His fans are used to seeing him with a tool belt around his waist, but Eric Stromer actually moved to Los Angeles with a guitar slung over his shoulder. The charismatic host of such do-it-yourself shows as AOL Living's 'GMC Trade Secrets' and HGTV's 'Over Your Head' is now returning to his first love: country music.Set for an early 2010 release, Eric's album, appropriately titled 'Fix It Man,' lets fans in on a little secret: the PEOPLE's 'Sexiest Men' honoree can teach you how to drive a nail, but he can also hammer out a tune. Written and produced with buddies Rich Herring and Scott Van Zenn, the collection showcases the varied musical influences Eric grew up on, merging classic country with soul and old school rock 'n' roll.
The Boot sat down to talk with the Chicago native and dad of three about his new venture. Eric couldn't mask the excitement in his voice as he spoke about finally fulfilling his lifelong dream.
You're not just jumping on the country bandwagon -- you actually started out singing as a kid. What sidelined your music career?
I've been a musician -- playing drums, guitar, singing and writing songs -- for forever. That was the original plan, and it somehow got derailed by this TV and construction thing. That took over just because it hit first. Music is why I became an artist in the first place. It's the thing that terrifies me and gives me the most spiritual uplifting -- fear and confidence all wrapped up into one. You put your ass on the line -- so raw and exposed that it's scary sometimes -- but when you're done, it's amazing.








Jimmy Wayne
Taylor Swift
Harassment charges against
Want a Dolly for Christmas? How about a whole lot of Dolly?
The
Miley Cyrus