About Me
Hailing from the musical hotbed of Canton, IL, Ed Carper has been writing and recording original music since the mid 1980's. His first release was "World Of Confusion" by inTrigue. inTrigue was a 2 man home recording project by Ed (guitars/keyboards/vocals) and Eric Holtz (drums/keyboards/vocals). This cassette release consists of 16 songs recorded between 1985 and 1988.
Ed's next band was The Mix which consisted of Ed (guitars/keys/vocals), Gerry Jacobus (bass/keys/vocals), and Shane Kumer (drums/keys/vocals). The Mix assembled their own recording studio and recorded a batch of songs in 1987 and 1988. A cassette entitled "A Haz Of Binz" finally surfaced in 1992 comprised of 9 songs-3 written by each member.In 1989, Ed built a studio in his basement (Ed Studios) where many recordings would be made during the next 9 years by Ed and many other local artists. In 1990, Ed initiated a series of compilation tape entitled "Montage Of Madness" which featured original music from a wide array of performers from Central Illinois and beyond.In 1991, Ed launched the Ed Records label. The first release was "Montage Of Madness vol. 2." The label soon started releasing cassette albums by other artists as well. In 1992, Ed Records released albums by Dollface, Sins Of The Fathers, Warbride, and Michael Isenberg. Ed also formed a short-lived band during this time, Polar Fringe, comprised of Ed, old friend Eric Holtz, and the late Ron Mearek (bass/guitars/vocals).
1993 saw the release of Ed's first solo album, "A Feel For Life." The album's 11 songs showcase Ed's ability to blend a wide range of musical ideas and influences into his own unique vision. The songs bring together elements as diverse as folk, punk, and 60's pop and combine them with Ed's introspective, positive lyrics.
During the next four years, Ed helped produce albums by Mike Nichols, Super Fub, Matthew Zion, and Ham. Ed also made strong instrumental contributions to the Zion and 1st Ham releases. During 1997, Ed even played numerous live shows with Ham, playing guitar and bass, until the band could establish a more permanent line up. Ham has since evolved into The Amazing Killowatts.In late 1998, with a growing family, Ed moved from his lifetime residence into a new home. With the move, musical activities slowed for the next couple of years.The year 2001 found Ed Carper back in full musical gear with the release of the CD "I Seem To Have All Of The Pieces...Now All I Have To Do Is Put Them All Together." The CD spans 16 years of recordings, including all of "A Feel For Life," cuts from the inTrigue and Mix albums, various odds and ends, and Brand new tracks. The 22 Song CD is the ideal introduction to the musical world of Ed Carper.In late 2004 through early 2005, Ed played a series of live shows with the band So Gigantic, which was a side project of old friend Tyson Markley. Ed played lead guitar and did a bit of singing. A fun time was had by all. So Gigantic previously released a great CD before Ed became involved. 2005 also saw the CD reissue of "World of Confusion," the lone album by Ed's 1st recording band inTrigue. The disc includes 2 previously unreleased bonus tracks.2005 was a difficult year which saw the end of a 15 year marriage. After many life adjustments and with God's guidance, Ed has been gradually working on new material and plans to record soon (2008). More to come!...
