Current line up Sam Hubbell (lead guitar/lap steel) Adam Gardner (bass) Derek Feiza (drums) Michael Heaton (vocals/acoustic guitar)
Influences
Positive influences and role models - Tragically Hip, Kim Richey, John Hiatt, Aimee Mann, Kathleen Edwards, Kurt Vonnegut, Studs Terkel, Emory Joseph (One of the greatest songwriters you have never heard of. He just got a song on Bonnie Raitt's new disc!) Peter Case, the Del Lords, Lucinda Williams, Paul Thorn, The Bottle Rockets, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Robert Lee Castleman, Todd Snider, John Prine, Drive By Truckers, Tom Petty , Uncle Tupelo, James McMurtry, Paul Westerberg, The Who, Say ZuZu, The Band (The greatest American band ever from Canada!) Rick Danko, Robbie Fulks, Ryan Adams, Kelly Clarkson (Ok she's marginal at best as a role model and I never listen to her but she's cute.) , The JayHawks, The Stems, Gillian Welch, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Chuck Prophet, Willie Nelson, Randy Newman, Jackson Browne, Lefty Frizzell, Paula Cole, Newgrass Revival, Richard Thompson, Sarah Harmer, ELO, Keith Urban, Dell Reeves, Buck Owens, Guy Clark, Neil Young, The Damned, The Saints, The Records, Elvis Costello, Flying Burrito Brothers, Commander Cody, The Derailers, BR549, Freddie Fender, Jeff Tweedy, Doug Sahm, Jerry Jania and Mrs. Shell my 3rd grade teacher. Oh and just about 90 percent of the folks I've heard on Mountain Stage. More to come when I feel like writing.
Sounds Like
The music sounds like your head hitting the pillow when you go to bed. Very comforting and familiar. It always has a cool side and once you get used to it you wouldn't give it up for nothing.
Music heavily influenced by Texas songwriters and the lite rock of the 70's, Michael Heaton is a songwriter that plays his own solid brand of folk rock. Performing since the late nineties as a solo artist with his stellar backing band Michael has amassed a following of people that just love songs. On stage Michael exudes charisma and unstoppable energy. Leading from one song to the next, he entertains with great music, danceable rhythms, surprise kazoo solos and an amazing speed for replacing broken guitar strings.
His latest effort OUR LITTLE SECRET (Artichoke Records) was co-produced by guitarist/producer Pat Bergeson (Lyle Lovett, Chet Atkins, Allison Kraus) and award-winning producer/engineer Jim McKell (Kenny Rogers, The Judds). Although he's not a country artist (don't let the hat fool you) Heaton has recorded with some of Nashville's finest musicians. He's also found himself opening for such talents and Grammy Award winners as Shelby Lynne, Brave Combo, Robbie Fulks, Sleepy LaBeef, Duke Robillard, Sugar Blue and folk music darling Claire Holley. Whether he's playing at a local club or touring with his band throughout the Midwest, Heaton thinks of music like a religon. It's all about the show and building a congregation one fan at a time.
Taken as a whole, this multi-faceted album is the work of a mature artist at the peak of his powers, meditating about life with insight and wit. Fans of literate Americana with a rock-and-roll heart will find "Our Little Secret" to be a rewarding journey...and if they file their CDs in alphabetical order by artist, will find that "Heaton" very appropriately slots next to "Hiatt."
Dan Reich - Online review www.carmendiode.com
Remember the days when Counting Crows was the new buzz, rockin' beer lovin' campuses all over the country? This rootsy rock album could very well be that kind of beginning with his distinctively flammable knack for an original yet well-endowed blend of Tom Petty,Wilco, early Counting Crows and modern day good times rock.--
Tamara Turner - CDbaby.com Reviewer
There are a lot of sweet things that typify Michael Heatons songwriting , but the point is that its the attention to little details that make his music refreshing.
Richard Milne - Host of Local Anesthetic - WXRT Radio Chicago
A collection of well crafted vignettes.The lyrics are intelligent and the music is pure heartland in the best sense of the word.
Paul Barile -Associate Editor - Liberty Press
Garageband.com Awards
As of January 1st 2006:
Michael Heaton has 4 songs from the CD "Our Little Secret" in the Top 100 of All Time (out of nearly 70,000 songs).
