Whether you call it Americana, folk, or singer-songwriter, Michael Gaither is a storyteller. He takes the “write what you know” idea to heart, crafting songs that cover small-town nostalgia as well as modern technology, always with plenty of humorous takes on everyday life. A Santa Cruz County native, his songs also have a healthy preoccupation with locales from the past (“Starlite Drive-In Saturday Night”) and present (“Highway 17″).

Michael turned to songwriting after a background in journalism and a narrow brush with standup comedy. (He sold jokes to Jay Leno. A long time ago. Back when Jay Leno was still funny.)

Michael has released four CDs of original songs, all of which have received international airplay. He receives regular airplay on KPIG radio. Michael also produces/hosts the “Songs and Stories” podcast, which features stories behind his songs and interviews with other independent songwriters.