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Online electronic press kit w/ High-Res Photos, Bio, Music
Samples found here:
Samples found here:
San Diego Troubadour, June, 2004
by Frederic Leonard
Michael Tiernan introduces himself to the local scene with an introspective heart turned inside out. Lyrically speaking, he’s all about soul
matters and anything aside from fashions, trends, scoping out the action, or driving too fast. Still Listening is an appropriate title and
remains so in its own innuendo. It is the perfect title.
The songs, smart and deeply sensitive, move you. They make you think about yourself, your life, and the God that exists in the details
therein. The guitar is played in wonderful balance between economical simplicity and subtle flashiness in a way that doesn’t feel as
though he’s showing you all he knows. He plays in standard and alternate tunings with an equal dosage of modesty, maturity, and
proficiency. Chord structures are beautifully constructed, with sub-melodies lacing their way through the progressions, which indicate a
deeper understanding of how words and music come together to mean one ultimate thing. It is refreshing that nothing on this work
reaches out to slap you with musical prowess, even though it shows up in subtle ways. He knows what not to play. He knows where it
goes and dispenses exactly the right dosage in order to get the (more important) point across. The effect is one of genuine honesty from
a dude who has chosen lonelier roads and simple things to make him right in his own skin and in his world.
There is a rootsy tone to the CD. I can hear Berkley Hart covering “My Own Two Legs”, which harkens the Blue Ridge thing. “West Coast
Life” offers a different perspective to the usual homogenous glory of sunshine paradise. The equations he renders between
geographical seasons and seasons of the heart is astonishing.
It’s not often you hear a CD that obviously has its own heart on the line with such obvious conviction in the good work that it is. If that
matters to you, then Michael Tiernan’s 14-song CD just might start talking to you, too.
by Frederic Leonard
Michael Tiernan introduces himself to the local scene with an introspective heart turned inside out. Lyrically speaking, he’s all about soul
matters and anything aside from fashions, trends, scoping out the action, or driving too fast. Still Listening is an appropriate title and
remains so in its own innuendo. It is the perfect title.
The songs, smart and deeply sensitive, move you. They make you think about yourself, your life, and the God that exists in the details
therein. The guitar is played in wonderful balance between economical simplicity and subtle flashiness in a way that doesn’t feel as
though he’s showing you all he knows. He plays in standard and alternate tunings with an equal dosage of modesty, maturity, and
proficiency. Chord structures are beautifully constructed, with sub-melodies lacing their way through the progressions, which indicate a
deeper understanding of how words and music come together to mean one ultimate thing. It is refreshing that nothing on this work
reaches out to slap you with musical prowess, even though it shows up in subtle ways. He knows what not to play. He knows where it
goes and dispenses exactly the right dosage in order to get the (more important) point across. The effect is one of genuine honesty from
a dude who has chosen lonelier roads and simple things to make him right in his own skin and in his world.
There is a rootsy tone to the CD. I can hear Berkley Hart covering “My Own Two Legs”, which harkens the Blue Ridge thing. “West Coast
Life” offers a different perspective to the usual homogenous glory of sunshine paradise. The equations he renders between
geographical seasons and seasons of the heart is astonishing.
It’s not often you hear a CD that obviously has its own heart on the line with such obvious conviction in the good work that it is. If that
matters to you, then Michael Tiernan’s 14-song CD just might start talking to you, too.
San Diego Reader, Feb. 19, 2004
Hometown CD's, by Mary Montgomery
Del Mar Based singer-songwriter Michael Tiernan offers 14 expressive tracks of modern acoustic folk on his latest release. Backing his
layered vocals with only an acoustic guitar showcases the strength and texture of his voice. Tiernan incorporates folk, rock, blues, and a
smidgen of bluegrass to form a styling that he dubs "mellow acoustic" on Still Listening, his second solo album.
The opening track, "The Other Side" begins and ends with folk rock, setting the pace for a majority of the disc. "My Own Two Legs” and
“Ego” adhere to no boundaries; every genre is crossed as Tiernan showcases his technical skill with exceedingly intricate guitar work.
“And I use to read books in the library/on all the subjects that I loved/ but compared to experience they made no sense to me / cause into
a box experience always gets shoved”. Perhaps he should consider hooking up with a poet. .....
.....The album is moody – not in a negative connotation but in the sense of pent-up vigor. In the end, the dynamism triumphs with catchy
choruses and mildly dramatic crescendos.
