Age: 21

Sex: Male

Marital Status: Dating

Race: Japanese/Caucasian

Location: Orange County, California

Occupation: Bassist

Luxury Item: Poetry book

Eric Shinoda is a 25 year old half-Japanese, half-Caucasian American from Orange County, California. Eric describes his occupation as a bassist for his band, The Branches, but he attends UC Berkley majoring in law. Eric really wants to be a lawyer, but also really wants to be with his band as their bassist forever. Eric describes his major in law as a backup plan just in case his band doesnt work out.

Erics bandmate and drummer Erica are dating and want to be together for the rest of their lives. They have dated since high school. Eric and Erica do not go to the same college, but have never broken up.

"The Branches isnt just a play band," Eric says. Their most major accomplishment happened in the year 2001, when they were invited to open for one of the Sheryl Crow concerts filling in for a band that was injured. "Meeting Sheryl Crow was amazing," Eric says.

Eric graduated as valedictorian of his high school and was the class president three times. He enjoys swimming, playing bass guitar, and writing poetry. He is very friendly and says that meeting people on Survivor will be easy, but surviving the elements will be hard.

Erics goals are to marry Erica, stay in his band, and go to Heaven. But if that doesnt happen, hes sure he can be a successful lawyer. Erics birthday is May 29^th.