Biography: Erik Della Penna (born June 2, 1965) is a Tony-nominated American composer-lyricist, songwriter, and musician. He has scored two films, composed and written the lyrics for two children’s musicals, and has written and recorded twelve albums of songs. He has also been the principal guitarist for pop singer Natalie Merchant since 2001. For co-writing the music and lyrics for the musical Dead Outlaw with David Yazbek, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Original Score and won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics.