Michael Christopher

With the summer season entering its final weeks, everyone is trying to hang on to those final few moments of sunshine, parties, and beaches. What better way to enjoy the hot days of August than with a summer anthem?

Michael Christopher, born and raised in western Pennsylvania, as always loved the summer and the beach. Looking up to artists like Zac Brown and Kenny Chesney, he shares their passion for the outdoors and the ocean, and expresses that through his music.

His brand new song, “My Kinda Summer,” is a fresh tune about what we all love about the warm weather and time spent on the water.


“This has quickly become my new favorite song,” Michael says. “Recently, I wrote this song with my guitar player, Zach Reeder. One day I was talking about summertime to someone and said ‘that’s my kinda summer’ when describing what I like about it. Then the idea hit me. We were able to quickly pen this one from vivid thoughts. It has an awesome vibe and has really gotten a great response at our shows.”

For the latest news and updates on Michael Christopher, as well as to purchase his album, ‘You and the Open Road,’ visit his official website. - Music City Encore

With the summer season entering its final weeks, everyone is trying to hang on to those final few moments of sunshine, parties, and beaches. What better way to enjoy the hot days of August than with a summer anthem?

Michael Christopher, born and raised in western Pennsylvania, as always loved the summer and the beach. Looking up to artists like Zac Brown and Kenny Chesney, he shares their passion for the outdoors and the ocean, and expresses that through his music.

His brand new song, “My Kinda Summer,” is a fresh tune about what we all love about the warm weather and time spent on the water.


“This has quickly become my new favorite song,” Michael says. “Recently, I wrote this song with my guitar player, Zach Reeder. One day I was talking about summertime to someone and said ‘that’s my kinda summer’ when describing what I like about it. Then the idea hit me. We were able to quickly pen this one from vivid thoughts. It has an awesome vibe and has really gotten a great response at our shows.”

For the latest news and updates on Michael Christopher, as well as to purchase his album, ‘You and the Open Road,’ visit his official website. - Music City Encore

Full-length from the local pop-country singer. Christopher subscribes to many of the ideals of contemporary country music — wanderlust, women, work ethic — without falling into the trashy mode that much of the genre has taken a turn toward in recent years. A rocker here, a ballad there, well recorded with good vocals; the only thing that could be tightened up is the verbiage, which gets a little awkward sometimes, losing the effortless cool that characterizes much of the record. (I could do without the Buffettesque "Song About the Beach," too, but we can chalk that up to personal preference.) Good stuff from a young artist who's working hard and could become a big name. - Pittsburgh City Paper

The last thing Michael Christopher expected to be when he graduated from college was a rising country music star.

The Blairsville native, who was born Michael Christopher Palguta, graduated from Blairsville High School in 2000 and then majored in communications media at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He made some friends who were into country music and that changed everything.

“I didn't have any background in music,” Christopher said. “I didn't play any instruments or sing. I never even liked country music until college. It was all sort of an accident.”

That “accident” has resulted in Christopher fronting his own band, opening for some of country music's biggest stars, having bookings of his own all over the country, cutting a CD in Nashville of songs he wrote and getting national airplay on the radio.

“My friends in college were always listening to country and I found that I liked it,” Christopher said. “I started singing, then learned to play a guitar just to accompany myself. Then I started writing songs.

“It was a hobby at first, but I couldn't settle for a hobby. I'm like that in everything I do in my life. If I'm going to do it, I have to strive to be the best I can be.”

After he graduated from college, Christopher decided to start a “pickup” band that has since developed into a group of professional musicians who come from all over the country.

“The band kind of evolved, mostly through networking. One musician knew of someone else who was good and would fit in.” Christopher said. “What I have now is a group of great musicians that supports me and shares my vision. We all get along, too. The band is like a second family.”

Christopher's interest in music didn't prevent him from also continuing to pursue his educational goals. He completed a master's degree at Seton Hill University while his musical talents became known.

Similarly, Zach Reeder, who contributes lead guitar, piano and harmony vocals for the group, just completed work for his master's degree at Carnegie Mellon University.

Christopher and his band have opened locally for country stars Phil Vassar at the Butler County Fair, Josh Thompson at the Lawrence County Fair and Craig Campbell at the Altar Bar in Pittsburgh. This summer, they have bookings in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee. They frequently play at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.

“I have two things going through my mind at once when I walk on stage,” Christopher said. “First, I'm just hoping the people will like my music. Second, I'm gauging the crowd. Some people are real energetic and want to take part in the show. Other times they are just there to listen.”

Christopher enjoys extensive travels with his band. It helps that his wife, Jessica, who is his number one fan, accompanies him. “She's the one you see at all our events taking pictures and selling T-shirts and our CD,” he said.

Christopher's CD, “You and the Open Road,” is a collection of 12 songs that he wrote either alone or with someone else. His favorite cut, ‘She Stood Out in the Crowd,' was co-written with Jon Conley, the guitar player in Kenny Chesney's band.

