Erik Madsen credits what he calls the "shiver" with his drive to play the guitar. "It's because of the shiver you get up your spine when you hear or see something inspiring, and I wanted to give that feeling back to other people." That quest for the shiver propelled Erik into a fifteen year long journey into the realm of guitar playing. Erik's musical training began early. His grandfather is an award winning old-time fiddler, his mom and grandmother both pianists and his father a jazz and rock-n-roll drummer. The early elements of these influences spawned an explosive guitar style mixing funk, jazz and a sprinkling of blues. Erik's independent sense of musical style stood out in the city of Seattle where invasive grunge music had swallowed the city and taken over the clubs. "The funky white guy" sought solace in the fringes of the ethnic music scene where hip-hop, jazz and rhythm and blues were being juxtapositioned into a funky stew. Erik played in studios and on stage with a wide gamut of disenfranchised funksters whose independent style forecasted an end to the era of grunge. In 1995, Erik founded the Seattle funk band "Glazz House" which included Washington State Mass Choir gospel musicians Eric Evans (drums) and Luke Jackson (bass). The band performances included the "Bite of Seattle", several local clubs, and opening spots for The Dazz Band and the Sugarhill Gang. Erik further honed his guitar playing skills in the Latin-funk/jazz band "Zamora", which included East Coast drummer Chris G. The band was celebrated both at home and in Canada. He later merged forces with a funk/rock band labeled as "One Against Five" which featured drummer Terry Rosback and vocalist Keith Montgomery. In 1998, Erik helped put together an alternative rock recording project called "Planet Zero", with vocalist Brian Armstrong and keyboardist Stefan Papp. Erik also began playing with R&B vocalist Paul "Snoopy" Lawrence, former front man of Seattle bands "Hit Explosion" and "Apollo Creed" - in Snoopy Lawrence and the Grüvbox. The band featured some notable musicians including former Grammy award winning Nu Shooz bassist, Gary Fountaine from Portland, OR. Erik's dedication to his instrument prompted him to seek out teachers schooled in a wide variety of styles. Over the last fifteen years, he's delved into jazz, blues, classical and funk. His teachers included GIT founder Don Mock, award winning guitarist Jay Roberts (son of the late Howard Roberts), classical guitar player Kevin Callahan, Seattle guitar virtuoso Mike Mattingly, jazz great Rich Dangel (the Wailers) and Billy McPherson (Albert Collins, Buddy Miles Express). Most recently, in L.A. he has studied with Josh Sklair (Etta James Band), Bruce Conte (Tower of Power), and Marlon McClain (Pleasure, the Dazz Band). Following a recent move to Los Angeles, Erik's funky guitar has lent itself to the band "Liquid Sunshine". The band has played at a variety of clubs including B.B. King's and the Key Club. When in Seattle, Erik continues to perform in "The Urban Players", a musical mix of R&B, soul and funk. Erik's guitar skills have been featured in a variety of studio projects including work for rap artist Lil' Gene, producer Kevin Gardner, writer/producer/artist Bryan "Big B" Hatfield, and Nile Rogers Productions former producer Chazz Oliver. The culmination of musical progression lies at the root of this guitarist's self -propelled journey to inspiration. By seeking out a variety of influences Erik's own brand of funky rhythm has adapted to a host of players and a great deal of change. This dedicated performer continues to evolve in his quest to share the passion that comes from the heart of his playing.