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A gifted artist in every sense of the word--writer, singer, musician and performer - Michael Tolcher deftly blends unfailing melodic and organic pop sensibilities with a deep understanding of soul, R&B and urban grooves drawn from his Southern upbringing. His debut album, I Am, is an inspired collection of songs and melodies that muse on life, love and social consciousness.
In the fall of 2003 Michael set out to produce his debut album on Octone Records with pop crossover producers, Pop Rox. “He doesn't get on the mic and spit some false, brooding material just to stay cool amongst his peers. Michael's words aim to uplift in an era when artists fear committing to thoughtful, uplifting material,” testifies Pop Rox.
Recorded by Chris Shaw (Bob Dylan, Weezer, Dashboard Confessional) and mixed by Tim Palmer (U2, Pearl Jam, The Cure) & Mark Endert (Fiona Apple, Madonna), I Am boasts an impressive arsenal of ideas, melodies and messages - from the groove, beat-laden hooks of “Mission Responsible” & “No One Above” to the pop elegance of “Sooner Or Later” to the lyrical sophistication of “The Sun Song” & “Bad Habits.”
For the sessions, Michael enlisted a diverse company of special guests to help realize his creative vision. The album includes harmonic, melodic and rhythmic contributions from ?uestlove (The Roots, Common), Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers, Gov't Mule), Gavin DeGraw, Pete Levin (Spin Doctors, Fun Lovin’ Criminals), Eddie Martinez (Joe Cocker, Run-DMC), Paul Frazier (David Byrne, Shawn Colvin) and Carl Carter (Maxwell).
Now, Michael and his band have been touring endlessly, accompanying Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, Virginia Coalition, Hanson, Pat McGee Band, The Clarks, The Funky Meters, Everclear, and Sister Hazel.
Just shortly after the release of I Am, Michael Tolcher has been getting radio play at Modern Rock and AAA stations across the country and has been chosen as a confirmed musical guest on this season of American Dreams on NBC. His song “Mission Responsible” has been selected as the American Lung Association’s 100th anniversary theme song, and featured in a nationwide Public Service Announcement campaign this September.
In Michael’s words, "There's a side of me that I want you to see. That's what the record is about. Uncovering and Revealing. I attempt to open my personal experiences into human experiences making what I am a reflection of what you are. If I'm successful, then I become a single voice of the hearts and minds of many. That is the magic of artful expression. When it's real, it's felt both by the expressers and the witnesses. I wanted the record to tickle the ears, vibrate the hips and stimulate the mind. My formula is ancient and simple: Melody + rhythm + meaning = song.”
I Am is in stores now!
About Octone Records
Octone Records is an independent record label based in New York City that is distributed by BMG and has a co-venture with the RCA Music Group. The home of multi-platinum group Maroon 5, Octone’s newest artist is Michael Tolcher, who is already garnering critical praise and radio airplay as he tour the country non-stop.
A gifted artist in every sense of the word, Michael Tolcher deftly blends unfailing melodic and organic pop sensibilities with a deep understanding of soul, R&B and urban grooves drawn from his Southern upbringing. His debut album, I Am, is an inspired collection of songs and melodies that muse on life, love and social consciousness. Tolcher has the potential to transcend generations of tastemakers, and I Am has so many hooks that it just might do that.
For more information on Michael Tolcher, please visit www.michaeltolcher.com or call David Boxenbaum at Octone Records – 646-613-1465.
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