Eric T. Schabacker was born in Buffalo , New York where he lived until moving to Orlando , Florida , to attend college. While still in Buffalo , he was lured to the art of recording by its technical aspects and, before graduating from high school, had four albums credited to his name as both producer and engineer. During this time he also developed an interest in playing the guitar and writing his own songs. By the time he was mid way through his college years in Florida , Eric was recording his newly formed band and original material.

It was during this same time that Eric formed two record labels: Tener and Hype Records. Over the years that followed, multiple artists from throughout the United States were released on these labels and, as a natural out growth of the labels, he founded two additional companies: Bee Jay Booking Agency and Bee Jay Recording Studios. The booking agency was eventually sold after becoming the largest agency of its type in Florida and is still in business today operating as the J. Bird Agency. Bee Jay Recording Studios continued until the mid eighties when it too was sold.  

Other mileposts in Eric's career include the establishment of ASCAP, SESAC and BMI publishing houses as well as the formation of  The Southern Recording Association and a concert promotion business. He also hosted two radio shows: "The Alternative" and "Artists Alive" which were syndicated on more than 125 U.S. radio stations.

In 1994 Eric moved to the Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas . There he started Winterwood Recording Studios and began recording national and regional acts. The studio is perched on a mountainside overlooking Beaver Lake which also makes it a perfect site for the bed and breakfast that he and his wife, Sativa, operate. Winterwood Lakeside Cottage is open to reservations from the public and serves as a comfortable living environment for the studio's artists as well.

In addition to his daily studio activities, Eric continues to write and is a vibrant part of the Nashville writing community. Multi awards from the John Lennon, Billboard and Unasong song contests currently adorn the walls of his home and studio.