Cellist, prolific solo artist, bandleader and film composer.

Erik Friedlander is a visionary cellist, renowned composer, and dynamic improviser whose artistic journey transcends genres and traditions. His profound passion for music was sparked early, picking up the guitar at the tender age of five before discovering the cello at eight—a choice that would shape the rest of his creative life.

Growing up in a household saturated with sound, Erik’s musical sensibilities were nurtured by his father’s eclectic mixtapes, exposing him daily to diverse sonic landscapes. This immersive environment ignited Erik's curiosity and inspired a lifelong dedication to exploring and redefining the cello’s role within contemporary music.

Over the years, Erik has established himself as an influential figure within New York's vibrant downtown music scene. His bold approach has seen him collaborate and record with an impressive array of artists across the musical spectrum—including John Zorn, Dave Douglas, The Mountain Goats, and Courtney Love. Whether performing live or in the studio, Erik’s versatile style has enriched countless projects and left a distinctive mark on modern music.

As a prolific solo artist, Erik continually pushes the boundaries of his instrument, forging innovative techniques and mesmerizing sonic textures. His extensive discography, spanning over two dozen albums, reflects his boundless creativity—from the rhythmic exuberance of Oscalypso, his tribute to legendary bassist Oscar Pettiford, to the lyrical intimacy of A Queens' Firefly with his quartet, The Throw, and the compelling dialogues captured on Rings with the ensemble Black Phebe.