Artist description Michael Heaton is a singer/songwriter from the suburbs of Chicago. He blends elements of pop,rock and country to create a sound uniquely his own.The music falls somewhere on the scale between Y'alternative country (ie.Uncle Tupelo) and good old Rock'n'roll (ie. Tom Petty). Lyrically heartfelt songsabout life, love and burning houses.

Music Style Acoustic Pop/Americana

Musical Influences John Hiatt / Tom Petty / Wilco

Similar Artists Tom Petty / Elvis Costello

Artist History Michael has been performing since the late 80's. 1991 His first band The X-tras released "Kaboom" a 12 song collection of Michael's songs. Later in '91 Michael formed a power-pop trio named CUT. Cut released 2 Heaton penned projects 1993 self titled debut "CUT' and 1995's Swan song "Rest in Pieces" All releases were on Idie Chicago labels. CUT performed around Chicago,Minn,Iowa, and Wisc. until their demise in 1995.Michael spent a year after that as a guitar tech and part time opening act for an Irish band from Chicago. He performed as a solo act until 1998 when he started putting together his current band. Along the way he met many great musicians including Jay Bennet of Wilco who was kind enough to do a guest appearance on Michael's new CD "Learning Curve"

Group Members Michael Heaton Vocals and Acoustic Guitar Stan Dembowski Lead Guitar and backing vocals Derek Fasia Drums Doug Wielert Bass

Albums 1991 Kaboom 1993 Cut 1994 Rest In Pieces 2000 Learning Curve

Press Reviews " A collection of well crafted vignettes.The lyrics are intellegent and the music is pure heartland in the best sense of the word."Paul Barrile Associate Arts Editor Liberty Press Papers Chicago"like tasting a complex blend of coffee, you will hear the subtle hints of country compounded with good old rockand roll with just a dash of trumpets. There is never a dull moment to be heard."Brooke weston Amazon Fan Review" There are a lot of sweet things to Michael Heaton's Cd "Learing Curve" like in the middle of a song like Smells like Gasoline when the Mariachi like trumpets take the listener completely by surprise. It's attention to the little details like that that makes Michael Heaton's music truely refreshing."Richard Milne WXRT radio Chicago

Additional Info Guest appearance by Jay Bennett of Wilco on the song

Location Montgomery, Il. - USA

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