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Having been described by online listeners as a “The Voice of Acappella Modern Rock”, Eric Gwin has built a reputation in recent years as a unique artist within the genre of acappella music, not only as a musician, but also as a friend to his listeners.
Eric began as a vocalist and songwriter for a couple of Christian acappella groups: Ariel (1989-1993) and Q (1993-2000). Through both groups, Eric developed his skills as a singer and songwriter, but also came to realize the importance of his relationship with God. It was because of that relationship that Eric knew he would always be expressing himself through music ministry, with or without a group to sing with.
When beginning his solo ministry in 2000, Eric immediately saw that there were limitations to promoting himself, especially with a wife and new baby at home. Touring (at the time) was definitely out of the question. He instead turned his attention to the Internet as a way of getting the word out about his music. Through careful study and a LOT of prayer, Eric began to slowly build a following online, hoping to have an audience for his first CD upon its release.
In 2001, he released his first solo CD, a 6-track EP entitled "Refuge". Apart from his daughter's "in-utero" heartbeat on the last track, every voice and sound on the CD was performed by Eric, and all the sounds were vocally or anatomically produced. He immediately began promoting it through every avenue available on the Internet. Although he made many mistakes, Eric learned from them and quickly moved on, gaining listeners through Internet Radio stations and music download sites. He also discovered the importance of cultivating relationships with his website visitors, not just trying to sell them a CD, but really trying to meet their needs both musically AND spiritually.
In late 2005, Eric released his first full-length solo album, "The Calling", which took his acappella musical approach to new heights, venturing into the world of modern rock, R&B, and even hip-hop. Through the relationship that he had already built with his online listeners, along with an appearance on the nationally syndicated Rick and Bubba radio show (which could only be described as a blessing from God), Eric’s online store sold out of “The Calling” within its first week of release!
Since then, Eric has seen God work time and time again within his life and ministry. One of the biggest blessings came in May of 2006 when The Acappella Company’s newest group, Durant, covered Eric’s song, “How Great”, on their debut album, “Ride”. Because of this blessing, Eric has been presented with plenty of new opportunities for sharing his music and meeting the needs of people who take the time to listen to him!
In February of 2007, Eric began work on a new studio album, planned to be released in the Fall of 2007. Eric took about 2 months to write about 40 songs for the project, of which he plans to record about 20-25, then choosing 12 for the final release. Carrying on his practice of keeping a strong relationship with his listeners and web visitors, he has vowed to keep everyone posted on the progress of the album through weekly updates in his blog: www.ericgwin.blogspot.com. In addition to the new album, Eric is also looking into venturing back out onto the concert stage this Summer, singing and ministering through the songs from his first two solo efforts. For booking information, be sure to check out the Contact Information Page.
Eric Gwin is a firm believer in the idea that God created each of us for a purpose. He believes that his purpose is to use his musical talents for the glory of God, all the while pushing the "sonic envelope" as far as he can by creating music that is truly original, innovative, and unlike any you've ever heard!
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