Search - Erik Ritland :: Firelight

Music isn't meant to be made in a vacuum. That is why the music of Saint Paul, Minnesota songwriter Erik Ritland is immersed in the past by channeling legends like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, the Beatles, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, and Neil Young yet also has a distinctive modern rock sound and energy. 'Firelight' is Erik's debut EP. The title track, which is also the lead single from Erik's forthcoming first full-length LP 'To St. Jude with Desperation' which is due out in Spring 2013, is a mid-60s Dylan-esque track, a dark folk song steeped in tradition with creative, apocalyptic lyrics. The EP also includes the catchy, upbeat folk/pop of 'Aching Heart' and 'Woke Up this Morning Feeling Blue,' the unique, complex social commentary of 'Stay Inside,' and slow, sad ballad 'Bluegrass.' Each song features Erik on acoustic guitar and lead vocal and multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Nate Houge on harmony vocals, electric guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, mandocaster, and more.