Michael Stahler

Leaving the old symphonic, Damien Rice from his last release August for a more old-fashioned folk sound, Michael Stahler and David Peters are back with There Will Be A Morning.
“Not Comin’ Back Home” kicks off the record with some great acoustic guitar chords and harmonica reminiscent of artists such as Bob Dylan, same happens in the track “Durango Blues” where Stahler particular vocal fits perfectly with the style of music he plays, it reminds me to singers like Marcus Mumford. “In My Way” and “Face in the Crowd” follows the same path musically speaking, this time it’s like Damien Rice met Neil Young. “Wings” starts with this pretty emotive piano and the western vibe changes for something more Jeff Buckley, it has a really classic feel. “A Wolf”, on the other hand, is an upbeat, dark track from the beginning to the end, awesome riffs and the chorus in the background gives a really special touch to the song.

Titled track close the record in the same way how it started, just Michael and his guitar with meaningful and cool stories.

In conclusion, Michael Stahler keeps the same heart-wrenching, warming music and we can hear some maturity in the sound. With this record is a step forward in the promising career of this rare talented young man, it will not be a surprise if we see him soon in VH1's and big publication “Bands to Watch” list.

(4.5/5)



by RJ Frometa

- Vents Magazine

Who’s Michael Stahler?
That’s a major question. Wish I knew, but then what be the point of living! I’ll try to answer succinctly, with all attempts to avoid my penchant towards existentialism. I am a young man, a performer, the hero and villain in my own serial drama. I am a child, sometimes still afraid of the dark, complex, painfully normal, and beautifully flawed. I am somebody who yearns deeply for freedom, yet is very much attached to the past. I am a younger brother, and an only son. I am a dude, or a dud, depending on who you ask, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, who often pretends to be from somewhere else; I hear Montana’s nice. And I am, after reading back my answer aloud, pretentious.



How did you guys get started in the music scene?
Growing up, my mother introduced my sister and I to Elvis Presley’s music and movies. He was the most tangible reason I say why I “do what I do”. I started playing guitar and acting at the same time, mainly doing impressions of the King. I started doing theater at a young age, and playing guitar in elementary school talent shows. I wasn’t accepted all that well in my elementary school. Even in those early grades, the focus was much more on academics and sports, rather than art, so I wasn’t too popular. Performing was a real outlet for me (wow, what a cliche!). It wasn’t until junior and high school that I started putting together bands of my own, and “seriously” writing songs. But I couldn’t hack it – playing with a bunch of people whose egos rivaled mine in mass. So like many aspects of my life, I go at it alone. I got tired of having to rely on other people, and I just wanted to go, go, go. Sometimes collaborations with other artists work for me, and sometimes they don’t. Collaboration’s a tough relationship, and something as intimate as songwriting has to be done with the right vibe and with the right people. I’d say only the past year have I whole-heartedly blitzkrieged the music scene as a solo artist and singer songwriter.



What are your music influences?
Definitely Elvis Presley, but a lot of other old country music as well, certainly for this current musically epoch I’m in. Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Neil Young absolutely, Emmylou Harris, of course Bob Dylan. I also used to play in more heavy bands growing up, and I still listen to a lot of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, The Wipers, The Doors, and early Metallica; all played major influential roles in my life. My parents played a big role in that too. Whether it was my dad’s car listening to his Rat Pack records, my sister and I caterwauling “I got the world on a string!” in the back seat, or my mom playing the Doors’ albums, and showing me pictures of Jim Morrison. A lot of young people choose their music as a means of rebellion. I think now that I’m older, “their” music stuck with me because I desperately wanted to connect with my parents on a deeper level. It’s easier to share silence with a parent while both enjoying the same song, than it is to have a heart-to-heart talk. So that type of music is my way of bridging.



What you enjoy the most, act or play music?

Good question. It’s tough. Considering I started both at the same, a huge part of me sees them as one in the same. They’re each tools in which I’m allowed to tell a story. Medium, venue, and/or narrative may be different, but at the end of the day, performing is fun, no matter how you swing it.

The thing is, I’m extremely impressionable; that’s the actor in me. When I see a movie, and I get inspired by the era, or a particular actor, then my personality dives right into that state-of-mind. I’ll truly become the character; how I dress, walk, talk… that form of embodiment is the way I practice commitment. Same with music; if I hear a song/artist that moves me, I’ll start playing guitar and singing like them. Moving like them. Often for months on end. Mimicry is the oldest form of expression. It makes for a wonderful existential fallacy, but for me, I love getting lost in those characters I play. Because a part of me believes that I’m actually in control. Scary, being out of control…

Its all performance. Everyday, even when I’m not onstage, I’m wearing some kind of mask to reveal myself.



