Singer-songwriter and Emmy Award winning writer and host of the national PBS travel series Tennessee Valley Uncharted Erick Baker continues to reinvent how he does music. I’m not talking a new album, though if you have yet to listen to “Stay Awhile” I highly suggest you do immediately.
When the COVID virus outbreak hit our area hard and businesses restaurants, and other venues had to shut down, Erick as well as many other artists, suddenly found themselves without a place to play.
Not only were businesses being shutdown a reason he had to stay home,
Erick shared his story, “When I was 12 years old, I was told that my Dad only had a few months to live. He had contracted a virus that had developed into a heart disease known as Cardiomyopathy. He was in heart failure.
Miraculously, he was selected to be part of a drug trial for a new drug called Coreg. This drug and one determined doctor in Memphis, TN, saved his life. Dad turned 79 this month, and he still continues to fight today. Unfortunately, his disease has led to a number of additional health problems, which makes him very vulnerable to complications of another virus known as COVID-19. I’ve felt so helpless, but staying home is one of the things that we can all do to help.”
With trying to keep his family safe, and his already scheduled tours and events in various states having to cancel, an opportunity came about that started him on his new path.
Through The Local Love Box, he partnered with other locals in his community to come together as one to bring a virtual concert straight to everyone’s living room. This first show featured a live cooking show with Chef Jeffrey DeAlejandro of OliBea Old City and beer pairing commentary from Matthew Cummings of Pretentious Beer Co., then Erick gave his live concert, all to support local businesses and Second Harvest TN. Needless to say it was an instant hit, and “Noise in the Attic” was born.
Noise in the Attic became Erick’s weekly Thursday Night Live Concert on Facebook, available to any and everyone to watch.
“I hope this message finds you safe at home and healthy. I know the last few weeks have been very difficult, so I want to bring in a little light by playing some tunes! These shows have been my way to try and make the best of these crazy days and they have been such a blessing.”
Many other musicians and artists have had to find unique ways to reach their audiences, and virtual shows has helped them do just that. It has still been a struggle financially, but with support from his local community and his fans, Erick has found a way to keep his music going and help us find a way to take a break from the news and the stress and enjoy some musical medicine.
If you would like to support Erick, you can by donating to these online tip jars. Venmo: (https://venmo.com/ErickBaker), PayPal: (paypal.me/erickbakermusic), Cash App: $erickbakermusic
