Tell me a story and I will sing it back to you

 

He is an exchange student from the United States who has been searching for new ways to express himself through music ever since he became passionate about playing American folk. If you ever wondered who is that guy playing the guitar and harmonica beside the river, meet Eric Halsey.

American folk originated in the Colonial age, when immigrants passed on stories through music. This style became a way of life for Halsey who writes his own lyrics and already has six recorded songs, hoping to release an album once back home. "Every time I start writing a song, I am trying to figure out what [message] to convey," he said. Nature, people and fiction stories usually inspire folk writers, so when listening to their music it is important to understand the story behind the song. Having that in mind, people should pay particular attention to the lyrics, as they convey a specific message, Halsey said.

Combining music with traveling is the ultimate freedom for Eric. His love for adventures is inspired by his uncle, David Halsey, who wrote a book, called Magnetic North, based on his three-year journey across Canada. For Halsey, adventures show "how you can live your life and what are you capable of."

After rereading his uncle's adventurous stories, Eric embarked on a journey by car from the East coast to Oklahoma state with his best friend, playing music on the road and meeting new people in folk festivals across the country.

In a folk festival in Oklahoma, Eric met Mary Jo Guthrie Edgmon, the sister of a folk musician Woody Guthrie, who is an inspiration for many folk artists. "It was really special for me to connect with someone so nice," Halsey said. She gave him a card containing inspirational quotes about life which he still keeps in his wallet.

Halsey is currently planning to visit every country on the Balkans during his three-month long summer hiking trip. Eric will hitchhike, take buses from one destination to another, and play his music on major squares in big cities. He will try to write songs while traveling and maybe create an album reflecting his experiences. He cannot imagine going on a road trip and driving all the way, as his attention is on the scenery. Halsey said he finally understands "what [it] is like moving across vast landscapes" and enjoying his surroundings.

Folk music is "very sincere and down to earth" and people who play it have their own philosophy and way of life, Halsey said. In the various folk festivals Eric visited in the United States he found interesting, intelligent and caring people, with whom he shares fascinating friendships nowadays.

Eric said he writes folk songs for a reason, hoping to send a personal message to his listeners. "I am expressing the way I feel, hoping people can understand me," he said.

On sunny days, when Eric has some free time, he sits outside next to the river on his blanket, playing his harmonica and guitar. "A lot of people enjoy it [music], they come and sit next to me while I play outside," he said.