Erick Macek

Update September 8

Hello my people, I am excited to announce that for the past 6 months, I have been working hard on a new record of my original material and it is now officially out and on sale worldwide.

It’s something that I am very proud of and hope all of you are excited about it as well. Some quick background on the album: I self funded the entire album as well as created, wrote and produced all of the 12 original songs on it. Also, I created all of the artwork that goes along with it, including pictures from my wonderful photographer, Lauren Hillary. I had an absolute AMAZING group of musicians work on this album, as the artists on it have a vast professional resumé from working with musicians like Eric Clapton, Damien Rice, Jason Mraz, to the recording studio with others like Patti LaBelle, Blink 182, David Gray and just a ton of other notables. This is a very personal and exciting album for me!

I am on a BIG push, as I am doing EVERYTHING by myself with tremendous help from friends and fans. I love music and it’s my absolute passion in life and I just want to share this news with the people closest to me … you!

I now have an online store where you can purchase both of my albums, “Living Dream” and “Just Right.” If anyone purchases an album from here, I will sign the copy and personally send it out, for the time being. I am also live on iTunes among tons of other sites worldwide: Rhapsody, eMusic and CD Baby.

Again, I’m just really excited for this release as I believe in myself and my music. On a new and very exciting note: the song “HOME” from the new album has been nominated for the Holllywood Music Awards already!

Erick Macek is a former Overall Singer at AMTC and has successfully begun a career as a Singer Songwriter. Following is a bio from his own Erick’s Website …

“Alright, so I’ve gone through many biographies of informational bragging and so I’ve decided to turn the tables and write one on my own.

Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, it all started at about age 5 when my pops kind of made me learn the accordion. (I think it was to follow in his footsteps) See, coming from a strict Slovak background (that’d be eastern Europe) I was raised with polkas and waltzes as my first major influence. So throughout my childhood I was thrown multiple instruments and told “figure it out” as there became a need for it in our ethnic, rockin’ family band. (WARNING: slight use of sarcasm) As my 2 older brothers sang, danced and played their instruments … I became sort of a guinea pig being able to pick up and figure out anything my dad threw my way. By age 6, I played the accordion, harmonica, recorder, keyboard, sang and danced. And a few years later took trumpet lessons. I have to say that I was a natural favorite around the grannies!

Being a teenager and dealing with typical peer pressure, I really became embarrassed of music started shying away. I suddenly became a jock being born and bred to become a soccer/hockey athlete. (once again, following in my fathers footsteps … (My father once being a semi-professional soccer player in Austria) and suddenly … our household started becoming Americanized where sounds went from polkas and waltzes to Helloween and Stryper with a final compromise of Abba.

By late high school, I was dead set on becoming a professional athlete, but still couldn’t concentrate on one thing as I competed in baseball, football, cross-country, but my main focus was on soccer, ice hockey and volleyball. Received multiple accolades, awards and potential scholarships. Being torn by my father who wanted me to become a professional soccer player and train in Austria and my mother who constantly harped on education and strived to make our lives better as I was only the 2nd Macek born in the United States, a medial meniscus tear in my left knee senior year of high school opened my eyes at a whole new level. And soon after, somehow ended up performing in a musical called “Crazy for You” my senior year and was chosen “Rookie of the Year” as no one knew I could sing/dance.

On to college where the my first real musical influence hit me like a ton of bricks … a man by the name dave matthews made me want to pick up the guitar and just “jam” … or maybe thinking that it would help my chances with the lady gender. Whatever the case, the seed had been planted. Music had made an ironic full circle back into my life and by my 2nd year of college, my dad bought me my first Washburn acoustic electric guitar and the rest is history. (side note: Plush by STP was my first riff ever learned)

After graduating and moving on as a graphic designer, I continued to write and write and write, but was very shy behind the mic. I remember recalling before a performance, I usually had to have a “few” drinks … as I was asked many times how I could perform while hammered (I use that term loosely)…

2005-literally, was the year where “it” all began. I decided to record an album, create a website, make a press kit and, really, create a music identity. Then, an event happened that changed my life forever, the AMTC talent competition. I received a scholarship to compete amongst thousands in Orlando, Florida. Shy as ever and so nervous that my throat almost closed … I sang my heart out and to my surprise won the prestigious “Overall Singer” award, which in my mind was proof that I have “something.”

This confidence led me to take another big chance in my life as I packed my bags and headed to Southern California. One opportunity after another piled on and continue to pile on as I’ve performed at events such as the Sundance Festival, Academy Awards gifting lounge, SXSW and venues all over Southern California at a consistent basis. I’ve also met, performed and hung out with many great musicians, major label acts and so on, but rather not use there name to boost up my bio. I’m an honest singer/songwriter and I have an obvious passion for this thing called music. I’m always learning and I’m always being inspired and “life always happens” … I’m taking on that ride and hope to leave something behind for people to relate to, learn from and communicate with … Hope ya’ll enjoy~

Whiskey-infused songwriting that’s heartfelt and honest…
Macek’s high-energy performances forge themselves into the minds of listeners with his ambitious guitar-playing and melodic grooves. Incorporating a wide array of musical styles ranging from jazz and funk to folk, pop and soul; Macek meanders his way into the music scene as he is often caught in the same sentences as Dave Matthews, John Mayer and Jack Johnson. Coming back from performances such as the Sundance Film Festival, Academy Awards Gifting Lounge and SXSW, Erick Macek is a name to remember and one to watch as his music, energy and passion is addicting and catching on nationally. Grab your own copy of his original vibe, spread the word and always …
“help support the music”

Update from Erick (December, 2007):
I wanted to drop a line and update you a bit and let you know that I was honored with “Best Male Vocalist of the Year” by the Los Angeles Music Awards!