Two of those songs "Souvenirs" and "The Good Times" have reached ..1 on the Folk/Country charts.
Listener Awards for For "The Good Times' from Michael's CD "Our Little Secret"
Track of the Day on 4Apr2004 in Folk/Country
Track of the Day on 13Nov2004 in Folk
Track Of The Week on 11Oct2004 in Folk/Country
Track Of The Week on 22Nov2004 in Folk
..15 Best Male Vocals in Folk, all-time
..15 Best Guitars in Folk, all-time
..16 Best Drums in Folk, all-time
..19 Best Lyrics overall, all-time
..3 Best Lyrics in Folk, all-time
..10 Best Melody in Folk, all-time
..10 Best Beat in Folk, all-time
..1 Feel Good Track in Folk, all-time
..16 Grooviest Rhythm in Folk, all-time
Best Male Vocals in Folk/Country, week of 29Mar2004
Best Male Vocals in Folk/Country, week of 30Mar2004
Best Male Vocals in Folk/Country, week of 26Apr2004
Best Male Vocals in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Best Male Vocals in Folk, week of 28Mar2005
Best Guitars in Folk/Country, week of 26Apr2004
Best Guitars in Folk, week of 20Dec2004
Best Guitars in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Best Guitars in Folk, week of 27Jun2005
Best Drums in Folk/Country, week of 26Apr2004
Best Drums in Folk, week of 20Dec2004
Best Drums in Folk, week of 27Dec2004
Best Drums in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Best Drums in Folk, week of 27Jun2005
Best Bass in Folk/Country, week of 26Apr2004
Best Bass in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Best Programming in Folk/Country, week of 4Oct2004
Best Lyrics in Folk/Country, week of 29Mar2004
Best Lyrics in Folk/Country, week of 30Mar2004
Best Lyrics in Folk/Country, week of 26Apr2004
Best Lyrics in Folk, week of 20Dec2004
Best Lyrics in Folk, week of 27Dec2004
Best Lyrics in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Best Lyrics in Folk, week of 27Jun2005
Best Melody in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Best Melody in Folk, week of 27Jun2005
Best Beat in Folk/Country, week of 26Apr2004
Best Beat in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Best Mood in Folk/Country, week of 29Mar2004
Best Mood in Folk/Country, week of 30Mar2004
Best Mood in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Most Original in Folk/Country, week of 30Mar2004
Most Original in Folk, week of 27Dec2004
Most Original in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Feel Good Track in Folk/Country, week of 19Apr2004
Feel Good Track in Folk/Country, week of 11Oct2004
Feel Good Track in Folk, week of 20Dec2004
Feel Good Track in Folk, week of 27Dec2004
Feel Good Track in Folk, week of 3Jan2005
Rocking Track in Folk/Country, week of 26Apr2004
Rocking Track in Folk, week of 20Dec2004
Grooviest Rhythm in Folk, week of 10Jan2005
Best Dance Track in Folk/Country, week of 11Oct2004
Chill-Out Track in Folk/Country, week of 26Apr2004
Best Elevator Song in Folk/Country, week of 5Apr2004
Listener awards for Michael Heaton's Song "The Good Times"
- www.garageband.com (Nov 1, 2005)
We are proud to announce that Music’s Rising Stars magazine is GOING TO PRINT!!!
We want to thank all of you who have stuck by us and believed in us.
The newly restructured magazine can soon be on its way to your mailbox! Now is the time to make sure you get an inaugural copy. Order your subscription now!! 12 issues for $24.95 Send Check or Money Order to: Music’s Rising Stars magazine P.O. Box 835 Whitehouse, TN 37188 (Please note new address)
Profile articles will be based on information directly from the artist. We will never include any rumors or innuendo.
Our first issue will feature exclusive interviews with: Alexia Van Horn Annie Fitzgerald Blackbird Brent Mason Boo Boo Stewart Christopher Mark Gray Georgia Greg McDougal Greg Walters Heather Wiggins Jake Owen Randy Owen Wildcard Family Revival And more!
In each issue of our print magazine you will find in-depth interviews with musicians, singers and songwriters in various genres of music. The bulk of these articles will be with up-and-coming musicians but you can expect a few names that you’ve heard of in each issue as well. Look for our profiles on venues and eateries, a kids’ corner, featured charities, humorous columns from Survivor alumni and published author, Austin Carty and more!
