Alright, so I've gone through many biographies of informational banter and so I've decided to turn the tables and write one on my own.

Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, it all started, while still in diapers, (around 3yrs old) when my pops made me learn the accordion. See, coming from a strict Slovak background (former Czechoslovakia) I was raised with polkas and waltzes as my first major influence. So throughout my childhood I was thrown multiple instruments and told "figure it out" as there became a need for it in our ethnic, rockin' family band. (WARNING: slight use of sarcasm) As my 2 older brothers sang, danced and played their instruments ... I became sort of a guinea pig being able to pick up and figure out anything my dad threw my way. By age 6, I played the accordion, harmonica, recorder, keyboard, sang and danced. And a few years later took trumpet lessons. I have to say that I was a natural favorite around the grannies!

Being a teenager and dealing with typical peer pressure, I started becoming embarrassed of music and started shying away. I suddenly became a jock being born and bred to compete as a soccer/hockey athlete. (Once again, in my fathers footsteps as he was a semi-professional soccer player) Then suddenly … our household started becoming Americanized where sounds went from polkas and waltzes to Helloween and Stryper with a final compromise of Abba.

By late high school, I was dead set on becoming a professional athlete, but still couldn't concentrate on one thing as I competed in baseball, football, cross-country, but my main focus was on soccer, ice hockey and volleyball. Received multiple accolades, awards and potential scholarships. Being torn by my father who wanted me to become a professional soccer player and train in Austria and my mother who constantly harped on education and strived to make our lives better as I was only the 2nd Macek born in the United States, a medial meniscus tear in my left knee senior year of high school opened my eyes at a whole new level. And soon after, somehow ended up performing in a musical called "Crazy for You" my senior year and was chosen "Rookie of the Year" as no one knew I could sing/dance.

On to college where the my first real musical influence hit me like a ton of bricks ... a man by the name Dave Matthews made me want to pick up the guitar and just "jam" ... or maybe thinking that it would help my chances with the lady gender. Whatever the case, the seed had been planted. Music had made an ironic full circle back into my life and by my 2nd year of college, my dad bought me my first Washburn acoustic electric guitar and the rest is history. (side note: Plush by STP was my first riff ever learned)

2005-literally, was the year where "it" all began. I decided to record an album, create a website, make a press kit and, really, create a music identity. Then, an event happened that changed my life forever, the AMTC talent competition. I received a scholarship to compete amongst thousands in Orlando, Florida. Shy as ever and so nervous that my throat almost closed ... I sang my heart out and to my surprise won the prestigious "Overall Singer" award, which in my mind was proof that I have "something."

This confidence led me to take another big chance in my life as I packed my bags and headed to Southern California. One opportunity after another piled on and continued to pile on as I've performed at events such as the Sundance Festival, Academy Awards gifting lounge and SXSW. I've also been fortunate enough to tour with my original music nationally, adding stops in Japan and Europe. Other accolades that have helped shape and move my music career forward are, "Best Male Vocalist of the Year" at the Los Angeles Music Awards, a 25K winning for "Best Overall Band" at the 2009 Musicpalooza Competition, multiple nominations for a variety of songs at songwriter competitions, Hollywood Music Awards and the list continues to grow. Trying to relate this exciting news home was hard for a while since my family really wasn't in the know of who is famous, popular or what the cool places were. So, when I would tell my parents, "Hey mom, I performed with so and so…people like Joan Jett, Gin Blossoms, Jason Mraz, David Gray, Brandi Carlile, G-Love, Tyler Hilton, Matt Scanell (Vertical Horizon) and others," my mom was like, "that's nice son." See, my mom was more interested in how my 401K was doing, and if I had health insurance, haha.

All these experiences made me realize that I am in a constant stage of growth, no matter what age. i love life, there's so much to live for! I learn and relearn things that inspire me and make me feel alive. For example, I love to give and receive hugs, and am obsessed with high fives. I'm a sucker for optimism and love it when I hear stories of people that use one of my original songs as their "wedding song." I wish ranch and bacon were healthy. I think that 68 degrees is the perfect temp. I also think that the Smurfs live in a perfect communism that only exists in that cartoon. I love creating, the smell of wood burning, and I think it's okay to believe in Santa Clause. (Rudolph, that's a different story) Times always change, but relish the moment, because we only get one moment. I've learned not to stress so much. Instead, i'm back to enjoying the process . You really can do anything in life. You just have to believe.

I give you SUPER kudos if you actually read this whole bio. So to anyone who has just spend the past 3 minutes reading this, or checking out one of my videos, or listening to a track, thank you! I've always appreciated my fans from day 1, and will continue to do so. You have seriously taught me so much and I honestly appreciate the constant support, excitement and words of encouragement.

~Erick Macek