| Michael Whitworth |
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MICHAEL WHITWORTH
Michael Whitworth sprung into the country scene in 2010 with his first EP, " God Only Knew" –
the first single “Just As Surprised As You” was an immediate success. His anticipated sophomore
4-song EP titled, "Learning How To Love" was released that Fall to enthusiastic reviews from
critics including Billboard Discoveries. The first single, "Fire Away" and second "Settlin' Down"
were immediately well received by Georgia country radio stations and fans.
Heralding from Athens, GA – the town known for launching the careers of hit bands such as
Sugarland, Drive-By Truckers, and REM – Michael looks to follow in the footsteps of giants while
at the same time take his own path. His sound is fresh and upbeat, fusing optimistic youthfulness
with witty wordplay to get feet tapping and hearts melting.
Michael has toured for years with other bands playing different roles and instruments. A jack-of-all-
trades, Michael does it all: guitars, bass, keys, drums etc. Along the way, he discovered his own
sound and decided he wanted to have more creative input in songwriting, so he set out on his own.
He's since found that as an artist he has truly come into his own with this album's release.
“This record was an absolute joy to write and record,” Michael said. “I really just wanted it to be fun
and lighthearted, to hopefully communicate the love and laughter that fills my life.”
Combining a devilish charm with infectious lyrics and melodies, Michael Whitworth is poised to
become the next major male artist in the country music scene. He is a delight to both the ears
and the eyes, ready to break your heart with a smile.
Michael Whitworth sprung into the country scene in 2010 with his first EP, " God Only Knew" –
the first single “Just As Surprised As You” was an immediate success. His anticipated sophomore
4-song EP titled, "Learning How To Love" was released that Fall to enthusiastic reviews from
critics including Billboard Discoveries. The first single, "Fire Away" and second "Settlin' Down"
were immediately well received by Georgia country radio stations and fans.
Heralding from Athens, GA – the town known for launching the careers of hit bands such as
Sugarland, Drive-By Truckers, and REM – Michael looks to follow in the footsteps of giants while
at the same time take his own path. His sound is fresh and upbeat, fusing optimistic youthfulness
with witty wordplay to get feet tapping and hearts melting.
Michael has toured for years with other bands playing different roles and instruments. A jack-of-all-
trades, Michael does it all: guitars, bass, keys, drums etc. Along the way, he discovered his own
sound and decided he wanted to have more creative input in songwriting, so he set out on his own.
He's since found that as an artist he has truly come into his own with this album's release.
“This record was an absolute joy to write and record,” Michael said. “I really just wanted it to be fun
and lighthearted, to hopefully communicate the love and laughter that fills my life.”
Combining a devilish charm with infectious lyrics and melodies, Michael Whitworth is poised to
become the next major male artist in the country music scene. He is a delight to both the ears
and the eyes, ready to break your heart with a smile.
Michael made is "producer" debut on the new Matthew Browne album titled: In The Winepress. Link below to iTunes and amazon - just released. This is a very unique
album and shows a wide range of diversity for Michael. This album is a Christian album, but one unlike any other yet. Michael's issue with most Christian music is that
it is uncreative, in a box, plastic happy and often a decade behind current musical trends. This album is an indie/alternative record (not done much at all in christian
music currently) that really pushes boundaries both musically and lyrically. It may be shunned by the christian community as too far out there as it is full of
uncomfortable honesty and creativity that cannot be ignored. http://www.matthewbrownemusic.com/
album and shows a wide range of diversity for Michael. This album is a Christian album, but one unlike any other yet. Michael's issue with most Christian music is that
it is uncreative, in a box, plastic happy and often a decade behind current musical trends. This album is an indie/alternative record (not done much at all in christian
music currently) that really pushes boundaries both musically and lyrically. It may be shunned by the christian community as too far out there as it is full of
uncomfortable honesty and creativity that cannot be ignored. http://www.matthewbrownemusic.com/
Critics review of "In The Winepress"
"Matthew's efforts to avoid the historical ruts of "traditional Christian music" are successful, but he does not shy away from or water down theology. Part of the intent
of this album is to open new artistic dimensions for Christian music but not every song pushes limits. The tension in "Our God Is Alive" is well balanced by the intimate
ballad, "I Am Yours." The sometimes uncomfortable honesty in "All That's Left" and "Waiting" with the updated hymn, "Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness," bring
together generations that are often musically at odds.
