Eric Severson - Solo artist: vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, electric bass, drums, and MIDI-programmed violin, cello, piano, organ and orchestra. Sound engineering by Chris Carey on Dying Down in Africa, A Ray of Hope, and Children of the World. All others produced and engineered by Eric Severson.
Influences
Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, U2, Radiohead, Neil Young, Yellowcard, Coldplay, John Lennon, Kerry Livgren, Ian Bartlett, Sarah McLachlin, Leonard Cohen, Snow Patrol, Adam Duritz and Counting Crows, Linkin Park, The Moody Blues
Sounds Like
A mix of blues, folk and rock with deep and poignant lyrics, designed to touch the heart and stimulate the mind.
"The Power to Play" was created for Child Fund International as a theme song for their innovative program by the same name. It's written to accompany the video at the bottom of Child Fund's "Power to Play" web page, which shows the passion and creativity of third world chidren when they are given the simple power to play. We hope that the self-confidence and enthusiasm built through this approach will transition with children into their adulthood, helping them become leaders of enduring change.
"Ray of Hope" is Eric's musical composition for the poem by the same name written by former Israeli Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres. Eric has interpreted Mr. Peres' words as a powerful hymn, strong with hope and optimism, yet with a depth of sadness and concern for both the land of Israel and the condition of the world. His composition is included on charity CDs produced by Songweavers, and can be heard on both UK-based Venture Internet Radio and Netherlands-based internet radio station Cineversity TV and Radio.
Eric's song, "Dying Down in Africa", is about innocent young children who are kidnapped in the night and forced to become child prostitutes and child soldiers. It is a heartfelt plea for help for the brave but besieged people of Africa. "Dying Down in Africa" was selected as the November 2008 Song of the Month at Songweavers, and has also been featured on UK-based Venture Internet Radio.
Eric's song "Children of the World" deals with the apathy that gets in the way of our helping others in the world. It is dedicated to the wonderful work of the Christian Children's Fund, now Child Fund International.
As the title track for Eric's CD, "Gravity Waves" sets the stage for the interwoven themes of optimism, hopelessness, love and uncertainty that define both this CD and our post-modern world. Seeming prisoners of our own reality and of the random whims of the universe, we fail to see the bigger picture that would offer us life and hope. "Gravity Waves" recently hit Number 16 out of 1,000 entries in the OurStage.com alternative rock category.
"The Voice" is Eric's second collaboration with poet and lyricist Cindy L. Spear. It is based on a true story about a boy and his dog that drowned in Canada, and was inspired by a photo taken of the location by Canadian photographer Michael. Lyrics Copyright (C) 2009 Cindy L. Spear.
Eric's song "Peaceful Earth", is about the tranquil, hopeful view of earth seen by astronauts from space, contrasted with the hopelessness too often felt below. In 2007 "Peaceful Earth" hit the Top 10 on Songvault's Alternative Radio Showcase and Number 13 on SongVault's Pop Radio Showcase.
In his modern protest song entitled "Warning Call", Eric uses a collage of sounds to capture the anguish of modern events, and the conflicted feelings of helplessness, hope and indignation that characterize modern times. "Warning Call" has been featured on Neil Young's "Songs
of the Times" page, and in 2007 hit the Number 1 spot on Songvault's Alternative Indie Hit Radio Top 40 chart.
"Invisible" is an anthem for the world's homeless, inspired by recent volunteer work at the largest homeless shelter in the United States (CCNV), located near the center of Washington D.C. "Invisible" was featured for 6 weeks on the Colorado Music Buzz site, and in 2007 hit the Number 2 spot on Songvault's Alternative Indie Hit Radio Top 40 chart.
In "A Wreath", Eric sets to music the exquisitely beautiful poem written by Cindy L. Spear upon the death of her father. This was the first of potentially many collaborations with Cindy. Lyrics Copyright (C) 2007 Cindy L. Spear. Listen to "A Wreath" at Eric Severson - More Songs.
