More contemporary Folk Rock I think, or Acoustic, is in 4 part harmonies in the background, I was the artist, singer (all vocals) and guitars.   Hope you enjoy.

Wishes and Other Things

Run Away

We have all met the girl or guy of our dreams, this is a song about the disappointment, but was it worth the journey? .. fun song to record and write

Saw An Angel Yesterday

Like the singer/songwriter guitar-carrying troubadours of days gone by, Rik Yerzik is a restless, creative soul who says he “doesn’t like to sit still in one place for too long – someone might find me.”

In a moment of serendipity – while waiting in a court house to be called for jury duty, a woman walked up to Rik and complimented his music songwriting book. She turned out be Robin Frederick (Taxi) , a former vice president of A&R of Rhino Records, with over 450 song credits to her name. Robin was also a song coach, and jumped at the chance to critique Rik’s music, which led to him joining her roster of clients. He says Robin’s guidance gave him “a great confidence boost and enlightenment of my songwriting craft.”  

Robin said of Rik, " Rik! I definitely remember that jury duty meet up as well! And I'm so happy to hear that you're writing and recording. Never stop. You have one of the great voices of all time and your passion for your writing shines through in all you do! ". When Rik asked permission if he could quote her, Robin said, "Feel free to use my quote - I meant it! " ~~" this makes my writing and performing worth all the work!!", said Rik.

Rik’s not afraid of change, as he says, and he’s also not afraid to bear his old soul with introspective lyrics, masterful fingerpicking-guitar, or in his rich and mature vocals that harkens back to the best of the early 1960s Folk singers. 

For now, he’s ‘settled down’ in the Denver, Colorado music scene and is sharing his insightful, old school-meets-contemporary Folk music with fans that appreciate insight, heart and character in their music. 

His musical journey started out as a child in Detroit as he sang in his church’s Boy’s Choir, and he was also heavily exposed to old Country, the exploding rock scene of the mid-1960s, and of course old Motown R&B. Rik’s vocal range sometimes will ranger from 1st tenor to singing bass depending on the time of day :) 

After buying a Guild 12 string off a guy in college, acquiring a 68’ Les Paul and borrowing a baby Gibson acoustic, Rik says at first he was “really horrible” on guitar, but he was determined. Practice and rehearsed for hours each day, he worked to make sense out of his new love. Learning guitar and songwriting were his private world, and with every note and chord he learned, Rik became more addicted to the creative process. He was also drawn to the burgeoning Christian music scene while in college. Influenced by artists like Barry McGuire and John Michael Talbot inspired Rik to write his own contemporary Christian songs.

Rik began performing at open mic nights and in music clubs, sharing his passionate and soulfully smooth folk tunes mixed with the perfect balance of blues and old R&B, with a rich voice some have compared to Gordon Lightfoot and Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary fame. Now in Denver, Rik is a fixture in the acoustic café and club scene. 

If the songs Rik has completed for his upcoming solo debut cd are any indication of the music to come, you’re sure to hear a master singer/songwriter telling musical tales of life and love. While his fingers elicit some powerfully beautiful playing, Rik’s singing of personal struggles and loss and the ups-and-downs we all face in our lives. Pay attention to the insightful, sometimes double-entendre's , and let his poignant voice and that wistful guitar of his touch your soul.

Rik is rooted in practicality but still looking forward on making his music dreams come true. Rik got it – it’s not about having millions hear your music. It’s about how it affects the people that listen. Rik’s still shooting for millions to hear, and until he gets there, reaching listeners one heart at a time… well that’s cool enough for Rik.

rik yerzik