Erik Nielsen (Sonic Negotiator)

Erik Nielsen also known as the "Sonic Negotiator", is a California native who has spent his entire adult career as a working musician based out of the San Francisco Bay Area.

He was born on August 1, 1950 in Long Beach, California, and first began playing music in the first grade when his Danish immigrant father, Paul Nielsen,[1] and mother, Molly Nielsen, enrolled him in the Fresno State University Laboratory School. There, Erik learned how to play the drums and was taught music theory.

Erik Nielsen in his youth

Erik Nielsen in Lady Luck

Erik Nielsen playing the drums

Erik spent 18 years as a member of Grammy award winning artist Queen Ida and Her Zydeco Band which included touring internationally before her retirement in 2010.

A veteran of the local San Francisco music scene since the early 70's, Erik has owned his own analog recording studio since 1985 where he recorded such artists as Sally Taylor, Terry Radigan, Denny Brown,[2] and Johnny Blair of The Monkees and more.

Recording Studio 48

Erik has also played with such bands as Tower of Power, Skin, Balconies Fault, Lady Luck, The Sun Dogs, The Bacon Brothers, and The Pointer Sisters.

Erik worked with Tom Flye and Booker T. Jones at various recording studios including The Record Plant in Sausalito, California and Pacific High Recording In Los Angeles, California.

Recording Studio 48 Equipment

At the 10th annual Zydeco Festival at the Ardenwood Historical Farm, Erik performed[3] with Queen Ida and her Bon Temps Zydeco Band.