MICHAEL BENNETT

I am a fiercely independent ASCAP songwriter/publisher (JetPac Music) and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist based out of the state of Colorado who's been involved with lots of different styles of music in the past, and the odd thing is I never really listened to -- or was consciously influenced by -- "Country-style" music specifically growing up in the Northeast. However, I am very inspired by life here in Colorado, which to me clearly comes across in my music - it is simply an awesome place to be and see.



Different parts of songs such as those in the audio player above more or less just exist in my head in bits and pieces that I put together to consciously construct things musically -- something I consider a true gift. All I can say is that whatever I write is definitely "me," which is a great feeling. Most of all, I would describe myself (and what I do best) as a "creator of hooks with conviction" - regardless of the genre.



I don't really aspire to be a live performer at this stage of the game, but more of a behind-the-scenes creative force who crafts catchy and memorable songs that can hopefully stand the test of time well. After many years of virtual non-activity (seriously -- the last live gig I played was in 1984, and the last time I was in a recording studio was in 1998), I recently finished up a full-length debut album of songs entitled "No Gamble" on which I do the songwriting, perform the vocals, play the instruments and do the production as well.



I wrote songs, played various instruments, sang, and performed live with several bands in the New Haven, Connecticut area a while back, and am also proud to say that my father was a main player in discovering Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Gene Pitney, and became his first professional music business manager in 1959 while Pitney sang in the obscure vocal duo Jamie & Jane with New Haven native Ginny Arnell (who later scored minor hits for the MGM label on her own with the songs "Dumb Head" and "I Wish I Knew What Dress To Wear" in 1964).



My dad's initial foray into getting involved in the music business was as the manager of New Haven Doo Wop/R&B vocal quartet The Pyramids from 1956-1957, and memories of what a truly decent human being he was continue to inspire me on a regular basis.