Erik Rydmark – BIO
Erik started his musical journey behind the piano at an early age, but it was not until he picked up the guitar at age 11 that he decided to pursue a career in the field of music. In 1993, at the age of 13 Erik started his first band called “Total Eclipse”. In 1995 they did their first studio recording and after numerous performances they landed the gig of opening for Swedish metal band “Dismember” in early 1996. In 1997 the band split up. In the spring of 1996 Erik did his first solo guitar recording called “Exotic Ride”. After an audition in the spring of 1996, Erik was one out of four electric guitarists from the whole country who gained admission to the prestigious music high school, Södra Latin in Stockholm. After being a strict rock guitarist Erik made his first real encounter with jazz music. Erik slowly made the transition from rock to jazz-guitar and also got into jazz arranging and composition. Erik finished his first big band arrangement of one of his own compositions in 1998. The arrangement was later performed by the school big band at Jazz Club Fashing, in Stockholm. Erik also played the jazz clubs around Stockholm with his own jazz-fusion band during that time. During the summer of 1999 Erik finished his second solo guitar recording, “Moments”. In the fall of 1999 Erik entered Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, on a scholarship. Erik had the privilege to study for Greg Hopkins, Dick Lowell, Ted Peace, Ed Tomassi, Bret Willmott and Mark White amongst others. He continued to develop his writing and playing skills and was able to network with great talents from all over the world.
Erik graduated in the spring of 2002 with the highest honors, Summa Cum Laude, with a major in Jazz Composition. At age 20 Erik started his first business, “Rydmark Music Productions”, later renamed “Song Shaper” in 2005. Some of the clients during that time include: Abel & Baker AB, Acando AB, Global Image AB, Cirkör Event AB, Blåsette Big Band, Teamwork Big Band, Air Mail Big Band, dB Big Band, Övik Big Band and numerous arrangements/productions for pop, rock, jazz groups and artists. Film music for “Look both ways” and “The Loons”. After graduating from Berklee in 2002 Erik moved back to his hometown of Stockholm, Sweden. He then hooked up with his long time friend and piano player Sven Lundholm, and set up shop in a brand new studio located on Lidingö, an island 10 minutes from Stockholm City. They started writing and producing pop, rock and rnb songs for numerous artists. Their song “If it’s time to say goodbye” ended up on Idols finalist Christian Forss’ second solo album, “Hungry Heart”, in 2005. Erik and Sven have had the privilege of working with artists and studio professionals like Sonja Aldén, Mary N’Diaye, Emma Nilsdotter, Moa Holmsten, Emil Heiling, John-Martin Bengtsson etc. In 2006 Erik and Sven started working with up and coming global boyband, “Streetwize”. In Jan 2007 they produced the backing-track for their “Childline” televised performance of the 80’s classic, “Room in your heart”. Other artists featured on the show included Westlife, Shayne Ward and Sugarbabes. During the spring of 2007 Erik’s and Sven’s song “Cinderella is dead” was recorded by British rocker Carina Lirola. The song feature Reb Beach (Winger/ Whitesnake) on guitar, Jens Johansson (Stratovarious / Yngwie Malmsteen) on keyboards, Patrick Johansson (Yngwie Malmsteen) on drums and Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth / Steve Vai / Mr Big) on bass.
Erik has also written and produced music for Denise Lopez (Sweden),”Press play don’t stop” -written & produced, “One hot minute” -produced. In 2011 Erik co-wrote & co-produced the song “Love me like your money” that ended up in the finals of the Maltese Eurovision Song Contest selection, performed by UK/ Maltese artist Kelly Schembri.
In november 2011 Kelly performed the song “Kleptomaniac” (written by Rydmark/ Lundholm/ Borg) at the Malta Music Awards where she was also nominated for best female artist.
In 2012 Erik co-wrote and co-produced the song “Strip Search” for US/Jamaican artist Honorebel. Known for tracks like “Now you see it” Ft. Pitbull & “My girl” ft. Sean Kingston & Trina. The song has received a lot of airplay throughout Europe, Africa & USA.
In dec 2012 the song “Love Hangover” (written by Rydmark / Lundholm / Borg / Jjoy) won a BMA Award for best dance tune.
In 2013 the song “Seize the night” Honorebel ft multi platinum artist Pitbull hit the charts. The song was co-witten & produced by Erik Rydmark & Sven Lundholm and has received a lot of airplay in the US. Also a video was shot in Miami to support and promote the song.
Later the same year the song “Caribbean Dream”ft Honorebel, co-written & produced by Erik Rydmark & Sven Lundholm was featured on the all new Zumba Fitness video game for Nintendo & X-Box.
The song was later released on Planet Records whom also did the official video for the song, shot in Dominican Republic. Also a French version was made featuring French platinum artist Colonel Reyel.
In 2014 Erik & co-writer Gorgi Kalpakidis entered the Swiss national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “In and out of love” performed by the artist Kaya.
In november 2014 the album “Honor Roll” by Honorebel was released and features numerous songs & productions by Erik Rydmark. Featuring artists like Flo Rida, Pitbull, Anna Mosten & Leo.
During 2015 the song ”Caribbean Dream” was featured on numerous compilation albums, including ”Latin Fitness Workout 2015” and ”Latin hits 2015, Club Edition”. In 2016 Erik wrote the music for the game ”Tick Tock Toad”, created by Almost Fantastic. Available at the AppStore/Google Play. During 2017 Erik wrote the music for yet another game – ”Balloon Guru”.
In 2019 the song ”Before the summer” was released by American singer/songwriter Julie Elody (ft Honorebel). Co-written & produced by Erik Rydmark.
in 2020 the sequel to Balloon Guru was released – ”Balloon Guru: Racer”. Music by Erik Rydmark. Available at the Appstore/Google Play.
in 2021 Erik co-wrote and produced two songs for the Florida based artist HONOREBEL’s new album. ”She’s out of this world” and ”Making it” was released on august 6.
In 2022 Erik began the recording of his solo guitar album – ”Things to come”, released on september 1, 2023. An eclectic mix of latin, jazz, classical & funk.
Song Shaper 