Erik Hughes is enjoying a diverse and expansive career in music. From performing on big stages with high-profile pop artists to playing in small clubs with jazz big bands, as well as working in recording studios and on TV production sets, Hughes maintains a busy schedule as a freelance trombone player in Los Angeles.
Born in Walnut Creek, California in 1991, Erik started his musical journey on the drum set at the age of 3 years old. Although he considered the drums to be his “main” instrument throughout his early years, Erik also played the trombone in school ensembles since the ensembles rarely needed more drummers, yet always seemed to need more trombone players. Luckily, Erik’s dad, Sandy Hughes, also plays the trombone and had many horns to spare. In high school, under the direction of Greg Brown at Northgate High School, Erik made the full switch over to trombone and truly began venturing towards a career in music.
Hughes moved to Los Angeles in 2009 to study under renowned jazz trombonist Bill Watrous at the University of Southern California. A short two years later, Erik started making his way into the Los Angeles entertainment industry by joining the legendary Bill Holman Big Band and making regular appearances on the TV show Glee. Since then, Hughes’ recording and performance credits have continued to grow.
Erik has established himself as a highly sought-after sideman, contributing to a diverse array of projects. His credits include performances with renowned pop artists such as Ariana Grande and Lorde as well as Michael Bublé, Kirk Franklin and many others. Hughes is also a fixture in Los Angeles’ Jazz Big Band scene having performed with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Bob Mintzer Big Band, John LaBarbara Big Band, Geoff Stradling’s StradBand and more.
In the realm of television and film, Erik Hughes has made notable contributions both on screen and behind the scenes. His on-screen involvements include performances on popular shows such as Modern Family where he made an appearance as “Trombone Jerry” and Dancing with the Stars where he made an appearance as part of the house band. Additionally, Erik's studio work has earned him credits on projects such as Hocus Pocus 2, Jersey Boys, and Batman Return of the Caped Crusaders.
Building from his prior experiences, Erik continues to carve his path through the music industry.