From humble beginings, Michael Ryan began performing on the stage at the young age of five, received his first guitar at fourteen, and hit the Portland music scene in 1997. A native to Oregon, Ryan has played over 200 shows, performing with a number of bands and projects. He released his first indie CD titled "Fat Li'l Ryan" in 2003, which has been widely distributed across North America, including Hawaii - and as far off as Japan.
Studying from the age of nine, Scott Appleman initially trained for several years with the principal percussionist of the Sacramento Symphony and at a performing arts high school. While receiving national attention with an independent rock band during the early nineties, he also started releasing EP's of percussion music throughout the West Coast. Scott's most recent percussion EP is entitled "Drum Time." Scott is also the featured drummer on the recent release, "Welcome the Mystics" by well known Portland theatrical pop group, Sophe Lux.
Bill Rensmith began playing electric guitar at the age of 14, and has since played in many different musical settings. He played in the jazz band during high school, and also studied classical guitar. While attending Michigan State University, Bill performed at house parties and local bars playing psychedelic rock, and also played flute in the university band. After college Bill played bass in a girl-led indie punk band. After moving to Portland in 2004, he played acoustic guitar in a folk duo before joining First Name Michael.
Prepare yourself! First Name Michael is a true rock and roll experience, bred right out of the City of Roses. Blending all styles of music to create honest-driven lyrics with catchy, memorable melodies FNM grabs the audience and takes them on a musical journey of the mind, body and soul.
Wanted to stop by and say hello! Hope all is well with you - are you getting anxious?!?!?! I'd love to talk soon when you can fit me in edge-wise! Take care....XOXO
Hey guys, thanks for the add! You got a new guitar player, cool.... I've been thinking of doing that too... Good luck with the CD. Fresh Tracks is a great studio if you're still shopping. Our CD is halfway done. Take care! The Cats
Hey there sexy! Thought I would show some love....I now have your shows automatically added to my calander via your page so mine stays current! It was so great to see you - I wanna see ya again soon!!! Talk to you soon....XOXO
Hey, thanks for the invite. I'm in L.A. :(
Looks like you have another show August 19. Guess what? That is my mother's 60th birthday party in St. Louis, MO. I will be gone from August 14-22. Let me know of other shows...I'm sure sooner or later I'll find one that works. Hey, did I tell you I'm playing drums now? Did Christopher ever get his guitar and if so, is he learning to play?
