A self-described 'performer-in-progress', Erik Athavale spent much of the last seven years writing songs he imagined no one would hear. When he began performing his original material in the fall of 2004, he quickly developed a loyal following in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba. With no formal musical training, but possessing an uncanny sense of melody, Erik- who performs simply under his family name (pronounced 'Ah-Tuv-Lay') - enlisted the help of some of the top players in Winnipeg to refine his compositions.