Hometown CD's, by Mary Montgomery
Del Mar Based singer-songwriter Michael Tiernan offers 14 expressive tracks of modern acoustic folk on his latest release. Backing his
layered vocals with only an acoustic guitar showcases the strength and texture of his voice. Tiernan incorporates folk, rock, blues, and a
smidgen of bluegrass to form a styling that he dubs "mellow acoustic" on Still Listening, his second solo album.
The opening track, "The Other Side" begins and ends with folk rock, setting the pace for a majority of the disc. "My Own Two Legs” and
“Ego” adhere to no boundaries; every genre is crossed as Tiernan showcases his technical skill with exceedingly intricate guitar work.
“And I use to read books in the library/on all the subjects that I loved/ but compared to experience they made no sense to me / cause into
a box experience always gets shoved”. Perhaps he should consider hooking up with a poet. .....
.....The album is moody – not in a negative connotation but in the sense of pent-up vigor. In the end, the dynamism triumphs with catchy
choruses and mildly dramatic crescendos.
KWEEVAK.COM music promotion site, Summer 2004 edition CD reviews
by Laura T. Lynch
Still Listening is the latest release from contemporary composer, singer, guitarist and producer Michael Tiernan. He sites a variety of
influences such as Joni Mitchell, U2 and Steve Earle who subtly find their way into Tiernan's work. Michael started playing piano at a
young age and later picked up drums and guitar. Over time Michael focused more on the acoustic and his songs developed into mellow
music geared toward relaxing and reflection. Michael's music is mainly folk rock with shades of the blues and bluegrass. Tiernan is a
scholar and a cancer survivor who has traveled the world and incorporates these experiences into insightful visual lyrics. Michael' writes
intelligent songs that are serious yet hopeful. This fourteen-track collection features textured tones and heartfelt vocals. The production is
stark and straightforward with some layered vocals. The main focus is guitar and singing. 'Drive' ,'Bullet Train' and 'Better' were my
favorites featuring fine guitar work and rich vocal expressions!
• Recommended Tracks: (2,5,10)
by Laura T. Lynch
Still Listening is the latest release from contemporary composer, singer, guitarist and producer Michael Tiernan. He sites a variety of
influences such as Joni Mitchell, U2 and Steve Earle who subtly find their way into Tiernan's work. Michael started playing piano at a
young age and later picked up drums and guitar. Over time Michael focused more on the acoustic and his songs developed into mellow
music geared toward relaxing and reflection. Michael's music is mainly folk rock with shades of the blues and bluegrass. Tiernan is a
scholar and a cancer survivor who has traveled the world and incorporates these experiences into insightful visual lyrics. Michael' writes
intelligent songs that are serious yet hopeful. This fourteen-track collection features textured tones and heartfelt vocals. The production is
stark and straightforward with some layered vocals. The main focus is guitar and singing. 'Drive' ,'Bullet Train' and 'Better' were my
favorites featuring fine guitar work and rich vocal expressions!
• Recommended Tracks: (2,5,10)
Surfshot Music Review, Michel Tiernan, "Still Listening": (February 2004)
Have you ever had that feeling that you're on to something that is surely going to blow up, it's just that not many people have heard it yet? With
one listen to Michael Tiernan's second album, 'Still Listening', you'd agree with me. These 14 original and wonderfully simple folk
compositions make for a good listen. This is a one-man operation, with Tiernan delivering a rich acoustic sound through tight guitar work and
solid vocals, some of which is reminiscent of Stephen Stills. These tracks are graced with deep exploration, both musically and lyrically as
Tiernan tells it from the heart. Saturated with emotion and feeling, 'Still Listening' brings to the surface those inner truths that make us all
human and remind us that this life can be bitter-sweet. Mike's lyrics flow gracefully over nicely structured harmonies, while his layered vocals
add to the richness.
