I'm Eric Kalenze, and Gawker Slowdown is the name I've given my little musical hobby. While I'm currently in a state of semi-retirement from music, I still write and play out occasionally. All songs on this site were written, performed, and recorded by me in my Twin Cities basement.

Began writing in 1991 while in college. Settled in with Third Wheel in 1995, for whom I played guitar, sang, and served as chief songwriter. Released two pretty good records, toured, broke up in 1999. I wanted to keep writing songs, but wanted to not worry so much about things like promotion, selling product, etc. Decided to go the self-recorded route--the cheap self-recorded route, at that. All songs at this site were recorded with modest means from my basement studio. See "MP3 MUSIC" for recorded results, "TOUR DATES" for live ones.

Playing live is something I'm finding I'm driven to do less and less as I turn into an old guy. I've only played a handful of live dates since the summer of '06, and I can't say I really miss playing out more regularly. I'm always willing to play, though, and will usually accept shows in a heartbeat if offered and can fit them into my schedule.

Joe Pernice (in all projects), Neil Young, Freedy Johnston, Tweedy/Wilco, Elvis Costello, Springsteen, Ron Sexsmith, Dylan, Randy Newman, Lyle Lovett, Neil Finn/Crowded House, Petty, Graham Parker. Oh, and like everyone else, I love pretty much all things Replacements-related; not sure, though, that this love is reflected in my stuff here.

Acoustic and electric guitars, bass, hand percussion, drum machines, piano, synth, harmonica, whatever makes an interesting noise to put in my recorder.