Press Kit and Photos
Press Pics – Click on an image for a hi-res version
Short biography (80 words) – suitable to copy/paste for web, flyers, etc.
Michael Gaither was raised on the central California coast and takes the “write what you know” idea to heart, wrapping songs around small-town life and humorous takes on everyday stuff. His love of animals and active involvement with local animal rescue work also find their way into Michael’s songs.
In addition, Michael books and hosts the Corralitos Cultural Center Music Series. Offstage, he produces and hosts the “Songs and Stories” podcast, which features stories behind his songs and interviews with other independent songwriters.
Complete biography (400 words) Click to download full PDF
“I like songs that tell a story or songs that make you laugh.”
Like his song “Jack of All Trades” says, California native Michael Gaither has done a little of everything: journalist, corporate trainer, even a stint as a joke writer for Jay Leno. (A long time ago. Back when Jay Leno was funny.) All roads eventually led him to music. And writing.
The UK’s “Maverick Country has called him “a writer with a keen eye for detail and a gentle sense of humor”. A storyteller as much as a songwriter, Michael takes the “write what you know” idea to heart, wrapping his music around stories of small-town American life with humorous takes on day-to-day life: Big cars, bad drivers, cell phones, a baby’s first steps. One CD Baby customer said “I love the way Michael crafts his lyrics and speaks about everyday stuff that you wouldn’t think to make into a song.”
Michael’s love of animals and rescue work also find their way into his music. “Charlie and Chloe” is the true story of a rescued orphan coyote. “Not Stubborn Not My Mule” dispels the old myth. (Mules are just set in their ways; an apt song metaphor if ever there was one.) “Roselle” is another true story. It’s a tribute to the guide dog that walked her blind owner out of the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001.
“Home” is a running theme on “Starlite Drive-In Saturday Night” (2012), Michael’s third independent release. This new story collection takes an “embracing the past while facing the present” approach. Michael mixes nostalgia (the title track) with a fondness for his hometown (“Still a Small Town”), along some of his trademark humor (“Tell Me Where It Hurts”, “Now It’s a Taqueria”.)
“Starlite Drive-In Saturday Night” was Americana station KPIG ‘s featured CD for “Fresh Pork Chops” during the week of 8/6/12. (The CD was played in its entirety, two cuts at a time, each night of the week.)
The new record is a logical follow-up to Michael’s previous CDs. “Spotted Mule and Other Tales” (2006), which was called “a brilliant debut” from the online station Wild West Radio and “Dogspeed” (2009), called “a great CD talking about everyday life” by the music blog Indie4Life.com.
When not performing his own music, Michael books and hosts the Corralitos Cultural Center Music Series. Offstage, he produces and hosts the “Songs and Stories” podcast, which features stories behind his songs and interviews with other independent songwriters.
Recent Press
- Register Pajaronian: Corralitos Series Returns on Saturday
- Watsonville Patch: Hometown Artist Has CD-Release Party at the Fairgrounds
- Monterey Bay Area News: Telling Stories to Music
- Register Pajaronian: Small-Town Vibes at the Starlite Drive-In (page one, page two)
- City on a Hill Press: Storytelling and Music Attract Wide Audience
Quotes on Michael’s music – Click for more quotes
- “[Gaither] has a way of engaging the crowd and he is one of the most outstanding singer-songwriters in our area.” I love his ability to tell a story with a song.” (Tom Miller, promoter)
- “Warm, often hilarious Americana folk tinged with the occasional country beat…with autobiographical lyrics that teeter on the edge between profundity and sentimental simplicity.” (Joshua Farber, coverlaydown.com)
- “Gaither’s sense of humor and keen observation of the human experience preside over his clever Americana originals.” (Amanda Martinez, Good Times Santa Cruz)
- “Michael Gaither makes toe tappin’ music that makes you think….and smile!!!!
(Wesley Robertson, KVMR, Grass Valley, CA)
A few music highlights
- “Starlite Drive-In Saturday Night” featured as KPIG Radio’s “CD of the Week” on “Fresh Pork Chops” (Week of August 6th, 2012)
- “I Miss My Town” and “High and Lonesome” included on Imuzic.com’s 2011 Singer and Songwriter Compilation (July 2011)
- “Good God Man How Big a Car Do You Need?” played on NPR’s “Car Talk” with “Click ‘n’ Clack” (August 2009)
- “Unconditionally” written/recorded for Animal Friends Rescue Project (December 2008)
- “Entertaining an Angel” finalist in Indie Artists Alliance “Songwriters and Storytellers” contest (July 2007)
More info on Michael, his music, reviews and interviews
- Interviews and reviews (2006 – 2010)
- Radio interviews (with audio)
- Radio stations that play Michael’s music
- Past performance highlights
Contact info
Michael is available either as a solo artist, as a duo, or with a full band, depending on the event/venue and requirements. He’s also quite fond of in-the-rounds with other songwriters. Contact Michael by email for booking info.
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