Erik Kjelland

Music has always been a huge part of my life. My earliest memory of music exposure was from the Beatles (a Sesame Street skit with the song Letter B). Both of my parents were involved in music in church and in a band.

From 1996 to early 2000 I was the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in an alternative rock band, Crosswise. Through this band I was able to develop my songwriting abilities.

Crosswise continued to play (with rotating members) when I started my higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. At UW-P I met Art, who was the advisor to the Exponent (UW-P newspaper) where I worked. He and I started jamming together and I was given the chance to play songs from many of my favorite artists, including my all-time favorite, the Beatles.

After many months of playing mostly covers (and frequenting the Gamehendge Pub for Open Mike Nights and our own performances), we decided to try our hand at originals, and have not stopped writing since. Our original songs are unique compared to most modern music. We try to incorporate all flavors of music and add great harmonies.

Expanding the band to four members was the next step for Art and I, and we were extremely excited about the change. After many practices and lots of gigs under our belts, we went into the studio (Heartland Studio in Galena, IL) and recorded our first CD, "Flowering Diesel." My musical influences include the Beatles, The Who, Weird Al Yankovic (don't ask), Radiohead, Fastball, Pink Floyd, Collective Soul, Third Day, the great Art Ranney and many more.

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