What’s method at the time of writing new material?
Oh boy, I wish I had a tried and true method. Before shows, or when I feel cluttered, or I’m getting writer’s block, I go for a walk in nature. My relationship with nature is extremely important to me, and is a major character in my songs and day-to-day life. When in doubt, she’s got the answers. I walk and think, and think, and think. I’ll let images penetrate my brain, and phrases, a couplet or two. They’ll rattle around in my head and the one’s that stick end up in a song, and the ones that don’t will show up in another form.

Sometimes when I have an idea for a song, usually in the middle of the night, I actually end up staring at my wall for long periods of time, It - Vents Magazine

Who’s Michael Stahler?
That’s a major question. Wish I knew, but then what be the point of living! I’ll try to answer succinctly, with all attempts to avoid my penchant towards existentialism. I am a young man, a performer, the hero and villain in my own serial drama. I am a child, sometimes still afraid of the dark, complex, painfully normal, and beautifully flawed. I am somebody who yearns deeply for freedom, yet is very much attached to the past. I am a younger brother, and an only son. I am a dude, or a dud, depending on who you ask, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, who often pretends to be from somewhere else; I hear Montana’s nice. And I am, after reading back my answer aloud, pretentious.



How did you guys get started in the music scene?
Growing up, my mother introduced my sister and I to Elvis Presley’s music and movies. He was the most tangible reason I say why I “do what I do”. I started playing guitar and acting at the same time, mainly doing impressions of the King. I started doing theater at a young age, and playing guitar in elementary school talent shows. I wasn’t accepted all that well in my elementary school. Even in those early grades, the focus was much more on academics and sports, rather than art, so I wasn’t too popular. Performing was a real outlet for me (wow, what a cliche!). It wasn’t until junior and high school that I started putting together bands of my own, and “seriously” writing songs. But I couldn’t hack it – playing with a bunch of people whose egos rivaled mine in mass. So like many aspects of my life, I go at it alone. I got tired of having to rely on other people, and I just wanted to go, go, go. Sometimes collaborations with other artists work for me, and sometimes they don’t. Collaboration’s a tough relationship, and something as intimate as songwriting has to be done with the right vibe and with the right people. I’d say only the past year have I whole-heartedly blitzkrieged the music scene as a solo artist and singer songwriter.



What are your music influences?
Definitely Elvis Presley, but a lot of other old country music as well, certainly for this current musically epoch I’m in. Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Neil Young absolutely, Emmylou Harris, of course Bob Dylan. I also used to play in more heavy bands growing up, and I still listen to a lot of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, The Wipers, The Doors, and early Metallica; all played major influential roles in my life. My parents played a big role in that too. Whether it was my dad’s car listening to his Rat Pack records, my sister and I caterwauling “I got the world on a string!” in the back seat, or my mom playing the Doors’ albums, and showing me pictures of Jim Morrison. A lot of young people choose their music as a means of rebellion. I think now that I’m older, “their” music stuck with me because I desperately wanted to connect with my parents on a deeper level. It’s easier to share silence with a parent while both enjoying the same song, than it is to have a heart-to-heart talk. So that type of music is my way of bridging.



What you enjoy the most, act or play music?

Good question. It’s tough. Considering I started both at the same, a huge part of me sees them as one in the same. They’re each tools in which I’m allowed to tell a story. Medium, venue, and/or narrative may be different, but at the end of the day, performing is fun, no matter how you swing it.

The thing is, I’m extremely impressionable; that’s the actor in me. When I see a movie, and I get inspired by the era, or a particular actor, then my personality dives right into that state-of-mind. I’ll truly become the character; how I dress, walk, talk… that form of embodiment is the way I practice commitment. Same with music; if I hear a song/artist that moves me, I’ll start playing guitar and singing like them. Moving like them. Often for months on end. Mimicry is the oldest form of expression. It makes for a wonderful existential fallacy, but for me, I love getting lost in those characters I play. Because a part of me believes that I’m actually in control. Scary, being out of control…

Its all performance. Everyday, even when I’m not onstage, I’m wearing some kind of mask to reveal myself.



What’s method at the time of writing new material?
Oh boy, I wish I had a tried and true method. Before shows, or when I feel cluttered, or I’m getting writer’s block, I go for a walk in nature. My relationship with nature is extremely important to me, and is a major character in my songs and day-to-day life. When in doubt, she’s got the answers. I walk and think, and think, and think. I’ll let images penetrate my brain, and phrases, a couplet or two. They’ll rattle around in my head and the one’s that stick end up in a song, and the ones that don’t will show up in another form.

Sometimes when I have an idea for a song, usually in the middle of the night, I actually end up staring at my wall for long periods of time, It - Vents Magazine

Let me start by saying that if this guy acts as well as he sings and writes his music, we might be in front of the next Hollywood star.

August EP by native Californian Michael Stahler is a simple but stunning masterpiece with a rather sober and dramatic sound. Again another artist teaches us that there is no need to make a lot of noise to create something memorable.

