Michael Gellings

Michael Gellings first established himself in the Madison, WI music scene as the acoustic guitarist, lead vocalist, and co-songwriter for Lost Between, a band started in LaCrosse, WI, producing "Dusty Road" in 2002, and then moving to Madison, WI, to produce their second and final record "City Lights" in 2003. Both efforts were well received in their respective launches, and during the separation of the band, caused by differing directions and ideas, Gellings would set out to begin work on what would become his first true solo recording. Through his work, Gellings discovered a new found passion as well, that just so happened to recreate his sound and direction entirely, the blues harmonica and guitar. Paul Butterfield's Blues Band had an obvious influence on his harmonica playing, while Rory Gallagher of Taste, and Alvin Lee of Ten Years After, played an even bigger part in his guitar approach. By late 2004, songs and a signature sound began to surface with simultaneous harmonica wailing, blues guitar shuffling, and a vocal delivery reminiscent of Travis Meeks of Days of the New, and Jim Morrison of the Doors.

The 24 year old's debut album entitled "Blue Owl", self released in June 2006, using a 16 track digital recording studio, (Nocturnal Records), was written, performed, recorded, engineered, mixed, mastered, and produced by Gellings. As a result of his musical versatility, Gellings played every instrument on all 12 tracks, that exceed an hour in length. He multitracked drums, bass, organ, guitars, harmonica, and the occasional tin whistle to obtain the heavily melodic, blues driven music, while using his deep rustic vocals, that often stem into paralizing harmonies to house the dark, reality concsious, and self revelatory lyrics. "Blue Owl" exposes a split, introverted side of Gellings, haunting and apocalyptic, yet spiritually renewed, and uplifted. A melancholy dream, with all the bright colours of awakening, driven by guided instrumental improvisation, and a relentless pursuit of that one note that stings the soul. After completion of his solo debut, Gellings put together a power trio in Madison, WI, named Blue Owl, playing live many times, and producing/recording a live band demo, all throughout 2007.

Currently, now at 26 years old, Gellings is working on his second solo album, and is also relocating to San Diego, CA, to pursue a larger market, play solo acoustic again, and to enjoy the beach lifestyle while he's at it. His one of a kind midwestern style blues guitar, intense simultaneous rootsy harmonica, and powerful driven voice are sure to shake up the entire area. Gellings is also willing to form a power trio in the near future in San Diego, that would be influened by greats such as Taste (Rory Gallagher), Ten Years After (Alvin Lee), Days of the New (Travis Meeks), Hendrix, The Doors, Cream, Soup, etc. Would be looking for a bassist, and a drummer that love locking it down. Hope to see you out!