> MUSIC
Peter Gabriel, Trent Reznor, Emmett Chapman, Rufus Wainwright, Ween, Muse, Elbow, Fiona Apple, Tool, Four Tet, Ratatat, Cat Stevens, Bobby McFerrin, Ben Harper, That 1 Guy, Dave Matthews Band, Randy Collins, Kaki King, Zilla, Andreas Kapsalis Trio, Willy Porter, J.S. Bach, Arvo Pärt, The Books, Joseph Arthur, Joanna Newsom, & Boards of Canada
> IMAGERY
Alex Grey, David Titterington, Andy Goldsworthy, H.R. Giger, Kris D, Mars-1, Andrew Jones, Kris Kuksi, Alfons Mucha, Robert Bakker, Russell Hawley, William Stout, Tony DiTerlizzi, Ernst Haeckel, & Scott Draves
> WRITING
Hakim Bey, Tom Robbins, Alan Moore, Richard Brautigan, Alan Moore, Annie Dillard, Greg Egan, Daniel Pinchbeck, Ken Wilber, Paul Lonely, Stephen Nachmanovitch, Michael Crichton, Rob Brezsny, & Terence McKenna
Sounds Like
"Monstrously talented...an act the likes of which I have not seen in a long time."
- Willy Porter
"[Michael's music is] edgy, yet completely relaxed. It’s base, yet completely angelic. It makes one want to dance, and to think, and to pray, and to share it inside a crowd. Plus it’s awkwardly alive to the point I feel like I’m listening through my skin. Entertaining songs that completely upend the stereotypes of what one may think of as intelligent music...instantly memorable and utterly magnetic tunes whose authenticity and sweetness is boundary breaking."
- Paul Lonely, author of Suicide Dictionary
"Watching your show the other day was a
PROFOUND spiritual experience for me...a highlight
of my musical experiences up till this point. Dude, you hit me on the
deepest soul level."
- DJ Dreamcode
"This music makes me high. [Michael's] guitar talks. It tells stories and laughs and enters into shamanic fits…but it also weaves together a blanket of the familiar."
- David Titterington, visionary artist
"While I MEAN to give helpful, rational feedback, all I want to do is run around and throw copies of your CD at people, photograph their faces upon listening, and give THAT to you instead. The music makes me FEEL too strongly to be able to THINK about it enough to speak on it in a way that would be useful to you."
- Ruth Smith (Kansas City, MO, USA)
You Don't Have To Move (27 April 2009)
Let It All Get Out (27 April 2009)
Bête Moiré (20 May 2007)
Autocatalysis (28 July 2006)
Offering Hands (Double-Edged Sword EP, 2008)
& Live Painting Timelapse
Type of Label
Unsigned
Michael Garfield, Live Painter & Guitar Wizard's Latest Blog Entry
[Subscribe to this Blog]
My life is driven by the passionate conviction that society needs artists as much as it needs farmers or doctors or engineers – the artist in each of us has a sacred responsibility to inspire people, to restore their wonder and courage. Everyone is a microcosm of universal creativity, and it's not really so much about self-expression as it is about reminding people of our common source and inviting them to the party. I'm just doing my part.
> MUSIC
My music is a cathedral of paradoxes – a tireless effort to integrate dazzling technique and emotional depth, intellectual enthusiasm and spiritual expanse, acoustic grace and electronic grit, vocal athletics and vulnerability. To explore the mixed blessing of our common human experience, and find the beauty in its flaws. To breathe life and mystery into everyday existence, and to celebrate our humble place in it all.
I do everything I can to leverage my music for the greater good, demonstrating the practical value of music by performing at benefit concerts, organizing musical communities for learning and social change, and releasing my recordings under a Creative Commons license to be freely shared and remixed by my fans. I'm always on the lookout for new ways to make music, and new ways to put it to use. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them.
By the way...in-the-flesh performances are so much better. Why not bring me straight to your place for a house concert? It's easier than you think. Here's a great how-to:
> IMAGERY
I use paint markers on masonite in live music environments to improvise vivid, organic images informed by my study of biology and evolutionary spirituality, science fiction and psychedelic shamanism (full gallery here). For an in-depth look at my art and process, visit my live painting blog. $15 11x17 laser jet prints are available for all of my paintings, and I'm open to all kinds of contract work (from album covers to tattoo designs to one-of-a-kind custom hats and t-shirts), so don't hesitate to email me with requests.
"I really like it...I run a music site and manage bands in Austin and I see lot of live painting going on at shows, but it's pretty rare that I actually like the finished product!"
- Tyler Groover, twogroove.com
> WRITING
I write to explore the relationships between art, science, music, culture, technology, and spirituality – illuminating the deep connections between them. Here are a few selections from my visionary music blog and:
love what you do with your loooper! I play drums for Aftergrass but on the side I try to play the guitar with the loop machine... you've inspired me! -eric (the drummer)
Holaloha +++ Happy greetings Now dear Michael G- My deeep thanks for extending your kind love expression. May we open our Soul encouragement as we dream trueLife together, and myour heart lifts up to rise + fly free in Reality of non-duality-- only One endless joyful appreciation! peaceAlways in wisePowerLove + Gratitude, I AM Being MichaelOsoski AsWeDream
Thanks for the kind words, we appreciate your support. You have some nice tunes going on here yourself. That is some great guitar playing and I love your voice. Thanks for the compliment on the logo, I had some fun creating it. We will have to stay in touch, don't be a stranger. Keep it classy. -Eric (drums)
hey! I'm glad I found you too! :) Actually, my friend Aaron showed me to you because he thought I'd enjoy your art (and I most definitely do). I guess he met you out in Colorado at a show. You have my dream job sir hah. Maybe once I get some experience in painting I'll be able to go for that dream. I LOVE your art. It is exactly my taste. I have quite the obsession with trees and eyes and it made me smile to see someone else use them. Your music is quite impressive as well! I dig your guitar skills. I would love to see ya at a show, so you should hit up Chicago and let me know when! I don't really check myspace much though so as soon as you know, I hope my face is one of the first to pop in your head and then you can be like "oh gotta tell kara!" hah. Well I am rambling as usual :). Have a very beautiful night. Much love, Kara
Did I ever have a good time at Wakarusa! My experience was nothing short of festival bliss all weekend long. Thanks for being part of that by creating art that resonates on the deeper level of the soul i.e. the most important kind.
Michael, had a blast watching you work this past weekend at Wakarusa. Thanks for all the inspiration, and keep up the work brother.. hopefully you'll have some time to work on the collaboration piece at Rothbury. Much love.
Online Now!
