Michael Sechrist

"Still I Believe" says a lot about up-and-coming folk-rock musician Michael Sechrist. Not only is it the title track of his latest C.D., but it paints a telling picture of the man behind the music, who asserts that there are things still worth believing in, even when they seem distant or hopelessly out of reach.

"I try to be honest in my music--some people say I’m too honest," the Atlanta native laughs with a shrug. Sechrist isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, singing with refreshing candor about things like hope in the midst of fear, love lost and found, death and healing, and standing up for he holds to be true. He sings about the world he lives in and the life he's led, and invites listeners to find facets of themselves in these stories he sings.

Behind the profound and authentic lyrics is a voice that, like everything else about Sechrist, is real. Unlike the squeaky clean-sounding pop-stars on the radio, Sechrist's sound is more raw and gritty, bringing unique depth to every note. Listeners are lured deeper with the guitar-driven folk-rock that segues from toe-tappingly upbeat to poignantly reflective--journeying the road map of human emotions.

Having already made a name for himself in the southeast music scene Sechrist's start in music is a testament to dedication and a love for music. His father, who was immersed in the Atlanta music scene, began teaching him how to play guitar from an early age--learning on the classics like Bob Dylan and R.E.M., which became some of his musical influences, as well. In eighth grade, Sechrist wrote his first song--about a break-up--and recorded it on his mom's tape recorder. Humble beginnings couldn't deny the fact that it was official: He was hooked.

Ever since, Sechrist's passion for playing and writing has grown. He joined a band during the early years of high school and had his first taste of playing on stage, even though the audience only consisted of parents and girlfriends (however it abruptly ended when the bassist smashed his guitar on stage.) Produced by Paul Reeves of DOMUS Studio in Atlanta, "Still I Believe" marked his first full-band EP, collaborating with talented musicians including Micah Dalton, Chris Farney (Matt Wertz, Nathan Angelo) and Jeremy Ezell (Wilson Empire). It was mixed by Brad Fisher (Vintage Sound: Atlanta) and mastered by Matt Odmark.

With his first studio recording out of the way, Sechrist is looking forward to taking his show on the road and meeting new people, especially those who can relate to the experiences he explores in his songs. "It's like being on an airplane," he explains. "I love how playing shows brings together people who would probably never otherwise meet. Music has the power to bring people together, despite their ‘supposed’ differences."

As his title track song goes, "Still I believe, there's gonna be a brighter day," there's no doubt that the days ahead for Michael Sechrist look bright, indeed.