One common theme throughout the album is Matthew's heart to pursue Jesus without facade or pretense. The album expresses worship through honest pain, joy,
doubt and peace without embarrassment and with the confidence that nothing can remove us from the love of our Father. There is no happy mask of plastic
perfection, no distant or redundant exaltation and no attempt to present God with anything other than an open and honest heart.
This album is a window into Matthew's journey with Jesus in the language and music of his generation. The indie/alternative genre has not yet become a mainstream
staple in the world of Christian music, but as that tide rises, Matthew hopes this album to be one amongst a growing multitude of Christian artists pushing the limits of
traditional and normal in the praise of a God who is in no way traditional or normal - a God who puts his children through the crushing Winepress to craft them into an
exquisite bouquet, rich in honest love."
Billboard Discoveries: There must be something in the water flowing through Athens, Ga., which has fostered breakout talents R.E.M., B-52s, Zac Brown Band,
Sugarland and Drive-By-Truckers. Now meet singer/songwriter Michael Whitworth, whose pure country four-track EP “Learning How To Love”—the follow-up to debut
“God Only Knew”—is a comely, well-executed collection, featuring first-rate vocals, credible lyrics and organic instrumentation, partly courtesy of the artist, who has
mastered guitars, bass, keys and drums. Opener “Settlin' Down” is a full-bodied welcome mat, charged with a cascade of multiple string instruments, pumping
percussion and a chorus suited to coral the masses (“I'd trade all those nights of freedom for a home with you”), while equally hit worthy “Fire Away” cruises forward
with eight-cylinder tempo and another positive lyrical mandate, as Whitworth sings, “I'm the man who will stand by you through your best and worst of days, so fire
away.” The more reflective “Worth Fighting For” is a humbling message song directed toward mainstream country fans about a working man who nearly lost his way
amid the daily rat race (“He went back to the wife he ignored, broke into tears as he walked through the door, cause he finally knows for sure what's worth fighting
for”). Previous EP “God,” whose first single “Just As Surprised As You,” describes the wonder of finding the love of one's life, fostered airplay across North American
Six Flags parks. Nice kudos, but with proper marketing, the mettle to share his wares to live audiences—and the pesky major label contract—the handsome Whitworth
has every check mark in place to propel beyond amusement parks and straight to national acclaim. This recording is certainly a premiere calling card. All systems go.
"Matthew's efforts to avoid the historical ruts of "traditional Christian music" are successful, but he does not shy away from or water down theology. Part of the intent
of this album is to open new artistic dimensions for Christian music but not every song pushes limits. The tension in "Our God Is Alive" is well balanced by the intimate
ballad, "I Am Yours." The sometimes uncomfortable honesty in "All That's Left" and "Waiting" with the updated hymn, "Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness," bring
together generations that are often musically at odds.
One common theme throughout the album is Matthew's heart to pursue Jesus without facade or pretense. The album expresses worship through honest pain, joy,
doubt and peace without embarrassment and with the confidence that nothing can remove us from the love of our Father. There is no happy mask of plastic
perfection, no distant or redundant exaltation and no attempt to present God with anything other than an open and honest heart.
This album is a window into Matthew's journey with Jesus in the language and music of his generation. The indie/alternative genre has not yet become a mainstream
staple in the world of Christian music, but as that tide rises, Matthew hopes this album to be one amongst a growing multitude of Christian artists pushing the limits of
traditional and normal in the praise of a God who is in no way traditional or normal - a God who puts his children through the crushing Winepress to craft them into an
exquisite bouquet, rich in honest love."
