WSU graduate releases debut CD

Grief, disillusionment, love and searching - these may not seem to be elements that make up art, but to 2005 Weber State University graduate and local singer/songwriter McCall Erickson, they have become the canvas and paints of her life and music.

This May, Erickson will release her independently produced debut CD, "Beautiful Place." As a reflection of the challenges she has faced over the years, the project expresses each struggle and life experience that has a unique and beautiful place in her life.

"Her new CD is highly anticipated by me," said Danielle Vaughn, a singer/songwriter from Huntsville, Utah. "I've had the privilege of working with her in the studio a little, and I love how it is coming together. Her songs will take the listener on a musical journey that transcends this mortal sphere."

Erickson is no stranger to artistic expression. At the age of five, her father began teaching her piano, and she received her first guitar on her 14th birthday. When she started attending WSU, she became heavily involved in visual arts, writing and the musical theater program.

Music has always been a part of her everyday life, and it was this foundation she built upon when writing. At age 21, she encountered some rough times, which led her to pick up the guitar after many years and write her first song. But it wasn't until after she graduated that she realized she had found her path as a musician and songwriter.

"When I started writing and playing the guitar," Erickson said, "my style became more influenced by the folk music I grew up on, but the music I wrote was real safe. I just tried to write and sing pretty songs."

Today, Erickson writes about things that she is struggling with in life and the discoveries she has made through overcoming these trials. Her goal is to tell a story through her lyrics. She said the instruments are secondary and supplementary to her vocals.

"I want to get the message across more than anything," she said.

According to Kyle Hill, owner of Salt Rock Coffee in Ogden, Utah, Erickson sings well, but it is her stage presence and delivery that is so powerful and pulls people in.

"Her music is well-written and timeless," Hill said. "Salt Rock Coffee and McCall Erickson go together like coffee and biscotti. She has supported many charities and benefit concerts held at Salt Rock Coffee. We love her beautiful musical talent and passion for her community."

Erickson is also highly respected among other musicians in the community.

"I love the clarity and expressive qualities of her voice and finger-picking style," said local Christian recording artist Wendy Jepsen. "Her songwriting seems to come from real-life experience. There is a transparency that really draws you into the stories she tells."

Echoing Jepsen's statement, Vaughn considers Erickson to be a great live performer who knows how to connect with an audience.

"You come away not only musically fed," she said, "but with some food for thought and emotions to explore."

Two years ago, Erickson opened a teaching studio in downtown Ogden. This allowed her to spend time focusing on her own songwriting and musicianship, as well as teach others who have an interest in the arts. She shares her love for writing and music by teaching songwriting, guitar and voice.

Erickson said that she is in a beautiful place in her life right now. She is doing what she loves, giving expression to the stories of her life and teaching others to find their voice amid the noise of this world.

"I consider myself successful when I can reach other people with my songs," Erickson said, "when someone listens to my song and says, 'Yeah, I feel like that sometimes, too!'"

"Beautiful Place" is scheduled for release at the end of May, with a release concert set for June 14th at Salt Rock Coffee in Ogden at 7 p.m. This will also be a benefit concert for the Women's Retreat House of Ogden, a house for women seeking recovery from substance abuse.

People can also hear Erickson's music at 7 p.m. on April 25th at the Rendezvous Lodge in Huntsville. She will be performing at a singer/songwriter night with local artists Brett Turner, Tim Daniels, Dan Williams and Vaughn. For more information about this concert or Erickson, visit her Web site at http://www.mccallerickson.com.