Eric Olson

Performer: Eric Olson Musical Style/Genre: Acoustic/Folk/Rock. A singer/songwriter/guitarist creating a mix of contemporary folk sounds mixed in with strong classic rock influences. City of Origin: Riverside, Illinois Members: Eric Olson - Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica Sounds Like: "A Bob Dylan, Neil Youngish Songwriter" Influences: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Buddy Guy, The Doors, Grateful Dead, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Led Zeppelin, Nick Cave, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, Smashing Pumpkins, the list just goes on and on..... Key Points of Interest: * Currently recording new album for Fall '06 release * Previously released two live shows and one EP * Playing live since 2000 Additional Data: * Appeared on WXAV's Escape From Ordinary Radio in Spring of '05 * Northwest tour of college campuses with the band planned for Fall of '06 * Interviews and reviews of new album will be solicited to acoustic press and radio

Eric Olson has been been playing guitar for over 10 years. He started as a little kid (8yrs old) and studied folk music with Jack Moore. Jack was an old timer who started his music career in the late 50s early 60s. He took Eric under his wing for 4 years, teaching him the roots of American music. After that he focused more on modern pop music and taught himself how to play all that great 90s grunge rock. Mainly played during his high school years at RB (Riverside Brookfield High School). "The funny thing about high school....I was never involved with the school band or orchestra. I've always done my own thing outside of organized music. I guess you could say that has given me the freedom to do and play whatever I want. That is also why I am a songwriter now and not just somebodys performer. " -Eric After High School He studied classical guitar and voice with Phil Circle for 2 and a 1/2 years. Phil is a local musician from the Chicago/Wicker Park area. Phil had a great impact on Eric. He was the one that influenced him to study music at Columbia College. "If it weren't for Phil I don't think I would be where I am today. He helped me craft my style and told me I have the ability to write great songs." -Eric Currently at Columbia Eric is a music composition major. Which is basically a songwriter or composer. He compose's for film, television, theater, commercials, musicals, you name it.... and he'll write a song for it. Besides composing Eric has also been teaching classical guitar lessons for a few years now. In 2004 he started an independent record label called West Ave Studio. That's where he does most of his recording and demo cuts for other local artists. If he's not recording with West Ave Studio then he sends his work to TR Productions ( an L.A. recording studio for mixing/mastering ) and they put on the finishing touches. Besides recording, pitching, selling songs, and teaching, Eric also plays out at open mics every month so be on the lookout and you'll see him.

I play out 3-4 times a month. Usually at local bars and clubs. Of coarse I like it. It's nice to make a living at something you love.

Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Buddy Guy, The Doors, Grateful Dead, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Led Zeppelin, Nick Cave, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, Smashing Pumpkins, the list just goes on and on.....

Washburn acoustic guitars and whatever vocal mic.

Some footpedals