Erik Smallwood

Country and Soul – Two great ingredients for rock and roll music. The sound is infectious and passionate; some blues, some pop, and a little Muscle Shoals flavor. Muscle Shoals, Alabama-born Singer-Songwriter/Producer/Worship Leader, Erik Smallwood has a North Carolina based 10-year career on his resume’ that includes sharing the stage with national acts, festivals, award nominations, film contributions, the respect of his peers, as well as performing on many big and small stages within the Christian market. Erik has, over the years, developed a strong following of fans, because of his very unique performance style. Blessed with an ear for catchy melodies and a quick wit on stage, Smallwood has and continues to earn respect in numerous restaurants, bars, pubs as well as on big stages opening for major acts like Joe Diffie, Jason Isbell, Shooter Jennings, Jason Michael Carroll, David Alan Coe, Josh Thompson, ThirdDay, Eli, Plus One, Gary Jules, Lenny LeBlanc, The Embers, Jennifer Knapp, Disciple, Luna Halo, Gary Nichols (The Steeldrivers), and many others. Winter of 2015, Erik and his wife, Hannah, began seeking something much deeper, longing for something more than what they had experienced before. They went to God in prayer, and asked for His guidance. A position opened in Athens, AL at Friendship Church as a Worship Pastor for the church's North Campus in Elkmont. Erik and Hannah packed up their house and moved in faith, and now they both are on staff at Friendship - Erik as Worship Pastor and Hannah as Children's Director. Smallwood has won several songwriting competitions, and took home "Up and Coming" Magazine's Best Entertainer in 2014. Erik has been nominated for 5 Carolina Music Awards, won in 2012 for Best Country Male, as well as nominated for two Alabama Music Awards in 2017, won for Best Country Male 2017. Smallwood will still play from time to time, but mainly focus his energy on production, songwriting, and most of all, being a great worship pastor for Friendship Church. A country crooner with soul roots, and a story to tell. That Muscle Shoals sound through and through.