<a href='http://www.rockyou.com/events/track.php?event=myspace-superpets-cmt-clk-cOn&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprofile.myspace.com%2FModules%2FApplications%2FPages%2FCanvas.aspx%3FappId%3D108202' border='0'><img src='http://opensocial.rockyou.com/google_apps/pets/view/images/pets/puppy.gif' /></a><br> I'm michele's pet. Come play with me so I can earn money! <a href='http://www.rockyou.com/events/track.php?event=myspace-superpets-cmt-clk-cOn&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprofile.myspace.com%2FModules%2FApplications%2FPages%2FCanvas.aspx%3FappId%3D108202'>Pet Me! Feed Me! Adopt Your Own!</a><br><br><a href='http://www.rockyou.com/events/track.php?event=myspace-superpets-cmt-clk-cOn&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprofile.myspace.com%2FModules%2FApplications%2FPages%2FCanvas.aspx%3FappId%3D108202' border='0'><img src='http://opensocial.rockyou.com/google_apps/pets/view/images/misc/adopt_btn.jpg'/></a><br><br><br /><br /><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/Modules/Applications/Pages/Canvas.aspx?appId=108352&appParams=%7B%22_rye%22%3A%22myspace-xsell-cmt-Pets-Speed_Racer-cOn%22%7D">I'm racing a tricked out car on speed racing. Click here to race me!</a> | <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/Modules/Applications/Pages/Canvas.aspx?appId=103834&appParams=%7B%22_rye%22%3A%22myspace-xsell-cmt-Pets-Movies-cOn%22%7D">Find an easy movie date!</a>
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Ready for a little excitement?!?!! The VAGINAS ARE COMING... This weekend - Friday 3/28 and Saturday 3/29 at the Hinsdale Community House (415 E. 8th Street) doors open at 6:30 with some great pre show live music and raffles to bid on. Change the story of women. Stop violence against women and girls. Come see our benefit performance of "A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT AND A PRAYER"! One weekend only! All proceeds benefit Family Shelter Service. For reservations email: vdaymmrp@gmail.com xo, Janet
Hey Michael, I was going to invited you to Paris's show on Sat but I see you have a private show. Good luck to you. I hope you had a relaxing Easter. another time, jane
Woo-hoo! Always good to see you guys. You made my St. Paddy's Day that much more... um... Paddier? Did Derek ever get his drink I wonder? Sam... love the hair babe. Makes women want to run their hands through it. Perhaps my nephew one day will have a mop like yours (picture to your left). One can only hope. Love you! See you at Abbey Pub!
This is just great music! Very catchy and original, the Michael Heaton way...as I remember. If you happen to visit Tucson, my band Quincy needs to share a night with you at one of our cozy clubs down here. The mix would be glorious! Doing 80's Retro and Americana, composing independent movie soundtracks, raising two wonderful kids, and selling brakes, water pumps, shocks & struts, oil filters, etc. to customer’s vehicles tackling the AZ heat. We will catch up sometime, I believe we have a lot to share...last time was in 88, right? Long live Aura!
Take care, and I'm going to listen to your music to get re-inspired!
I'm posting this on all my friend's pages because I've seen more comments from someone posing as me. Forgive me if I’ve already sent this.
Please make sure you don't fall for the phony comments and bulletins that are going around. They appear to be coming from your friends and they are NOT from us. If there is a link to click on ...DO NOT CLICK ON IT! or they will steal your identity too and it is not making me very happy that they've stolen mine!
Michael, I won't be able to make your show next week. I'm going to Switzerland. Have a great show! I'll try to catch another one. I have yet to see you perform with your band. I hear it's awesome! Jane
Hi new friend.. Just stopping by to Show Some Love.. If you Love New Friends too, Come check out my page.. I like helping ppl make new friends.. We have many ways to help you.. Read my Blog & Profile, any questions ask me..
If you have a MUSIC Page.. and want More Plays.. JUST ASK <3
Hey Michael, I really appreciate you allowing me to write your music biography and the cd review. I wish you the best personally and in the world of music. Thanks - Carl the bio writer. www.musicbiowriter.com
Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas! Hope that you have a great one. Tell Christie Hello and Merry Christmas for us. We miss ya'll. Hope to see you soon.