Mike surf's and lives in Del Mar and has begun lining up shows up and the down the coast. Mike’s next show will be Feb 7th at the
AcousticMusic.com/San Diego Concert Series in Normal Heights. Pick up Mike Tiernan’s “Still Listening” at Lou’s Records in Leucadia in the
local music section. For additional show listings and information check: www.tiernantunes.com
Have you ever had that feeling that you're on to something that is surely going to blow up, it's just that not many people have heard it yet? With
one listen to Michael Tiernan's second album, 'Still Listening', you'd agree with me. These 14 original and wonderfully simple folk
compositions make for a good listen. This is a one-man operation, with Tiernan delivering a rich acoustic sound through tight guitar work and
solid vocals, some of which is reminiscent of Stephen Stills. These tracks are graced with deep exploration, both musically and lyrically as
Tiernan tells it from the heart. Saturated with emotion and feeling, 'Still Listening' brings to the surface those inner truths that make us all
human and remind us that this life can be bitter-sweet. Mike's lyrics flow gracefully over nicely structured harmonies, while his layered vocals
add to the richness.
Mike surf's and lives in Del Mar and has begun lining up shows up and the down the coast. Mike’s next show will be Feb 7th at the
AcousticMusic.com/San Diego Concert Series in Normal Heights. Pick up Mike Tiernan’s “Still Listening” at Lou’s Records in Leucadia in the
local music section. For additional show listings and information check: www.tiernantunes.com
Review of live show: LA Music Awards Showcase, July 29, 2004 Monsoon Cafe
by Rynata, femmuse.com
MEET MICHAEL TIERNAN!!
I've heard about this guy before. Actually just two days before the show people on my list were going on about him playing this
event. So I was pleasantly surprised to have him on the same bill with Stacy Golden. He came out, nicely dressed (as
evidence by the pix), guitar in hand and started to do his thang.
If you're like me... it takes a while for a single singer/songwriter (meaning no back up band...not his material status...) to catch
my attention and keep me focused. It's not an easy task if you ask me. Well... Michael did that. And them some. Fantastic voice,
forceful guitar playing, great songs and he's not hard to look at either. He sucked in the audience in no time.
As I was listening to him I was reminded as to what songwriting is all about and what it means to have "charisma".. this
inexplainable something people either have or don't... So yeah... he's got it.
by Rynata, femmuse.com
MEET MICHAEL TIERNAN!!
I've heard about this guy before. Actually just two days before the show people on my list were going on about him playing this
event. So I was pleasantly surprised to have him on the same bill with Stacy Golden. He came out, nicely dressed (as
evidence by the pix), guitar in hand and started to do his thang.
If you're like me... it takes a while for a single singer/songwriter (meaning no back up band...not his material status...) to catch
my attention and keep me focused. It's not an easy task if you ask me. Well... Michael did that. And them some. Fantastic voice,
forceful guitar playing, great songs and he's not hard to look at either. He sucked in the audience in no time.
As I was listening to him I was reminded as to what songwriting is all about and what it means to have "charisma".. this
inexplainable something people either have or don't... So yeah... he's got it.
The Coloradoan
Artist Feature Stacy Nick, February 15, 2007
So a seminary student walks into a bar in Rome, picks up a guitar and begins to wail ...
It's not the opening line of a joke; seven years ago it was Michael Tiernan's life.
"Yeah, I got in trouble over there a few times for doing gigs in the local pubs and the bars," the singer/songwriter said of his
time preparing for the priesthood.
On Dec. 31, 1999, about 10 minutes before midnight at a retreat on Sligo Island in Ireland with a group of monks Tiernan
decided leave the seminary.
"It came down to whether or not I could do what they wanted me to or whether I wanted to pursue something else," Tiernan
said in a phone interview from his San Diego home. "There were a lot of things that I would have had to commit to obviously
and I wasn't ready to. It was a great experience though and I think it made me a better person.
"I went back to Rome and let my bishop know and he said to me, 'Michael, why are you still here? Go see your family and play
music and surf.' So I'm playing on his command - which is a good endorsement."
Shortly after returning to the United States and his music Tiernan met his now wife, Tracy, and began writing songs for his first
album, "Still Listening."
"It's interesting to see how things really fell together when I finally decided to go in one direction," he said. "That first album I
recorded in a little closet in my apartment in Del Mar."
But it was that album that led to Tiernan receiving the Los Angeles Music Award for Best Independent Male Singer/Songwriter
of 2004. With his upcoming third release, "Space," Tiernan continues to challenge himself and his audience by combining
everything from modern rock and new age to bluegrass and bossa nova.
And while he left the priesthood behind, his spirituality remains a big part of who he is personally and musically.
Each year Tiernan travels to Crestone, Colo., to hole up in a rented hermitage at the Spiritual Life Institute. He discovered the
institute, which is a Catholic organization but open to all denominations, during a 30-day silent retreat required before he could
join the seminary.