“Some of my songs are about my own life and my story. Others are just something I want to say. I like to write songs people can sing along with,” Christopher said.

According to Christopher, the most popular song on the CD is “Daisy Dukes.” It's getting national airplay on country radio stations.

“The first time I heard myself on the radio, I was at a dealership buying a truck. I'm a country singer. Of course I drive a truck,” he said with a laugh. “I was sitting in the truck talking to the salesman and my wife called and said I had to turn on the radio. I did and they were playing ‘All About the Chase.'

“It was great to hear my song on the radio, but I also liked watching the salesman listen to it and liking it.”

Christopher makes several trips to Nashville each year. “My CD was produced there,” he said. “I hope it takes off, but if it doesn't, I'll just enjoy my music. Luck is very much involved in that. There are thousands of people in Nashville trying to do the same thing I am.”

He recently started writing songs for a second album. “Sometimes I can write a song very quickly. Other times it might take a year from the time I start a song until I finish it,” he said.

Christopher resides in Irwin but still has family living in Blairsville.

His mother, Rita Palguta, supported his interest in music, buying him an electric guitar for Christmas and arranging for some lessons for him.

Christopher put them to good use — as his mother discovered the first time she heard his band play, in a performance his family attended at the Chesnut Ridge Golf Resort and Conference Center just outside Blairsville.

“I heard a band start and I didn't realize it was him u - Tribune-Review

The last thing Michael Christopher expected to be when he graduated from college was a rising country music star.

The Blairsville native, who was born Michael Christopher Palguta, graduated from Blairsville High School in 2000 and then majored in communications media at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He made some friends who were into country music and that changed everything.

“I didn't have any background in music,” Christopher said. “I didn't play any instruments or sing. I never even liked country music until college. It was all sort of an accident.”

That “accident” has resulted in Christopher fronting his own band, opening for some of country music's biggest stars, having bookings of his own all over the country, cutting a CD in Nashville of songs he wrote and getting national airplay on the radio.

“My friends in college were always listening to country and I found that I liked it,” Christopher said. “I started singing, then learned to play a guitar just to accompany myself. Then I started writing songs.

“It was a hobby at first, but I couldn't settle for a hobby. I'm like that in everything I do in my life. If I'm going to do it, I have to strive to be the best I can be.”

After he graduated from college, Christopher decided to start a “pickup” band that has since developed into a group of professional musicians who come from all over the country.

“The band kind of evolved, mostly through networking. One musician knew of someone else who was good and would fit in.” Christopher said. “What I have now is a group of great musicians that supports me and shares my vision. We all get along, too. The band is like a second family.”

Christopher's interest in music didn't prevent him from also continuing to pursue his educational goals. He completed a master's degree at Seton Hill University while his musical talents became known.

Similarly, Zach Reeder, who contributes lead guitar, piano and harmony vocals for the group, just completed work for his master's degree at Carnegie Mellon University.

Christopher and his band have opened locally for country stars Phil Vassar at the Butler County Fair, Josh Thompson at the Lawrence County Fair and Craig Campbell at the Altar Bar in Pittsburgh. This summer, they have bookings in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee. They frequently play at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.

“I have two things going through my mind at once when I walk on stage,” Christopher said. “First, I'm just hoping the people will like my music. Second, I'm gauging the crowd. Some people are real energetic and want to take part in the show. Other times they are just there to listen.”

Christopher enjoys extensive travels with his band. It helps that his wife, Jessica, who is his number one fan, accompanies him. “She's the one you see at all our events taking pictures and selling T-shirts and our CD,” he said.

Christopher's CD, “You and the Open Road,” is a collection of 12 songs that he wrote either alone or with someone else. His favorite cut, ‘She Stood Out in the Crowd,' was co-written with Jon Conley, the guitar player in Kenny Chesney's band.

“Some of my songs are about my own life and my story. Others are just something I want to say. I like to write songs people can sing along with,” Christopher said.

According to Christopher, the most popular song on the CD is “Daisy Dukes.” It's getting national airplay on country radio stations.

“The first time I heard myself on the radio, I was at a dealership buying a truck. I'm a country singer. Of course I drive a truck,” he said with a laugh. “I was sitting in the truck talking to the salesman and my wife called and said I had to turn on the radio. I did and they were playing ‘All About the Chase.'

“It was great to hear my song on the radio, but I also liked watching the salesman listen to it and liking it.”

Christopher makes several trips to Nashville each year. “My CD was produced there,” he said. “I hope it takes off, but if it doesn't, I'll just enjoy my music. Luck is very much involved in that. There are thousands of people in Nashville trying to do the same thing I am.”

He recently started writing songs for a second album. “Sometimes I can write a song very quickly. Other times it might take a year from the time I start a song until I finish it,” he said.

Christopher resides in Irwin but still has family living in Blairsville.

His mother, Rita Palguta, supported his interest in music, buying him an electric guitar for Christmas and arranging for some lessons for him.

