Folk/Blues
Members Michael Benedetto
Hometown Broad Channel NY
Biography Name: Michael Benedetto,
Age:25
Instruments he can play: Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Slide Guitar, Percussion
Musical Genre: Folk/Blues
Michael Benedetto is a recent two-time winner (Best Song, Best Performance) from the West Coast Songwriters Association, which seems ironic since he is a native-born New Yorker. Raised on a steady diet of classic rock, (The Beatles) and traditional forms of Country/Folk music, (Johnny Cash) Michael has secretly been working on bringing back meaningful lyrics to the stream of lousy, sugar-coated pop that floods the current airwaves. His approach starts with a traditional-style of storytelling, which is then infused with a fresh spirit and sound to capture the attention of listeners. This style allows him to personally tap into the depths of the human heart, in a way that is refreshingly honest.
His talent is enhanced by a wide-variety of styles including, Fireside Folk, Bourbon Blues, and Back Porch Country. The willingness to embrace many different styles is what has been the driving force in writing over 100 songs.
The road to discovery was paved with hardships during a small period of street performing, which garnered him a small cult following. Most musicians rarely get the chance to warmly greet their fans when buying their albums; but that is something Michael took great pride in. In fact this has allowed him to sell over 2,000 albums by hand and he can currently be found on I-Tunes.
Michael Benedetto has played all across New York prior to his performances on the West Coast. Some of his local gigs included, The Shillelagh Tavern, The Quays, Ace of Clubs, Café Vivaldi, Trash Bar, Perch Café, Otto’s Shrunken Head and Van Gough Radio Lounge; not to mention the late great CBGB'S. This lead to a database of over 500 fans, of course airplay for Kingsbourgh Community College, Brooklyn College, Queens College, and Staten Island Public Radio didn't hurt either.
He has since been able to play a variety of clubs across the United States, including a stellar live performance at Humboldt State University to the delight of students, multiple radio stations and local venues. While performing in LA Michael played the Kibitz Room, where legendary guitarist Slash began his career; along with Jacob Dylan and The Wallflowers.
The stories that Michael wants to tell on his albums are about his personal human experiences and rejuvenation, which is obvious on his first album. He has always felt that the human experience is filled with extreme highs andwith that comes extreme lows; that pain is a universal language, which is probably why his song/video for "Down the Drain" has struck accord with many involved in the relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina.
Michael Benedetto has performed live for and has been listened to by industry professionals such as Steve Lillywhite, (Record Producer "U2") Steven Memel, (Voice, Speech and Vocal Performance Coach- "Maroon 5") Scott Mathews (Producer, Arranger, Songwriter for David Bowie, Johnny Cash, John Fogerty, George Harrison, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Neil Young) He has also been listened to by The Violent Femmes, Devendra Banhart and Frank Black.
Michael Benedetto is an artist without limits, first and foremost and that driving force inside of him is what has created some of his best music. But it will be his creative hunger that leads many fans to believe this craftsman can be the voice for the people, who are turned off by the mainstream.