"August 6, 1945" is a requiem for the people who were killed and maimed in the bombing of Hiroshima at the end of World War II, and a tribute to the spirit of those who lived just long enough to drink the gentle but radioactive black rain that fell shortly after the blast. You can hear "August 6, 1945" at Eric Severson - More Songs.
Eric's song "Alien Eyes" is about September 11 and all the feelings we had as we went through it. As we pass the 8th anniversary of this tragedy, "Alien Eyes" is dedicated to the victims and their loved ones, to all those who stepped forward to help, and to all the rest of us who will never be the same. "Alien Eyes" can be heard at Eric Severson - More Songs.
Eric's song "Why Don't We Love" combines emo and classical styles to create a deeply romantic tune aimed at healing broken relationships. "Why Don't We Love" is featured at Eric Severson - More Songs.
"Sometimes I Think" is dedicated to Eric's beautiful wife LeThuy and her deep passion for gardening. Like her, it's a blend of Eastern and Western influences. "Sometimes I Think" is also at Eric Severson - More Songs.
Colorado's Eric Severson crafts a fine blend of acoustic, rock, blues and classical into a sound that is rich and multi-faceted and speaks of both old school and current sounds. His mouth-watering blend of styles makes for music with wide appeal that reaches out to young listeners as well as more mature, experienced song fans.
Transportation
“Good music takes me to another place,” says Eric. Great songwriting is about creating something sublime that speaks to people in a unique way and opens up portals in the mind through which the listener can escape. Eric's distinct music, while embracing recognizable flavors, is a thing of its own and offers creative journeys for the mind's eye. “Music is an almost surreal experience that goes beyond the everyday world. The sound of a beautiful chord progression or an unexpected melody or the virtuoso's touch on an instrument can literally move me to tears.” Get ready for this music to grab your heart, for Eric puts all the passion that he experiences as a listener into his own compositions.
Inner Light
“Nothing touches one's emotions or reaches into one's inner soul more than well-crafted music. And writing and performing music is how my inner soul and emotions can come out to touch others.” Music is a form of communication and a master of the musical arts can craft songs that speak to listeners in special ways. Eric is one of those musicians. “I believe in writing music that touches people's hearts, inspires their emotions and enlightens them to issues and feelings they might not otherwise have experienced.” Eric writes songs that help a person explore his own soul and encounter personal growth while receiving top notch entertainment value. “It may sound funny, but if I am not moved to tears at least once while writing a song, I don't feel I've yet hit the mark.”
Scope
Eric's broad range of musical tastes and inspirations help provide the depth one encounters in his music. “I believe that there is beauty in all musical styles, which motivates me to freely combine so many styles in my own music.” The signature flavors in Eric's music are marks of his profound creativity and devotion to the artistry of music.
Accomplishments
Eric is a singer songwriter whose work focuses on cause-related and humanitarian subjects, and who been honored as a "Creative Innovator Advocating a Global Difference" by A United Journey for Humanity. He works with Child Fund International and is also Chief Business Officer for IllumAlliance and BBiTV, an innovative charitable organization using the power of the internet to help charities raise money in a tough economy, and to link donors directly to remote areas of need. Eric is an active member of the Songweavers charitable musician's community, has been featured as a local musician on the Colorado Music Buzz Web site, and has held several top 40 positions on SongVault Internet Radio. Eric is currently in the process of creating three new tunes, a theme song for BBiTV called "Beyond the Borders", a song about autism called "The World Behind Your Eyes", and a love song for his wife called "All of You".
