Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
AM’s “Losing You” made waves when it was featured on MTV’s Real World this March, and my guess is that it won’t be long till we’re hearing more about him and his songs.
Muted electric guitar and understated, Beck-like vocals pave the road into AM’s musical world. Once you’re firmly rooted, he’ll hit you with the one-two punch of well-crafted songs and unbeatable melodies. “Troubled Times” features a well-placed piano line over the standard bass, drums, electric guitar and synth. “So Lonely” begins with a funky beat and interplay between acoustic and electric guitar; three-part harmonies and a wah-wah pedal offer support.
Overall, the album demonstrates how great pop can be. AM has a real sense of how to set a chorus, and each one glistens and sparkles with extra instruments, synth pads and hooky guitar lines. With talent like this, we’ll surely see AM climb the ranks to the top. - Performing Songwriter
Mandeville, Louisiana–raised, the young man who calls himself AM was immersed in rock & roll even as a mere boy, but nearby New Orleans early on began its eerie pull: Country, bluegrass and roots music seeped into his pop-addled brain, and the die was cast. Well, somewhat. While the singer/songwriter/guitarist began paying his dues in rock bands in New Orleans, he eventually moved to Los Angeles, where, he says, he feels freer to break the musical rules. With his eponymous debut album and his low-key and unpretentious “Songwriter Sundays” shows at the Hotel Café, AM takes equal parts of classic Americana, folk-rock and pop, and melts them down into something entirely his own, and he does it with two things money can’t buy: imagination and taste . These sturdily built pop songs are graced with ingeniously colorful arrangements, have that “instant classic” thing stamped all over them, and you’d be foolish not to get in on the ground floor. - LA Weekly
The Players: AM, lead vocals, acoustic guitar; Mark Getten, bass; Adam Marcello, drums; Mike Magnen, piano, keyboards. Guest Artists: Sally Smithwick, backup vocals; Krister Axel, backup vocals.
Material: Tear-jerkers straight from the heart, including several “moving on or trying to fix it” relationship songs, are what AM is all about. From “Gone Away” to “Troubled Times,” his material presents eloquently expressed relationship issues. “Home” is a crossover song about being separated and struggling to get back together, with lyrics such as “I can’t make it alone, I want to come home.” This tune could fit airplay on both contemporary rock and country radio stations.
Musicianship: A clear, expressive voice similar to the style of James Taylor prevails when AM is performing solo. Sally Smithwick joined AM in the middle of the set to add a Joni Mitchell flavor. On the final number of the night, guest performer Krister Axel created a Simon & Garfunkel sound. Sharing the spotlight with guests shows AM’s diversity and flexibility while enhancing everyone’s talent.
Performance: AM put on a mellow soft-ballad rock show in which romantic tenderness was expressed. Sharing the spotlight with guests paid off, as it showed AM’s versatile nature and expanded his style beyond a simple ballad. AM also had a sense of humor, cleverly joking about everyday occurrences, which helped to lighten the mood.
Summary: AM’s soothing voice and polished stage presence have a calming effect, even on the rowdiest audience members. His soft rock, blended with a touch of country, connects with anyone who has suffered a damaged relationship. Unique, but somewhat troublesome, AM’s material provides deep soulful insights. - Music Connection
Discography
AM- AM (debut LP)
AM- Mainstay Remix EP
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Mandeville, Louisiana, a rural town outside of New Orleans, AM began his musical development surrounded by rock-n-roll but heavily influenced by the indigenous sounds of the area: country, bluegrass and roots music. He grew up playing guitar and listening to Tom Petty, Motown and the Eagles. “I was a typical victim of pop music,” said AM. The name AM along with being his initials represents a time when pop songwriting was perhaps at it’s peak (the days when AM radio was all there was). A time he endlessly seeks to pay tribute to.
Eventually AM moved into the heart of New Orleans soaking up its rich cultural style while studying philosophy and playing guitar in local bands. Dissatisfied with the provincial nature of the New Orleans music scene he moved to Los Angeles where he felt less constricted. “In Los Angeles it’s more about pop sensibility and songwriting. It’s great because it caters to any style; you can be whoever you want,” said AM.
In Los Angeles, AM began writing songs of his own which expanded his musical horizons. Soon after he began performing regularly at Songwriter Sundays at the Hotel Café in Hollywood then hosted by artist Gary Jules (Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets/Universal Music). It was there at the Hotel Café where AM’s unique blend of pop, rock, country and folk began to take shape. His music career then took a leap when producer Jamie Myerson (Duncan Sheik, David Poe, Paul Oakenfold, Sneaker Pimps, & former Ovum Recordings artist) approached him to record an album. “I have a test when I decide to work with someone in any capacity,” said Myerson. “AM was willing to take the test. He has risen to every challenge I have thrown at him. He's ambitious, motivated and will work tirelessly to perfect his craft.”
Working closely with Myerson, the duo collaborated on AM’s debut self-titled album producing a classic, yet current amalgam of music. Production on the debut album began in January 2003 and wrapped in October of that same year. Since that time AM’s songs have been embraced by some of the most critical and influential ears in Los Angeles. His songs have been heard frequently on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” radio program and the nationally syndicated show “Sounds Eclectic” as well as ABC’s “Life as we know it” and MTV’s “Real World” television programs. AM was also named best singer/songwriter of 2005 by the LA Weekly.
With an all star line-up of musicians at his side including guitarist Geoff Pearlman (Shelby Lynne/Capitol) and drummer Bryan Head (Abandoned Pools/Universal) AM has brought his sound to eager audiences around the country. He has performed regularly in Los Angeles (where he held a weekly residency at the infamous Hotel Cafe), New York, Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco and has shared the stage with such notable acts as Gary Jules, Rhett Miller (The Instigator/Elektra), Amy Correia (Lakeville/Nettwerk) and Glen Tilbrook (former Squeeze songsmith).
From Americana to folk-rock the 10 songs weave multiple variations of the pop medium with the richness of southern sounds. A sound the LA Weekly has described as "instantly classic."
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