“Wake Up, Rain Down” starts this great album superbly. We immediately can appreciate that Damien Rice type of style (even found a female voice doing a duet) and the sound is something like dark folk, thanks to the simple guitar chords and cello by Tanner Porter. It gives some dramatic vibe to the song.

“The Song Marked Unknown” to some extent continues with the same sound, but this time we find something more classic. It has a very characteristic touch, something like REM, we could say.

On the other hand, “By the Water” is more old cowboy country. The harmonica, guitar, and cello all together sound wonderful and by adding Stahler’s voice to the equation, it’s just epic. So if while hearing the song, you suddenly feel like you’re in the middle of a duel between cowboys or on a journey through the desert, riding to a dangerous mission… don’t be surprised.

Finally, “Oh Susanna” is almost a mixture of what we were listening to, but has more of the first song. The cello is in charge of introducing the track in a sensational way, while the harmonica fills you with so many emotions at once. It has that vibe like if you were at a funeral. Stahler’s voice adds that classic touch, becoming a priest, the choir of families devastated by their loss. The lyrics to the song manage to capture this. It’s something like a cross between a love song and a final farewell.

In conclusion, this record is like excellent cinematographic folk music. Michael has managed to create something so beautiful that more than one will end in tears of both joy and pain. It’s one of those few albums that knows how to touch your heart. As I mentioned, it has that style of classical western music, something we’re used to normally seeing in films and on TV where a sad cowboy plays his sad guitar in the middle of the night, as a sort of ballad; but this album definitely also has something of Mr. Rice.
Grab your copy at: http://www.amazon.com/August-E-P/dp/B0092MHQ9U
Rating: 5/5



by RJ Frometa

Edited by Marion Lougheed - Vents Magazine

Let me start by saying that if this guy acts as well as he sings and writes his music, we might be in front of the next Hollywood star.

August EP by native Californian Michael Stahler is a simple but stunning masterpiece with a rather sober and dramatic sound. Again another artist teaches us that there is no need to make a lot of noise to create something memorable.

“Wake Up, Rain Down” starts this great album superbly. We immediately can appreciate that Damien Rice type of style (even found a female voice doing a duet) and the sound is something like dark folk, thanks to the simple guitar chords and cello by Tanner Porter. It gives some dramatic vibe to the song.

“The Song Marked Unknown” to some extent continues with the same sound, but this time we find something more classic. It has a very characteristic touch, something like REM, we could say.

On the other hand, “By the Water” is more old cowboy country. The harmonica, guitar, and cello all together sound wonderful and by adding Stahler’s voice to the equation, it’s just epic. So if while hearing the song, you suddenly feel like you’re in the middle of a duel between cowboys or on a journey through the desert, riding to a dangerous mission… don’t be surprised.

Finally, “Oh Susanna” is almost a mixture of what we were listening to, but has more of the first song. The cello is in charge of introducing the track in a sensational way, while the harmonica fills you with so many emotions at once. It has that vibe like if you were at a funeral. Stahler’s voice adds that classic touch, becoming a priest, the choir of families devastated by their loss. The lyrics to the song manage to capture this. It’s something like a cross between a love song and a final farewell.

In conclusion, this record is like excellent cinematographic folk music. Michael has managed to create something so beautiful that more than one will end in tears of both joy and pain. It’s one of those few albums that knows how to touch your heart. As I mentioned, it has that style of classical western music, something we’re used to normally seeing in films and on TV where a sad cowboy plays his sad guitar in the middle of the night, as a sort of ballad; but this album definitely also has something of Mr. Rice.
Grab your copy at: http://www.amazon.com/August-E-P/dp/B0092MHQ9U
Rating: 5/5



by RJ Frometa

Edited by Marion Lougheed - Vents Magazine

As September nears its closing and autumn emerges, there are plenty of us who still long for the warmth of summer. Luckily for us, accomplished Los Angeles singer/songwriter Michael Stahler continues to bring the sunny feeling of season’s past with his latest EP, the appropriately titled August. The six song composition displays Stahler’s vocal and instrumental dexterity and features the musical talents of Tanner Porter and Ren Martinez. It’s a beautiful body of work and a must have for your music library.

The August EP is filled with diverse concepts. Mid tempo acoustic gems like “Wake Up, Rain Down” and “Indigo” harness the power of Stahler’s commanding voice while songs like “Going Down (To the River)” and “By the Water” show his songwriting depth. There’s no shortage of creativity within this collective; a collective that will be enjoyed by an audience as varied as his musical style.

Keep your ears cozy during the winter months and beyond as by tuning in to the free flowing music showcased on Michael Stahler’s August. It’s well worth the $5.00purchase. I’m sure that you will get your money’s worth because you’ll have it in constant rotation (just like me). Download and enjoy!

-Skye P - Amped Sounds