by Sarah A. Peterson
With a slew of upcoming gigs that stretch out through the sizzling California summer, Fresno’s Erick Tyler rocks it like a veteran with bassist Adam Smith and drummer Gerardo Ortega. And even though he only started performing live last fall, Tyler has already made a name for himself in the Golden State with the release of his EP Stuck in the Middle earlier this spring.
KRL: How long have you been making music?
Erick: I have been playing guitar for 14 years now. I started when I was 9, and I am 23 now. I just started performing live in November 2015.
Erick Tyler
KRL: What particular genre of music do you play?
Erick: I am a rock ‘n roll guitar player and I sing, but I also play acoustic guitar in the style of artists like John Mayer and James Taylor.
KRL: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Erick: My biggest musical influences have been Jimi Hendrix, John Frusciante, Eddie Van Halen, and John Mayer.
KRL: Who did you listen to while growing up?
Erick: Growing up as a kid all I listened to was classic rock from the 70s and 80s with my dad. Bands like Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, ACDC, Jimi Hendrix, and Metallica were always being played by the pool at my house.
KRL: Did you always want to be a musician?
Erick: I always knew I wanted music to be a part of my life. When I was younger, all I did was visualize a future of being on stage and having music get me through life. I write songs whenever they come to me. You have to feel the true emotion of the song you’re making or else it just has no substance to it.
For instance, my band and I just took a road trip to Santa Barbara, Carmel, and Ventura. The beauty of the ocean and the overall vibe was so powerful that I started writing a song about it. Songs are weird like that. If they’re not coming from the truest depths of your thought and soul, then it won’t come out that way to the listener either.
KRL: Where have you played locally?
Erick: Locally I have played at Sequoia Brewing Company, Starving Artists Bistro, The Standard, and Outlaw Tavern, just to name a few.
KRL: What is the best part about making and performing music?
Erick: The best part about being a musician is watching other people get something out of the music that I’m playing. I absolutely love it when someone will walk up after the show to me and just say, “Thank you.” Everyone in life is going through some form of struggle, and music is so beautiful because it can capture every emotion or feeling that you get.
Music makes people feel amazing, and I’m just happy to be the guy that can bring happiness to other people’s lives through my guitar.
For more information on Erick Tyler and his upcoming performances, please visit his Facebook page, or at www.ericktyler.com.
Check out more local band & musician profiles in KRL’s music section.
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