Billboard Discoveries: There must be something in the water flowing through Athens, Ga., which has fostered breakout talents R.E.M., B-52s, Zac Brown Band,
Sugarland and Drive-By-Truckers. Now meet singer/songwriter Michael Whitworth, whose pure country four-track EP “Learning How To Love”—the follow-up to debut
“God Only Knew”—is a comely, well-executed collection, featuring first-rate vocals, credible lyrics and organic instrumentation, partly courtesy of the artist, who has
mastered guitars, bass, keys and drums. Opener “Settlin' Down” is a full-bodied welcome mat, charged with a cascade of multiple string instruments, pumping
percussion and a chorus suited to coral the masses (“I'd trade all those nights of freedom for a home with you”), while equally hit worthy “Fire Away” cruises forward
with eight-cylinder tempo and another positive lyrical mandate, as Whitworth sings, “I'm the man who will stand by you through your best and worst of days, so fire
away.” The more reflective “Worth Fighting For” is a humbling message song directed toward mainstream country fans about a working man who nearly lost his way
amid the daily rat race (“He went back to the wife he ignored, broke into tears as he walked through the door, cause he finally knows for sure what's worth fighting
for”). Previous EP “God,” whose first single “Just As Surprised As You,” describes the wonder of finding the love of one's life, fostered airplay across North American
Six Flags parks. Nice kudos, but with proper marketing, the mettle to share his wares to live audiences—and the pesky major label contract—the handsome Whitworth
has every check mark in place to propel beyond amusement parks and straight to national acclaim. This recording is certainly a premiere calling card. All systems go.
A Review by Gary Allen
I have a silent partner on this review, my new friend, Josh Roland. He chooses to keep a low profile so I will blow his horn a little myself. The team of Michael Whitworth
and Josh Roland caught my attention on first listen as one of the brightest new artists in my Sonicbids competition. Although some would call Michael a Christian artist,
I would say he loves God and is blessed with a wonderful talent and a great voice. Thank you God!
I agree with the assessment that his appeal to a large label is that he is a male version of Taylor Swift - young, good looking, writes his own songs and can cross pop
and country lines. There is not a male version like that right now - the guys currently are older or do not have the look and sound to cross into pop. ClearChannel's
large country station in Atlanta is WUBL 94.9 FM The Bull. Every Saturday night they do a show called Backyard Country where local artists' music is played and the
the audience votes online during the week for their favorite songs that week to come back next week. Michael was the number 1 played artist in all of 2010.
On his website there is a page called Press - there are listed the 2 reviews he has so far. His music can be purchased in iTunes and Amazon MP3 and a few of his
songs can be streamed but not downloaded from his website. There is a lot of info on his website including his posted tweets and a News Section. His current EP,
"Learning How To Love" has 4 songs - Fire Away, Settlin' Down, Worth Fighting For and Learning How To Love. I have listened to this CD several times while
travelling to gigs myself, and every time someone over hears Michael music they ask me who the artist is. That's what it's all about.
His first EP "God Only Knew" has three songs....Just As Surprised As You, Dry Martini and Woo Girls. Both EPs have received radio play for Fire Away, Settlin' Down
and Just As Surprised As You. American Airlines and Six-Flags North America have featured "Just As Surprised As You.
Michael is true to the lyrics and styling and the new tracks are powerful. Each arrangement is breath-taking. I can honestly say, that in listening to it the first time, I
was expecting Christian rock/pop and instead found a true masterpiece crafted with love and care that exudes unbelievable conviction and deserves highest praise.
The singing is joyful and the lyrics are catchy and from the heart. You can call Michael's music whatever you like, I call it refreshing, amazing and brave.
