diff --git a/lib/index.js b/lib/index.js
index 06b1d2f9..1cce8432 100644
--- a/lib/index.js
+++ b/lib/index.js
@@ -155,6 +155,12 @@ var Embark = {
         var web3Endpoint = 'http://' + self.config.blockchainConfig.rpcHost + ':' + self.config.blockchainConfig.rpcPort;
         web3.setProvider(new web3.providers.HttpProvider(web3Endpoint));
 
+        if (!web3.isConnected()) {
+          console.log(("Couldn't connect to " + web3Endpoint.underline + " are you sure it's on?").red);
+          console.log("make sure you have an ethereum node or simulator running. e.g 'embark blockchain'".magenta);
+          exit();
+        }
+
         var deploy = new Deploy(web3, contractsManager, Embark.logger);
         deploy.deployAll(function() {
           callback(null, contractsManager);