Reviews and Comment
"Colorado's Eric Severson music is a thing of its own and offers creative journeys for the mind's eye. The signature flavors in his music are marks of his profound creativity and devotion to the artistry of music." - Cindy L. Spear, "The Musician's Poet"
"Eric's musicianship and songwriting are of the highest quality, and I would dare anyone with a sense of love for the world and its people to remain unmoved by the songs he produces!" - Ian Bartlett, UK rock musician
"Beautiful lyrics done with so much love." - Ashley Ouderkirk, model, actress and singer
"Love your music, so so meaningful and powerful. Each piece of your creation carries the most intense and humanitarian message to the world" - Lusia, Songweavers
"This is my favorite kind of music, real messages right to the heart from the gut." - Eric Benson, Urban Legend Band
"Eric has some important things to say and he says it very well." - Lydia L. Ashton, film composer
"It should be a compulsory part of the inauguration process of every President and Prime Minister that they be sent into outer space and made to view our lovely planet while listening to this music." - Malcolm Brown, composer
"Eric's music is heartfelt and beautiful...just like his soul!" - Fawn, Body Soul & Mind
"Wonderful voice - so smooth, a friendly sound. Great songs!" - Steve Dunster, film composer
"Eric offers us a glimpse of light in the darkest of tragedies and portrays the human struggle with great finesse and concern. His music is a ray of hope when all seems lost." - Nick Thompson, Good Beyond Hope
"Eric's music is filled with emotion and soul!" - Gint Austrins, Sound Radius
"I admire so much Eric's heart felt convictions and poetic imagery." - Michael Cutting, songwriter and guitarist, Death and Taxes
"I like the eclecticism in the music, how I hear folk, blues, classical and, at times, rock...what a truly nice sound!" - Thomas Kushin, jazz musician
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Your Chance to Help!
You can help raise money for the
Shimon Peres Peace Center by purchasing the "Ray of Hope" and "International Ray of Hope" CDs which include my version of this song! Just go to The Shouk to buy via PayPal. The Peres Foundation donates to established charities the world over, whose avowed goal is to further the cause of peace for all mankind.
You can also help with badly-needed aid for children in Africa by purchasing my song "Dying Down in Africa" and other heartfelt music at the End Poverty site. Every cent of the proceeds goes directly to charity.
It's time for us at 440MUSIC.COM to say thank you for being our friiend. We're now running 3 online Internet Radio Stations and they all feature Unsigned and Indie Bands. We're on the constant look out for bands with original music. You should consider joining us so we can play your songs.
Tom TBones Cramer Owner 440MUSIC.COM Internet Radio Beyond The Reach Of Satellite
Warm blessings to you my dear Eric.. My deep gratitude for all your contributions to us at Songweavers and the world of humanity.. You are an inspiration to us all. Love and peace to you always, ~Lusia~
THANK YOU MY DEAR FRIEND!!! IT IS ALL GOOD HERE IN CALI, JUST VERY HOT, NOT UNUSUAL THOU.. HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL REST OF THE WEEK...........MUCH LOVE N BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AS WELL!!!..........PEACE...
Hi Eric, Hope your weekend starts well. Thanks again for the remix. You have done such a great job on the song. All your hard work is very much appreciated. Cheers and blessings, Cindy
Dear Eric, The Voice is an exceptional piece of deeply moving creative heart. Your vocals and the poetry combine to grab you and shake you from inside out. The Voice may be your greatest work yet, haunting, gripping and profoundly touching !!! I am honored to be counted among your friends and pray for your continued growth in this journey we are walking together. A journey that is radically changing the "way it is done" to the "way it should be done". Blessings brother Eric.
I remember, albeit many moons ago, telling you how much I loved The Wreath. Frankly, The Voice is even better. Cindy L Spear’s poetry is always beautifully poignant and soul searching. But your music and stunning vocals bring that extra level of meaning and depth to the tragedy that lingers long in the mind and the heart. I have always loved your music and The Voice is yet another wonderful example of both your artistic skill and how much you truly care for our world and all who live in its beauty.
Eric, Your latest song "The Voice" is truly so touching and moving. All of of songs are full of inspirations and give so much to the world of music as well as the world of humanity. You enriching us all through the beauty of your music. Peace and love, ~Lusia~ BTW: Thank you so much for helping us promote peace through Ray of Hope and for giving a piece of your heart to the world.
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