At one point, you understand life to be a certain way, but as you grow and live a little more life, you confront things that you once thought would never happen – and
God outgrows the box you had tried to put him in. Michael Whitworth has out grown his box already. He is living a life of grace and is embracing his wisdom, love and
huge talents. At the same time, I think he is most lucky to have ventured into writing relationships with writers like Josh Roland, where that avenue can be creatively
explored.
Contemporary/pop/rock whatever the label, I wouldn't change a thing, except your socks :)
Congratulations Michael and we will see you soon on the hit parade! I'm showing my age. I meant the Billboard charts! God Bless Us All...
-Gary Allen (JJ Cale/The Charlie Daniels Band/Stonewall Jackson)
I have a silent partner on this review, my new friend, Josh Roland. He chooses to keep a low profile so I will blow his horn a little myself. The team of Michael Whitworth
and Josh Roland caught my attention on first listen as one of the brightest new artists in my Sonicbids competition. Although some would call Michael a Christian artist,
I would say he loves God and is blessed with a wonderful talent and a great voice. Thank you God!
I agree with the assessment that his appeal to a large label is that he is a male version of Taylor Swift - young, good looking, writes his own songs and can cross pop
and country lines. There is not a male version like that right now - the guys currently are older or do not have the look and sound to cross into pop. ClearChannel's
large country station in Atlanta is WUBL 94.9 FM The Bull. Every Saturday night they do a show called Backyard Country where local artists' music is played and the
the audience votes online during the week for their favorite songs that week to come back next week. Michael was the number 1 played artist in all of 2010.
On his website there is a page called Press - there are listed the 2 reviews he has so far. His music can be purchased in iTunes and Amazon MP3 and a few of his
songs can be streamed but not downloaded from his website. There is a lot of info on his website including his posted tweets and a News Section. His current EP,
"Learning How To Love" has 4 songs - Fire Away, Settlin' Down, Worth Fighting For and Learning How To Love. I have listened to this CD several times while
travelling to gigs myself, and every time someone over hears Michael music they ask me who the artist is. That's what it's all about.
His first EP "God Only Knew" has three songs....Just As Surprised As You, Dry Martini and Woo Girls. Both EPs have received radio play for Fire Away, Settlin' Down
and Just As Surprised As You. American Airlines and Six-Flags North America have featured "Just As Surprised As You.
Michael is true to the lyrics and styling and the new tracks are powerful. Each arrangement is breath-taking. I can honestly say, that in listening to it the first time, I
was expecting Christian rock/pop and instead found a true masterpiece crafted with love and care that exudes unbelievable conviction and deserves highest praise.
The singing is joyful and the lyrics are catchy and from the heart. You can call Michael's music whatever you like, I call it refreshing, amazing and brave.
At one point, you understand life to be a certain way, but as you grow and live a little more life, you confront things that you once thought would never happen – and
God outgrows the box you had tried to put him in. Michael Whitworth has out grown his box already. He is living a life of grace and is embracing his wisdom, love and
huge talents. At the same time, I think he is most lucky to have ventured into writing relationships with writers like Josh Roland, where that avenue can be creatively
explored.
Contemporary/pop/rock whatever the label, I wouldn't change a thing, except your socks :)
Congratulations Michael and we will see you soon on the hit parade! I'm showing my age. I meant the Billboard charts! God Bless Us All...
-Gary Allen (JJ Cale/The Charlie Daniels Band/Stonewall Jackson)
| ********************************************************************************************************************************** |
| Josh Roland: www.linkedin.com/in/joshroland |
| Buy Michael Whitworth Music: Pick up a copy of Michael's brand new EP, Learning How to Love, at: iTunes U.S. Amazon MP3 Buy Michael's first EP, God Only Knew , at most online locations including: iTunes U.S. MySpace Music Napster eMusic Amazon MP3 If your local radio station is not playing Michael's music, call them until they do! |
www.michaelwhitworthmusic.com www.sonicbids.com/michaelwhitworth www.facebook.com/home.php#!/michaeldwhitworth www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldwhitworth |
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