Erik Norlander Information

Erik Norlander has created some of the most enchanting rock music in recent years appearing on over 25 albums since 1993 with his diva spouse Lana Lane, his band Rocket Scientists, his own solo albums and guest appearances on CDs by Mark Boals, Ayreon, Star One, Neil Citron and many others. Erik's evocative synthesizer technique is reminiscent of the legendary Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson and Jon Lord while still very unique and forward moving in its own right. Erik takes many of the classic riffs and phrases of his hero masters and reinvents them with highly emotional pitch bending, vibrato and authoritative phrasing. This technique combines brilliantly with Erik's mastery of sound and production. Erik has personally led sound design efforts on several major brand synthesizers, and his knowledge of synthesis and audio engineering are second to none. Erik's perpetual live use of vintage instruments such as Hammond organ and Moog synthesizer give his concerts a depth and authenticity of sound seldom seen in modern stage productions. Prior to his Music Machine rock opera, Erik also recently completed a massive project as the executive producer for the the Line 6 GuitarPort, an interactive computer product, where he recorded over 200 new versions of classic rock and blues tracks (from Led Zeppelin to Elvis) working with legendary artists such as Jason Bonham, Simon Phillips, Vinny and Carmine Appice, Leland Sklar, Robben Ford, Double Trouble and scores of others. Erik Norlander was born in 1967 in Hollywood, California. He grew up in Los Angeles studying both jazz and classical music on several instruments from a young age through his years at the university where he also graduated with a degree in English Literature. Erik lists his keyboard influences as Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, Mike Pinder, Geoff Downes, and even Geddy Lee! Erik lists his production influences as Alan Parsons, Jeff Lynne and Bob Ezrin. His favorite bands are Yes, ELP, ELO, King Crimson, Procol Harum, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Blue Öyster Cult. While clearly a prog rocker, Erik is surprisingly quite adamant that he prefers melody over flashy playing and strong songwriting over artsy meandering. Erik Norlander's previous solo albums are Threshold (1997), and instrumental progressive effort with a decidedly electronically bent and Intro the Sunset (2000), a prog metal vocal album with a more traditional rock band sound. The Music Machine rock opera will be released worldwide in late May, 2003. Following the release, Erik and wife Lana Lane will be touring Europe in June, 2003 supporting his Music Machine album as well as Lana's recent Covers Collection title. New recordings and reissue projects will continue following the tour!