Biography
"Some artists may claim that in creating their music, their emotions are escorted out from within or that something emerges spontaneously from the artistic process. However, it's obvious to many fans that what really guides many of today's artists is whatever currently dominates radio or MTV programming formats.
When it comes to musical genre, Rick Kurek's blend of Life Induced Alternative & Acoustic Tribal Pop Rock does not attempt to claim new territory or invoke the trends of the moment. Instead, his straight-ahead musical style is winning fans throughout Los Angeles and across the country with unique takes on universal themes.
Musically, Rick thinks outside the box, and yet, has the gift of fitting into the pop rock landscape. The art of Rick Kurek lies in the songs' content and the craft with which lyrics and music are coupled. The result is a collection of songs-some upbeat, some unsettling-that you might find yourself singing days after hearing them.
A Chicago native, Rick has lived in Los Angeles for the past five years writing, recording, producing, performing and otherwise perfecting his craft. In that time, he has released three CDs, H.O.P.E., Heaven To Me and Tomorrow Today as well as numerous CD singles. He also tours as lead guitarist with the international mongrel rock group - BROTHER.
Rick, the youngest of five, was born and raised in Chicago. He first picked up a guitar at the age of four, but didn't take a lesson until age ten. His first amplifier was a Sears catalog amp purchased at a garage sale for $8.00. After swapping the tubes and speakers from an old TV he found in the alley, he cut the speakers with a razor blade to get the amp to sound distorted. "I wanted to sound like Ted Nugent, not the Ventures."
After graduating from high school, he received a scholarship to the American Conservatory of Music where he was introduced to jazz improvisation and classical orchestration. "I remember studying music but always trying to keep my heart in the streets. I grew up listening to blues and folk players on the corners and in the subway stations. I always admired how they didn't always know what the hell they were playing but just played with feel, tone, and raw soul. That's what I wanted to do - speak that language. It's what you're saying rather than how you're saying it, sometimes it's the other way around.""
--RickKurek.com
Career Highlighs
8.01.01: (With Brother) Performed at Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame
10.30.02: (With Brother) "Bitch (Inside of Me) used for "Harsh Mistress" episode of UPN's Twilight Zone; used as model for lead character's guitar playing
5.07.03: "Getting Away" used for "The Executions of Grady Finch" episode of UPN's Twilight Zone
5.10.03: Musical Director of Starlight Foundation annual gala
2003: "Heaven to Me" used in independent film The Event
Personal Info
Full Name
Richard Francis Kurek
Birthday
March 11th
Status
Single, no children
Location
Born Chicago, IL; resides Los Angeles, CA
Favorite Artists/Influences
Anus, Erykah Badu, The Beatles, Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley, Collective Soul, Ani Difranco, David Gray, Ben Harper, Jimi Hendrix, Jewel, Dave Matthews, Ted Nugent, Phil Roy, Gino Vannelli, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Ventures, Remy Zero, Zoo Story
Interests
Poetry, spirituality, homemade instruments, charities
Instruments
Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, cello, recorder/PVC saxophone, didgeridoo, percussion instruments
Equipment
Larrivee, Dunlop, D'Andrea, Fender, Captain Jake, Didgeridrew
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