MICHAEL GAY is a Minneapolis-based country and folk storyteller.
Michael cut his teeth in theTwin Cities’ Americana scene while releasing music under the moniker, Almighty American, winning fans and media praise for his honest, accessible songwriting spanning a coupe of self-released EP’s and a full length album, Somewhere Ride (2017).
Michael eventually ditched the moniker and started performing under his own name in 2020, marking this shift with the release of Make It Right (2021) Produced by John James Tourville in a friend’s home studio in Nashville, TN. The album was mixed/mastered by Paul Oldham.
In the spring of 2023, he and his band (now consisting of Daniel Stewart on Bass, Matt Decker on Drums, and AJ Srubas on Pedal Steel) filmed and recorded the last show of a monthly residency at The Terminal Bar in NE Minneapolis. The result was a live album- “Michael Gay & His Dang Band: Live from a Dive” released in March of 2024. The full album’s live performance is available to watch on Youtube and the audio is available to stream in digital album format on all major streaming platforms.
When not making and performing his own music all over the country, Michael is regularly spotted in the wild working for other bands in various roles including playing Drums (Clare Doyle, The Smokin’ Section) and as Tour Manager (Currently: The Deslondes, Riley Downing, Esther Rose. Previously: The Cactus Blossoms).
He also helped to found and produce the Pony Rug live music video series, which has featured over 100 live performances from Minneapolis-based songwriters (all available on Youtube).
Michael loves to hear stories, play shows and make new friends - don’t be a stranger.
Contact:
Booking / General: michaelgaymusic@gmail.com
Appearances / Press:
“Gay’s small band is superb, providing a driving drum and pedal steel guitar backing, sounding like the sort of Orange County honky tonk that used to play in 1970s blue-collar comedies... Gay is a clever songwriter — his lyrics tell tales of heartbreak in brisk, surprising couplets.”
“Channeling the wry, witty lyrics of John Prine with the authentic storytelling of Guy Clark, Make It Right is the perfect folk album we need right now.”
“Long, Cold Winter,” captures the love/hate relationship Minnesotans have with the snowy months, with a winking humor and songcraft reminiscent of John Prine. ”
“Michael Gay has an ear for a radio-friendly tune and a gift for engaging lyrics. The Minneapolis-based country-folk singer-songwriter is definitely one to watch.”
