Michael Fix

Put a guitar into Michael Fix's hands and the emotional possibilities of music are suddenly released. This remarkable composer and musician has the power to create myriad sensory experiences through his music - it captures and conveys emotions, experiences and images with ease. Over the past decade, he's released six albums, together with several singles and EPs, and has established himself as one of Australia's finest guitarists and composers, performing at festivals across the country, and writing evocative music for television, film and documentaries. He's also won numerous awards for his music, including three Golden Guitars, and his guitar workshops are in high demand all over Australia and internationally. Indeed, Michael's reputation is growing rapidly. He has already achieved international recognition, performing in the United States, Italy, Germany and New Zealand. Michael began performing in his home town of Wollongong at the age of 12, and in his early twenties moved to Sydney, where he was discovered by the legendary Tommy Emmanuel. Emmanuel became a mentor to the young guitarist and spent several years teaching and working with him. Michael's credentials include acclaimed Sydney band Hat Trick, which he joined in 1985. Hat Trick specialised in eclectic versions of classical and folk pieces, and this music has played a major role in the development of Michael's own musical style. The years 1991-95 saw Michael working with award-winning singer/songwriter Graeme Connors, touring Australia several times as lead guitarist with Connors' Prodigal Sons band. Michael also found time to produce two independent solo albums,Tantalise and Fingerpaintings, and to build up a strong and rapidly growing following for his work with a succession of solo shows. His next album, The Heart Has Reasons, established Michael's distinctive, evocative style, which has emerged once again in his latest release,Web of Dreams.On Web of Dreams, this remarkable composer and guitarist has taken his ability to evoke compelling emotional and sensual experiences to a new level. Web of Dreams is Michael's sixth album, and the one he believes is most representative of his music. It is relatively laid-back and acoustic, with the focus on solo guitar, although other instruments have been selectively brought in to add to the feeling of some tracks. "This album has been written very much from the heart. It was inspired by experiences, memories, feelings - from the birth of my youngest child, which led to me writing 'Promise' to?memories of childhood spent on the beach near Wollongong," he said. A beautiful, evocative and emotionally powerful album, Web of Dreams explores feelings, moods and atmospheres. In 1999, Michael was recognised by the CMAA with his first Instrumental of the Year Golden Guitar, for the catchy "Mr Wonglepong". He went on to win the award the following year with "Walkin' the Walk", and took it out again in 2003 with "Mulga Dan", joining Keith Urban with the highest-ever tally of Instrumental Golden Guitars. Michael performs regularly at music festivals around the country and overseas. His distinctive, eclectic and accessible style make him a popular performer at everything from guitar festivals to jazz and blues festivals, folk festivals and country music events. He's also toured with artists like Albert Lee, Christine Anu and Anne Murray, as well as appearing with the world's greatest guitarists - including Leo Kottke, Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor - at festivals in Australia, and overseas. Michael regularly presents guitar workshops to aspiring guitarists captivated by both his expertise on the guitar and his original music. In 1997 he released a video, No Secrets!, demonstrating his style and offering tips to other guitarists. Michael believes strongly that his music is a gift which should be shared. Over the years, he has taken the chance to use his music to assist others. In 1995, he penned "Bush Bash" to raise funds for the Variety Club of Australia. The song was used as part of the Variety Club's annual car rally. Recognition of Michael's extraordinary talents on the guitar has led to major ongoing sponsorship deals with Maton Guitars and D'Addario Strings, as well as Bose Sound.