Michael Sechrist.
Sometimes, when I'm really lucky, I get some great musicians to back me!
Influences
Ryan Horne. Jon Black. Micah Dalton. DMB. The Jayhawks. John Mayer. Damien Rice. Guster. Elliot Smith. Jeff Buckley. R.E.M. Sean McConnell. The Waterboys. Bob Dylan. Cat Stevens. Neil Young. Kristian Stanfill. Jason Mraz. Jamie Cullum. Pete Yorn. Jack Johnson. The Rolling Stones. Train. Will Hoge. Elvis Costello. The Who. The Police. David Grey. Jason Harwell. Grant Lee Phillips. Robyn Hitchcock. Chris Isaak. Bill Mallonee. Dave Barnes. The Gabe Dixon Band. Andy Davis. Ryan Adams. Andrew Stonestreet. Eliot Morris. Tyler James. Red Mountain Music. Jesus.
"Still I Believe" says a lot about up-and-coming folk-rock musician Michael Sechrist. Not only is it the title track of his latest C.D., but it paints a telling picture of the man behind the music, who asserts that there are things still worth believing in, even when they seem distant or hopelessly out of reach.
"I try to be honest in my music--some people say I’m too honest," the Atlanta native laughs with a shrug. Sechrist isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, singing with refreshing candor about things like hope in the midst of fear, love lost and found, death and healing, and standing up for he holds to be true. He sings about the world he lives in and the life he's led, and invites listeners to find facets of themselves in these stories he sings.
Behind the profound and authentic lyrics is a voice that, like everything else about Sechrist, is real. Unlike the squeaky clean-sounding pop-stars on the radio, Sechrist's sound is more raw and gritty, bringing unique depth to every note. Listeners are lured deeper with the guitar-driven folk-rock that segues from toe-tappingly upbeat to poignantly reflective--journeying the road map of human emotions.
Having already made a name for himself in the southeast music scene Sechrist's start in music is a testament to dedication and a love for music. His father, who was immersed in the Atlanta music scene, began teaching him how to play guitar from an early age--learning on the classics like Bob Dylan and R.E.M., which became some of his musical influences, as well. In eighth grade, Sechrist wrote his first song--about a break-up--and recorded it on his mom's tape recorder. Humble beginnings couldn't deny the fact that it was official: He was hooked.
Ever since, Sechrist's passion for playing and writing has grown. He joined a band during the early years of high school and had his first taste of playing on stage, even though the audience only consisted of parents and girlfriends (however it abruptly ended when the bassist smashed his guitar on stage.) Produced by Paul Reeves of DOMUS Studio in Atlanta, "Still I Believe" marked his first full-band EP, collaborating with talented musicians including Micah Dalton, Chris Farney (Matt Wertz, Nathan Angelo) and Jeremy Ezell (Wilson Empire). It was mixed by Brad Fisher (Vintage Sound: Atlanta) and mastered by Matt Odmark.
With his first studio recording out of the way, Sechrist is looking forward to taking his show on the road and meeting new people, especially those who can relate to the experiences he explores in his songs. "It's like being on an airplane," he explains. "I love how playing shows brings together people who would probably never otherwise meet. Music has the power to bring people together, despite their ‘supposed’ differences."
As his title track song goes, "Still I believe, there's gonna be a brighter day," there's no doubt that the days ahead for Michael Sechrist look bright, indeed.
Yea, I listen to all kinds of music but Tyler James and Dave Barnes are actually some guys that I have listened to for a few years now. Both really good. Tristan Prettyman is also really good. Check her out if you get a chance.
Hi Michael Sechrist, Hope you had an awesome Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
Wanted to remind you -- Take a minute to sign up for the FanClub. As a member, you'll be able to get a free download of my new Christmas song. And we'll be giving away a free mp3 player soon!
i'm doing well! i miss not seeing you at work:( but i don't think you miss being at work though...I've been well and I'm so glad that the semester is going to be over soon! how have you been? -Joan
As soon as i make music, ill put it up. I guess you could say it's in the process, but not really. We do need to hang out, you still at GSU or GCSU or wherever you went?
