally be entering another strong chapter for independent music.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IH8band/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rPPYgsGZwcG1uyuIjN8rG?si=SAgRJaZBTMuJlZjr0kj6Eg
