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Cal Ecker with Heyhihello

Presented by 12th and Porter at 12th and Porter

October 5, 2011

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Minnesota native Cal Ecker exudes a natural charisma, evident in a beckoning voice that melds the gravelly tone of Jon Bon Jovi to the sensual innocence of James Blunt. His debut EP, out September 20, is a selection of clear, crisp songs that showcase the pop-rocker’s powerful and emotive vocals. With the expert help of producer Aaron Johnson (best known for his work with The Fray), Ecker’s first musical offering is replete with heartfelt melodies, addictive hooks, and larger-than-life choruses contained within the framework of finely crafted songs.

Initially, he didn’t set out to become a star. His experience in sports ingrained a strong value of team play deep within him, and he wasn’t interested in being the “front guy out in the spotlight by himself,” as he puts it. Ecker joined several cover bands and over time his confidence grew. His reluctance toward stepping into the spotlight diminished. “I realized it could be fun to be the center of attention. I’ve always kind of been onstage, playing basketball, but that’s not quite as bright a spotlight.”

Soon Ecker was leading his own band, performing hundreds of gigs in bars across the upper Midwest. His woodshedding demonstrated a tireless work ethic and helped him develop the ability to read an audience like a book. The affable singer-guitarist-pianist learned to inhabit the spotlight comfortably and developed a pitch-perfect live show.

Seeking more opportunity than his hometown could offer, Ecker moved to Nashville where his act gained the support of many industry players, starting a chain of events that has culminated in a remarkably polished recorded debut.

His first single, the gripping rock ballad “I Will Love You” (to be released digitally on August 30), is highlighted by his ability to convey tenderness without getting too soft.

“It’s about a girl, which is kind of obvious, but I think it’s a pretty universal song,” Ecker says. “I was trying to get the attention of this girl I fell for, to tell her that she’d always be my first priority. But it could be from the point of view of anyone who’s separated from a loved one for any reason - a job, a war, whatever.”

While “I Will Love You” is guaranteed to elicit a little bit of misting up, even among the tough guys out there, Ecker also knows how to coax a smile from a listener, as he proves on “Radio,” a gritty shuffle that calls to mind the breezier moments in John Mellencamp’s catalog.

“‘Radio’ is kind of tongue in cheek. It’s not meant to be negative at all, just a sort of sarcastic song about what it would be like to be on the radio all the time, and why I really should be,” Ecker says with a chuckle. “It’s just a little bit of cockiness, only if you know me, that’s not what I’m like at all.”

Listen closely to the tracks on his debut, and you get a very good idea of what Cal Ecker is like – a “regular Joe”, a romantic, a rock and roll heart. Above all, he’s a guy who’s not afraid to let down his guard, which makes it all the more easy to get into his world.