Michael Tiernan Trio
A cancer survivor, a world traveler, a student of languages, philosophy,
religions, and at one point, a year away from being ordained a priest (gasp!), Michael’s music is fully
seasoned with the experiences of ten lifetimes. It is delivered and wrapped up in a unique style of acoustic
guitar-centric music that has drawn comparisons that range from James Taylor to David Wilcox, from
Damien Rice to Kurt Cobain, from Glen Phillips to Woody Guthrie. Tiernan’s music “adheres to no
boundaries; every genre is crossed as Tiernan showcases his technical skill with exceedingly intricate
guitar work” (San Diego Reader).
In the spring of 2000, upon deciding to leave the seminary in Rome, Italy, Michael wasn’t sure where life
was leading him. He locked himself in a friend’s basement armed with only a guitar, a mic, and a PC. Two
weeks later, he emerged with his first 14 song album/demo, “Two Weeks (with nothing to do)”. Michael’s
feet were set firmly down the troubadour’s path. The 2003 release of his self-produced “Still Listening”,
proved to be an engaging acoustic album that got people in Southern California and beyond noticing. The
success of “Still Listening” inspired Michael to jump into a full-time music career and he began to hit the
road. Among the awards he quickly garnered, he was honored with the prestigious Los Angeles Music
Award for Best Independent Male Singer/Songwriter of 2004. Michael’s presence on the music scene in
2005 was greatly broadened with the release of his third album, “Jumping In”. This album was recently
named 2005’s “AAA” Album of the Year by the Los Angeles Music Awards, and Michael has continued to
expand his appeal and following in several markets, walking the line between mainstream adult
alternative, modern folk, americana, and acoustic rock genres. Along Tiernan’s tour-path the past two years
in numerous notable venues on the West and East Coasts, from festivals to brewpubs, coffee houses to
music clubs, bookstores to old churches, audiences have been treated to Michael’s passionate
performances and intimate style of communication. “The down-to-earth human excitement he gets from
performing music is contagious!” (Jim Kloss – Whole Wheat Radio).
Tiernan also gives back to the community through his participation in two major cancer-support
foundations and through organizing music events to showcase up-and-coming artists in his native San
Diego. In between touring, writing, and promoting, Michael begins recording his next album in June of
2006.
