ERIC ADDINGTON

ADDINGTON FINDS THE BEST SONGS "JUST SORT OF HAPPEN"
By Christina Killion Valdez (Rochester MN Post-Bulletin)
December 18, 2003


Speaking softly and carrying only his guitar, Eric Addington takes a gentle approach to stardom.

As a tennager in Rochester, Addington, now 26, was drawn to the bright lights and big sound of rock.

Following in his big brother's footsteps, he picked up the guitar at age 16 and took lessons from Tony Pucci of Rochester. "I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, and learning rock and blues guitar," he said.

In his senior year at John Marshall High School, Addington found his own voice. A much quieter, introspective and honest one.

It's the voice that's heard on the singer/songwriter's debut solo album, "Dragonfly".

"It's just comes, I can't really control it," Addington said about songwriting. "I've tried to write to a specific event or subject in the past and it's just been frustrating. The best songs I have just sort of happen."

Naturally, he is drawn to the trials of life, such as growing up, relationships, seeing the world from someone else's perspective and faith.

"I consciously try to avoid writing songs that are preachy," Addington said. Instead he strives for an honesty that resonates with listeners, he said.

His endeavors reach audiences across the Midwest into Montana, as he performs both as a solo musician and in the acoustic duo Flatlands with Bill Lempe. Flatlands started when Addington was a student at Concordia College in Moorhead (Minnesota), where he currently resides.

"I used to want to be a touring musician," Addington said. Over time, he's refined his objective, as well as his music.

"My goal," he said, "is to write the best songs I can write."

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This is one of the best CDs I heard all of last year. I very much recommend it!!!--TP

ERIC ADDINGTON