Biography:

 

Guitars: acoustic, electric, bass;
drums programming, percussion and sound effects.

Professional composer and guitarist, who writes and performs music in a variety of styles: Classical, Flamenco, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Fusion, Folk, Blues, etc., as well as combination of styles using different types of guitar.

A music scholar, professional composer and performer Erik Sootes comes from a multiethnic background. He always experiments with variety of styles, looking for a new sound and ways to show what guitar is capable of. On stage and in the recording studio he masterfully changes guitars, using classical, western and electric. He has his own signature style that combines Jazz, Blues, Flamenco, Classical, Rock, Hip-Hop, New Age, etc. His compositions are an eclectic mix. They are fresh and don't sound like anyone else's.

Erik started his music career in the late 70's. He studied, taught music and performed for a variety of audiences in Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. He performed solo concerts and as part of a band.

When he immigrated to the U.S. in 1997, he started his life and music career from scratch. Surviving in a new environment he beat the odds and managed to have solo concert tours on the East and the West Coasts, as well as the Nation-wide tour, and signed a contract with MTV.

Erik has performed on such legendary stages as CB's Gallery in New York City and Celebrity Center International in Hollywood, CA. He has been invited to give radio interviews in New York and Massachusetts, including a two-hour show dedicated entirely to his works. His music in the album "Spanish Image" was selected for "All Songs Considered" on National Public Radio-NPR.
Erik's music truly has a Universal appeal. In a short time in the U.S., Erik Sootes earned a name of a One-Man-Orchestra, reaching with his masterful performances audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Erik has been participating in various music festivals and events and is continuing to give solo concerts all over the country. People of different ages and backgrounds who have been to Erik's concerts call his performances magical and unforgettable.