Eric Steven Walker: Red Dirt Musician Rising with Film Soundtracks and ‘Shooting Our Shot’
Eric Steven Walker, a red dirt musician hailing from Moore, Oklahoma—the hometown of country legend Toby Keith—has been steadily carving his path in the music industry. Though he currently has only a handful of songs available on Spotify, Walker has already made an impressive mark by composing soundtracks for three films produced by Rob and Dana Helms Productions.
Dana Helms, known for her work on iconic projects like Twister and America’s Most Wanted, has also built a vibrant artistic presence in Oklahoma. Her successful Art Walk in Chickasha is just one example of her creative versatility. Through her production company, she has collaborated with Walker to create music videos and film scores. Dana Helms has also built a vibrant artistic presence in Oklahoma. Her successful Art Walk in Chickasha is just one example of her creative versatility. Through her production company, she has collaborated with Walker to create music videos and film scores. She has already submitted two films, one reality tv show and a screenplay submitted to five film festivals, most notably SXSW Film Festival.
One of Walker’s most notable projects with Helms is the music video for his song “Shooting Our Shot”. The video features a unique blend of documentary footage from Beaver, Oklahoma, and a live performance at Shakespeare Winery, where Walker performed with Uncle D. Helms’ unconventional approach to gathering footage from Beaver involves outfitting local cattle ropers with GoPros to capture raw, unfiltered scenes from the ranch. “Beaver County Stockyards outfitted the cowboys with either Go-Pro sunglasses, and the cowboys texted the video clips to Rob's phone,” Helms explained. The resulting footage needed only minimal edits, providing an authentic backdrop to Walker’s music.
The music video for “Shooting Our Shot” mirrors Walker’s personal journey. Originally, Walker pursued a career in baseball, but after suffering multiple concussions, his sports aspirations were cut short. Music became his new calling, and “Shooting Our Shot” reflects that shift. “I’m shooting my shot to make it in music,” Walker says of the song, which he wrote with his career in mind. The message, however, is universal. “Just go for it,” he adds, noting that the song’s themes of perseverance and ambition can apply to relationships, career changes, or any challenge in life.
Photo by Dana Helms
Walker’s partnership with Dana Helms came about through a serendipitous introduction by the owner of Shakespeare Winery in Chickasha, Oklahoma. “He’s a really great guy,” Walker recalls of the winery owner, whose connection ultimately led him to Helms. Impressed by his talent, Helms invited Walker to score her films, and he has since composed soundtracks for three of her projects. Their collaboration is ongoing, with Walker currently working on a love song for the wedding scene in an upcoming documentary.
With his music career gaining momentum, Walker’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unrelenting pursuit of new opportunities. Whether through his heartfelt songwriting or his growing work in film, Eric Steven Walker is, indeed, shooting his shot—and hitting his mark.
Check out more local musicians via Loud and Heavy Booking.
