Michael Hensley

Michael Hensley is driven by a fascination with the musical intersection of pop culture and innovation. His songs, best described as "electronic pop," combine heavy beats and synth-laden instrumentation with a keen sense of pop songwriting structure and melody. The end result is a distinct sound best compared to acts like Depeche Mode, Goldfrapp, Imogen Heap, Postal Service, and Pet Shop Boys.

Michael's first full-length album, "Fire Behind Me" (2007), mines a variety of emotional territory, ranging from the exciting flirtation of "Walk In" to the bitter send-off track "Never Loved Me." He also turns his focus inward, addressing the shock of independence on "Can I Do This Alone" and seeking release in the sweeping "Take Me Away." And sometimes it's all about the beat, as on the thumping album opener, "This Machine." Edge Boston calls the album "a pulsating, pumping... audio tour through club land. Michael has impressively distinguished himself from his heroes."

Michael studied piano and music theory in high school before earning a Bachelor's degree in Audio Production from Emerson College in 2003. He has studied at the Berklee College of Music and has been writing original songs since 2001. Michael's influences include Bjork, Madonna, Fischerspooner, BT, and Timbaland. His previous work includes the 5-track EP "Everyone Wants to Feel Something" (2006), featuring demo versions of 4 songs later re-recorded for "Fire Behind Me." In 2008 he released a 7-track EP and music video for the song "This Machine," which received club play in numerous clubs in New York City, Boston, and elsewhere.