Burning the Deal (2019)

Real-Phonic Records / Tone Tree Music

Erik Koskinen realizes a sound that is distinctive and fresh while familiar and classic. On April 2nd, 2019, the Minnesota songsmith announced the release of Burning The Deal on Real Phonic Records/Tone Tree Music, sharing the shuffling “Big Plane” video. The clip features Amelia Fleetwood (daughter of Mick Fleetwood.)

Koskinen’s albums are a lyrical and musical metaphor of America’s theaters of war, history, relationships, and reflections in the mirror. Burning The Deal was produced by Koskinen and Bernie Larsen (Melissa Etheridge, Jackson Browne) and recorded by Jason Mariani (Mumford & Sons, Kenny Loggins) at Brotheryn Studios in Ojai, California.

Knowing but not didactic, Koskinen channels the ways of Whitman and reverently enters the anthology of uniquely crafted wry songs with the likes of Woody Guthrie and Ry Cooder while speaking as plainly as your neighbor. The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls Koskinen “the real deal” and “the best country songwriter in Minnesota.”

PRAISE FOR BURNING THE DEAL:

GLIDE MAGAZINE :

“In the vein of his close friend, Jeffrey Foucault, Koskinen’s songs are stripped-down, breathe the Midwestern air, paint character portraits, and have a deceptively haunting quality.”

AMERICAN ROOTS UK:

“…melodies that stay with the listener long after the last notes of the final track have died away.”

Tracks

1 Gun
2 Darlin’
3 Big Plane
4 Ordinary Fool
5 Pony to Ride
6 Down in the Factory
7 Losers Like Me and You
8 Crazy
9 Sell Out