Michael Stevens is a singer songwriter from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was originally born in Reading. Stevens moved to Lancaster in 2002. He began playing the guitar at the age of 18. He played at a few open mics, and in a few small bands in the Reading area. Stevens played for a few years, but he never pursued music seriously. He did not pick up his guitar again until several years later after finishing his masters degree in education. Stevens began writing and singing again in 2003. His early musical influences include Van Morrison, Neil Young, and Bob Marley. Recent influences include Beth Orton, Sufjan Stevens, and Jack Johnson. In 2005 he began playing at coffee houses and small pubs in the Lancaster and Reading area. During the summer of 2006 Stevens recorded his first CD Anything I Can. It was released in the Fall of 2006. Stevens recorded his second CD IMPORTANT during the summer of 2007. It was released during the Fall of 2007. After performing for a few years Stevens took some time off to work on improving a few things. He re-recorded 10 songs from his first CD which Stevens refers to as his singing underwater CD, acording to Stevens he says " I have learned a few things since then." The remake is called " Dreaming About The Past." It will be released towards the end of May 2008. Stevens will also release a CD with all new songs this summer.
| POSTED BY: marley | POSTED ON: 17 Nov 2007 10:13 PM | ||
Michael Stevens Importantauthor: Mike SzajnaMichael Stevens, on his new release "Important", has once again demonstrated that he is a gifted songwriter. "Important" captures his ability to master a wide range of musical styles and lyrical subjects. The album begins formidably with "Me and Joe". On this track he sings of a "new revolution" as he rails against the Bush Administration, the war in Iraq, Corrupt politicians, and the Country's health care system. Even if you don't care for Stevens' politics, you'd have to agree its a great song. The album includes many other highlights. "Say You'll Be Mine" is a beautifully written love song with a strong melody. "Dancing on a Star" presents a whimsical and touching view of the emotions surrounding the miracle of a newborn child. "Awake Again" is an engaging tune about gratitude for health and the simple pleasures of life. "99" is Stevens' vision for social justice, peace, and an end to poverty all set to an enchanting melody. "He Got It Right" is an extremely catchy tribute to the life of legendary Reggae artist Bob Marley. The album closes with a gem, the title track "Important", which seems to evoke the desperation of a forgotten soul longing for the past, a lost love and a sense of purpose as he watches ships sailing by on the ocean. Overall this is an outstanding effort from Michael Stevens. The songs are performed with acoustic and electric guitar, various keyboards, bass and drums. Stevens' voice is unique and appealing. The album could have benefited from stronger production but this does not detract from the main component, the songwriting, which clearly shows a special gift for melody and story. Review Of Michael Stevens "Important" Author: Damon Kellard - Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion - Simple and precise. Michael Stevens delivers a composition of pure sentiment, heartfelt melodies and lyrical uniqueness. The songs are primarily acoustic driven, with minimal layers such as bass and drums, making for a very simplistic sounding grouping of tracks. Sharing both the same last name and certain musical similairities to "Cat Stevens" such as his well toned vocal presence accompanied perfectly by a well toned acoustic. The first track "Me and Joe" is a laid back melody which opens the CD perfectly with politically influenced lyrics. "Awake Again" is a more upbeat track with a great vocal melody for both its verses and choruses. "Important" is a great title and ending track, wrapping up the album with a more layered and produced approach to the song list. |
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| POSTED BY: xavierpersad | POSTED ON: 26 Oct 2007 12:13 AM | ||
 “Important” by Michael Stevens is a soul-enlightening collection of acoustic tunes. In this pacifying collection, Michael makes meaningful lyrics through introspection, social statements, faith, love, and philosophy. His mid-tempo, acoustic-driven songs are soul-stirring and meet listeners on a very personal level. Moreover, Michael’s unique, calm and passionate vocal tone adds to the serenity of these tunes. “Can’t Wait No More” and “Awake Again” both stand out as musically and melodically catchy. Consistently, Michael delivers thought-provoking and emotion-invoking songs on “Important”. Stripped down production makes this CD all the more personal. Fans of James Taylor and Neil Young will enjoy this new CD! -Xavier P. and RadioIndy.com Check out Michael Stevens's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites |
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| POSTED BY: marley | POSTED ON: 02 Oct 2007 08:41 PM | ||
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My new CD "Dreaming About The Past" is now on sale on CD baby. |
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| POSTED BY: xavierpersad | POSTED ON: 21 Jan 2007 11:02 PM | ||
 "Anything I Can" is a CD full of heartfelt songs that tell stories about life and love. The production is very clean and allows the lyrics to cut through the music. Most of the tracks, such as Gotta Find Time, are story-telling folk music, with some tracks, such as The Mirror is Getting Older and 27 Shades of Black, being a more easy-listening style with an alternative music influence. Michael's vocal style has a retro 60s folk/easy-listening feel to it. Tracks such as 27 Shades of Black, have memorable choruses and clever lyrics. If you enjoy singer-songwriter folk artists such as Simon and Garfunkel, you'll enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today! -RadioIndy.com StaffCheck out Michael Stevens's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites |
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