BIO
Michael's passion for music began at only eight-years-old when his grandparents bought him his first drum set. At that time, there was no telling where this journey with music would lead him.
Michael grew up in the city of Atlanta, GA. At the age of twelve, Michael bought his first bass guitar after he saved enough money by washing buckets at his grandfather's flower shop. Throughout middle school and high school Michael played drums or bass in various local bands.
At Augusta State University, Michael transitioned to bass as his primary instrument, playing both electric and upright. During that time, Michael toured regionally with the critically acclaimed funk/rock group the Riff Raff Kings, sharing the stage with various acts such as Parliament Funkadelic and british mega-group Bush. Michael received an award for Best Bassist at the National Battle of the Bands in Panama City Beach, FL in 2000 and he earned the title Best Bassist in Augusta the following year, as voted by local music critics and peers.
After graduating, Michael recorded and toured - nationally and abroad - with Athens, GA based singer-songwriter Bain Mattox. He had the invaluable opportunity to share the stage with R.E.M.,The Violent Femmes, 3 Doors Down, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain, O.A.R., Marc Broussard, Cowboy Mouth and many, many more. In 2008, Michael worked briefly in Nashville before taking a break from the road. In order to enhance his knowledge of reading music, theory, and transcription, Michael attended the Atlanta Institute of Music, where he graduated with honors at the top of his class from the Bass Musicianship Program.
Michael currently lives in Decatur, GA with his wife and crazy dog, and he teaches lessons privately. Michael is also an adjunct instructor with the Bass Program at The Atlanta Institute of Music. Michael is constantly - and joyfully - writing, recording, and performing with many varied local artists and groups in styles ranging from jazz and soul to rock and country.
Michael grew up in the city of Atlanta, GA. At the age of twelve, Michael bought his first bass guitar after he saved enough money by washing buckets at his grandfather's flower shop. Throughout middle school and high school Michael played drums or bass in various local bands.
At Augusta State University, Michael transitioned to bass as his primary instrument, playing both electric and upright. During that time, Michael toured regionally with the critically acclaimed funk/rock group the Riff Raff Kings, sharing the stage with various acts such as Parliament Funkadelic and british mega-group Bush. Michael received an award for Best Bassist at the National Battle of the Bands in Panama City Beach, FL in 2000 and he earned the title Best Bassist in Augusta the following year, as voted by local music critics and peers.
After graduating, Michael recorded and toured - nationally and abroad - with Athens, GA based singer-songwriter Bain Mattox. He had the invaluable opportunity to share the stage with R.E.M.,The Violent Femmes, 3 Doors Down, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain, O.A.R., Marc Broussard, Cowboy Mouth and many, many more. In 2008, Michael worked briefly in Nashville before taking a break from the road. In order to enhance his knowledge of reading music, theory, and transcription, Michael attended the Atlanta Institute of Music, where he graduated with honors at the top of his class from the Bass Musicianship Program.
Michael currently lives in Decatur, GA with his wife and crazy dog, and he teaches lessons privately. Michael is also an adjunct instructor with the Bass Program at The Atlanta Institute of Music. Michael is constantly - and joyfully - writing, recording, and performing with many varied local artists and groups in styles ranging from jazz and soul to rock and country.