ST Music, Malibu, CA
Atlanta, GA – Since singer-songwriter Michael ONeill set his sights on releasing his latest independent album, I Like It Like That on January 20, 2015 he's been scooping up some great reviews. This release is one of many off his Sleeping Trout Records Label with distribution through MDI out of New Mexico. The cd, is filled with his poetic lyrics, his expressive voice and infectious melodies are complimented by a knock out group of studio musicians backing him – Tony Braunagel (Robert Cray) on Drums, Dean Parks ((Steely Dan) on guitar and Johnny Lee Schell (Bonnie Raitt) on guitar just to name a few. The record was created at Ultrasound Studios in Studio City, CA produced by ONeill himself, Mr. Schell and Mr. Braunagel.
“The voice has that ring of truth in it and you just assume this man has lived the life he sings about going through all the love, loss and trials that are referenced in his songs, they are portraits of his life.” – Elmore
Based in the Los Angeles area, Michael is a story-teller, a troubadour that commands his audience to listen hard to his lyrics. As the first song, “Raise A Glass” begins, Michael is toasting to his friends, family and life as he leaves them behind when he tours. Every traveling musician appreciates the normalcy in life but has to answer the call of the road to make a living. It's what makes them who they are, restless but content. ONeill comes armed with vignettes of open-eyed romance, highway drama, and hard-earned tenderness – vocalized with the assurance and attitude that comes only from experience.
One of 13 children, he got started in music early and by the age of 24, he cut his teeth opening his first tour for a then-unknown band called U2. As the tour ended in Los Angeles, ONeill found himself signed with legendary manager Don Arden (father of Sharon Osbourne) with a record deal following. ONeill put together a band that featured a young John Shanks (producer of Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morrisette) Kenny Gradney (Little Feat), and jazz saxophonist, Boney James. He spent the better part of the next ten years touring with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and penning songs with Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Steve Cropper (Booker T. and The MG's), and Jason Scheff (Chicago). His band held down a weekly gig at the hottest club in town, The Central (now The Viper Room), playing to packed houses. As the '90s approached, ONeill left Southern California for his hometown in the Pacific Northwest to raise horses and focus on his family. “I retreated to gain some perspective and try to keep my family together,” ONeill says, “I did pretty good on the perspective part.”
“…there's something for everyone here wrapped up in a relatable country rock package that's wildly appealing and more than endearing.” - Indie-music.com
Whether sweetly acknowledging the stirrings of new love (“When You Come Around”, “Let It Rain”), or offering up a testament to fast women and the pleasures of seduction (“Real Deal”,” I Like It Like That”), they share a common thread; these songs are as honest as they are vulnerable. An artist who writes love songs to cities and states as well as people, “Colorado” is pure Americana. Michael is a strong original voice among West Coast singer-songwriters.
Michael ONeill is signed to The Rhonda Barron Agency and Crucial Music, for licensing his music through TV and movies. Promotional duties are handled by Mark Maynard at Momentum Label Group in Nashville and Americana radio is handled by Michael De Urso out of New York.
I Like It Like That – Michael ONeill – Sleeping Trout Music (BMI) – Release date: January 20 2015
To hear a song off his CD: https://soundcloud.com/whosbadnow/real-deal
To download a photo for publication purposes: http://missjillpr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Michael-PR-photo1.jpg
To arrange an interview or obtain a copy of Michael's CD for review, please contact: Jill Kettles at Miss Jill PR – T) 404-213-8542 or E) jill@missjillpr.com