Christopher put them to good use — as his mother discovered the first time she heard his band play, in a performance his family attended at the Chesnut Ridge Golf Resort and Conference Center just outside Blairsville.

“I heard a band start and I didn't realize it was him u - Tribune-Review

Though he grew up in rural Pennsylvania, it wasn't until he was at college that Michael Christopher first got interested in country music. He was attracted by the story lyrics that dominated the music, and he has used that as the basis for his own music. Five years ago he put together a band and has performed all over, often opening for big-name country acts like Jamey Johnson, Phil Vassar and Josh Thompson. He's made regular trips to Nashville for songwriting and has now produced this debut album full of his own songs, often co-written with Music Row writers like Karen Staley, Sarah Majors and Jon Conley. This is an exceptional collection of modern country music by an independent artist that comes highly recommended. The jaunty "Cowboy's Heart," with its sawing fiddle and pedal steel, epitomises just what Michael Christopher is about. - Maverick Magazine

Though he grew up in rural Pennsylvania, it wasn't until he was at college that Michael Christopher first got interested in country music. He was attracted by the story lyrics that dominated the music, and he has used that as the basis for his own music. Five years ago he put together a band and has performed all over, often opening for big-name country acts like Jamey Johnson, Phil Vassar and Josh Thompson. He's made regular trips to Nashville for songwriting and has now produced this debut album full of his own songs, often co-written with Music Row writers like Karen Staley, Sarah Majors and Jon Conley. This is an exceptional collection of modern country music by an independent artist that comes highly recommended. The jaunty "Cowboy's Heart," with its sawing fiddle and pedal steel, epitomises just what Michael Christopher is about. - Maverick Magazine

With so many high voiced heartthrobs taking over the airwaves at country radio, Michael Christopher’s soft baritone is refreshing. His debut digital effort is full of songs that bring you back to the country music of the 90s. Michael’s style is Tracy Byrd meets Sawyer Brown.

Michael plays it safe lyrically in some tracks utilizing some themes that have worked on country radio in the past. “Song About The Beach” is about a poor working man who can’t afford to take a vacation, so he writes a song about the beach instead. Sun is up (Tailgate’s Down) is your typical country music “I want to go drinkin’ with a woman” tune.

Though simplistic at times, Michael has a keen ear for the ever important song hook, which needs to be memorable, and be able to stick with the listener beyond the first listen. In “You and the Open Road,” a song about taking a drive across country with his girl, the man in the song says “hey, hey, hey, hey, you and the open road.”

“Daisy Dukes” is Michael’s single, but perhaps the most ready for radio song on the digital set is “She Stood Out In the Crowd,” a song about a bar singer who can’t take his eyes off of one of the ladies in his audience. Though Michael’s smooth vocals alone could take “Crowd” to the top of the charts, it isn’t hard to imagine the song on an Easton Corbin record or as a Chris Young single.

So many times indie country records are made up of fabricated drum loops and bass guitar lines that have been recorded using a keyboard. Every song on Michael’s debut digital set is not only full of seemingly live instruments, but in a couple of the tracks, he includes twin fiddles and a mandolin, two instruments that aren’t that prevalent in local indie country records. With flawless production and a ton of great sing-a-long hooks, Michael Christopher’s debut release is definitely worth your time. - iMoveiLive Online Music Magazine

With so many high voiced heartthrobs taking over the airwaves at country radio, Michael Christopher’s soft baritone is refreshing. His debut digital effort is full of songs that bring you back to the country music of the 90s. Michael’s style is Tracy Byrd meets Sawyer Brown.

Michael plays it safe lyrically in some tracks utilizing some themes that have worked on country radio in the past. “Song About The Beach” is about a poor working man who can’t afford to take a vacation, so he writes a song about the beach instead. Sun is up (Tailgate’s Down) is your typical country music “I want to go drinkin’ with a woman” tune.

Though simplistic at times, Michael has a keen ear for the ever important song hook, which needs to be memorable, and be able to stick with the listener beyond the first listen. In “You and the Open Road,” a song about taking a drive across country with his girl, the man in the song says “hey, hey, hey, hey, you and the open road.”

“Daisy Dukes” is Michael’s single, but perhaps the most ready for radio song on the digital set is “She Stood Out In the Crowd,” a song about a bar singer who can’t take his eyes off of one of the ladies in his audience. Though Michael’s smooth vocals alone could take “Crowd” to the top of the charts, it isn’t hard to imagine the song on an Easton Corbin record or as a Chris Young single.

So many times indie country records are made up of fabricated drum loops and bass guitar lines that have been recorded using a keyboard. Every song on Michael’s debut digital set is not only full of seemingly live instruments, but in a couple of the tracks, he includes twin fiddles and a mandolin, two instruments that aren’t that prevalent in local indie country records. With flawless production and a ton of great sing-a-long hooks, Michael Christopher’s debut release is definitely worth your time. - iMoveiLive Online Music Magazine

See: http://musiccityencore.com/country-music-newcomer-michael-christopher-mce-interview/ - Music City Encore