Album Notes

Michael O'Neill's current solo work is an eclectic mix of acoustic /electric songs with an Alternative-Country Americana flavor. Most recent work paints a frank and candid picture of love, life, hope and despair of small town America.
A regular performer on the Berkshire County acoustic club circuit, I can be seen performing several times a month at the several local venues in the Berkshires. The core of any good performer starts with great song writting, which never goes out of style. From my past performances endeavors, which include being a co-founding member, singer and song writer of the band the Typicals and Mission Park, his current works which includes and EP Full Throttle (Traditional Irish Songs) and a new release "Sonic Notebook". On Sonic Notebook I played all instruments. Although primarily a guitar player since my early teens, I am now what I call myself semi-proficient on other instruments including, bass guitar, drums, mandolin, and the bottle neck Dobro. The Sonic Notebook project was recorded at the Homebrew Studio during the winter months of 2003/2004. The Homebrew is a small home basement studio that doesn't always offer the best possible environment for recording, but does have character. The one hundred and twenty-year-old stone walls provide a very live earthy feel that can only be described as unique. "At times the studio would get so cold, that I moved recording equipment to an upstairs bedroom for warmth", he said. In that spare bedroom is where the preliminary tracks of acoustic guitar and vocals were cut.

I have mixed feelings about the technological advancement of home recording. The main problem is that many artists can become unfocused about the song writting and performance, and start worrying about the details way to early in the game. When doing a solo project, you have to wear too many hats. I always like some outside influence input, that way I can concentrate on the craft of song writing. The tones of Sonic Notebook can be contributed to large condenser microphones, acoustic guitars and the warm soft glow of old tube amplification provides an ambience of days past .

The goal of his current endeavor is to have a wider range of venues to perform at, and play for fans that have a greater appreciation for original song writing and a love for acoustic/ electric sounds. "I've meet some interesting people along the way and hope to meet many more", he says, as he gears up to promote his current solo project. Influences are Ryan Adams, Edwin McCain, and Pete Yorn. Bookings can be made through the contact information below.