Chris Ericsson and The Existentialists

“Amazing blend of ingenious songwriting_music&lyrics_that flow from word pictures&impressions of life&mind_Insights into self-expression_A one of a kind remarkable style_something special happens when one is open to a deeper revelation from within_” "Your music is one of a kind_Be confident you're outstanding" I have been fascinated with words for almost as long as I can remember_I started writing poetry around eleven and lyrics & songs around fifteen_for me they were important as a form of self-expression & identity as I was debilitatingly shy & lacking in self-confidence_I read once that our personality is defined by the age of five, that the child is the father (& the mother) of the man or woman_writing & performing in bands & solo gave me the confidence I needed to compensate for my childhood_in this latest chapter of my career I have put it all out there, trying to get my message across on an international platform to a world, as we know from other forms of social media, that can be full of “haters” & naysayers_we all put ourselves out there every day trying to get our message across, through the way we look, present ourselves & what we say_people who are altruistic, compassionate & caring are often extremely sensitive_added to that I am my own harshest critic & go through severe moments of self-doubt_there were days when my two options were writing & recording a song or “hiding out” in bed_the mantra that gets me through these moments is “If you feel you are not succeeding_don’t give up_just try harder” I believe we are all given the skill set to achieve what we are meant to this time around on this planet_part of that set of traits are the ones that test us_how we process & respond to criticism & perceived attacks along with how we cope with bouts of depression, low confidence & self-doubt_one important thing I learnt recently is that our enemies are our “friends”_we learn as much if not more from them, as our perceived friends….as they are challenging us to be better people & versions of ourselves_If where you are coming from as a person is an honest place, consistent with who you are & are comfortable with & feel that you are meant to be & you still feel that you and your message are not cutting through_don’t change_don’t give up_just try harder "If you like it, take a seat_If you don’t like it, take a number_Barely holding on, not holding anything back_Every word, every line, every verse_I still remember_Wrote this down so you would know_I thought I’d be the first to go_But I am the last front man standing_ " A collection of poetic narratives, stripped back and deconstructed, reminiscent of early Neil Young, Nick Drake, Tom Waits and Beck_the art of songwriting and storytelling at its quintessential zenith_” _without meaningful art we are merely "kings of the stone age.." I think therefore I realise I know nothing_ "alternative_/adjective_Relating to activities that depart from or challenge traditional norms_"Existential introspection stripped back to its essence..performances like quicksilver_Open your ears_open your eyes_open your mind_"A master lyricist & sonic architect of overtures that hit you like a door or like a light_Chris Ericsson has “been there and done it” musically_His output as a performer and songwriter is prolific - covering all genres_his song “Our Love’s An Empty House” was included in the syllabus of WEA course An Introduction To Songwriting as an exemplar of commercial songwriting at its highest level_Let’s hear from the man himself_ These works are dedicated to anyone who ever loved me or left me, hurt or hated me, taught, mentored or challenged me_Empathised with, shared a dream, idea, stage, house, conversation or a drink_You are the genesis of this work & my creative process_If any of these poems, songs, stories, cautionary tales resonate with you, or assists in any way the problematic navigation of this all too short life then my work is done_

Port Willunga, SA