"I love going out there to write," he said of the institute where the monks, whom he calls his "Catholic hippie friends," create art
and poetry and do organic farming. "I've probably written half my songs there or driving to or from there."
Because of the inspirational quality of that place, Tiernan wanted to start his tour with a four-day run in Colorado.
And even though his struggles in life - Tiernan survived cancer at 16 - and finding himself spiritually are over, that doesn't
mean the lyric-well has dried up.
"Even if I'm out of struggles (the music is) leading me to something bigger and more positive," he said. "My songs have always
turned out pretty positive even when they're coming from places of confusion or questioning.
"And as life clarifies itself and as you settle into your choices there are a lot of good feelings but it also gives you the
opportunity to step into other peoples' shoes and speak from their experiences," Tiernan added. "I'm less self-concerned but
I'm looking at the world and their struggles and joys. Now
I tell more stories about others."
His next journey - to channel Robert Smith.
"One of my goals is to write a really depressing song," Tiernan joked. "I've never been able to write a total bummer song. The
song is usually pointing me in a direction of growth. I've just never been pissed off enough to write one. It's something to work
on."
Artist Feature Stacy Nick, February 15, 2007
So a seminary student walks into a bar in Rome, picks up a guitar and begins to wail ...
It's not the opening line of a joke; seven years ago it was Michael Tiernan's life.
"Yeah, I got in trouble over there a few times for doing gigs in the local pubs and the bars," the singer/songwriter said of his
time preparing for the priesthood.
On Dec. 31, 1999, about 10 minutes before midnight at a retreat on Sligo Island in Ireland with a group of monks Tiernan
decided leave the seminary.
"It came down to whether or not I could do what they wanted me to or whether I wanted to pursue something else," Tiernan
said in a phone interview from his San Diego home. "There were a lot of things that I would have had to commit to obviously
and I wasn't ready to. It was a great experience though and I think it made me a better person.
"I went back to Rome and let my bishop know and he said to me, 'Michael, why are you still here? Go see your family and play
music and surf.' So I'm playing on his command - which is a good endorsement."
Shortly after returning to the United States and his music Tiernan met his now wife, Tracy, and began writing songs for his first
album, "Still Listening."
"It's interesting to see how things really fell together when I finally decided to go in one direction," he said. "That first album I
recorded in a little closet in my apartment in Del Mar."
But it was that album that led to Tiernan receiving the Los Angeles Music Award for Best Independent Male Singer/Songwriter
of 2004. With his upcoming third release, "Space," Tiernan continues to challenge himself and his audience by combining
everything from modern rock and new age to bluegrass and bossa nova.
And while he left the priesthood behind, his spirituality remains a big part of who he is personally and musically.
Each year Tiernan travels to Crestone, Colo., to hole up in a rented hermitage at the Spiritual Life Institute. He discovered the
institute, which is a Catholic organization but open to all denominations, during a 30-day silent retreat required before he could
join the seminary.
"I love going out there to write," he said of the institute where the monks, whom he calls his "Catholic hippie friends," create art
and poetry and do organic farming. "I've probably written half my songs there or driving to or from there."
Because of the inspirational quality of that place, Tiernan wanted to start his tour with a four-day run in Colorado.
And even though his struggles in life - Tiernan survived cancer at 16 - and finding himself spiritually are over, that doesn't
mean the lyric-well has dried up.
"Even if I'm out of struggles (the music is) leading me to something bigger and more positive," he said. "My songs have always
turned out pretty positive even when they're coming from places of confusion or questioning.
"And as life clarifies itself and as you settle into your choices there are a lot of good feelings but it also gives you the
opportunity to step into other peoples' shoes and speak from their experiences," Tiernan added. "I'm less self-concerned but
I'm looking at the world and their struggles and joys. Now
I tell more stories about others."
His next journey - to channel Robert Smith.
"One of my goals is to write a really depressing song," Tiernan joked. "I've never been able to write a total bummer song. The
song is usually pointing me in a direction of growth. I've just never been pissed off enough to write one. It's something to work
on."
The Denver Post
"Tiernan following his spirit" Feature by John Wenzel, February 18, 2007
Michael Tiernan has gathered enough life experience for several careers' worth of material. The folk singer-songwriter has
beaten cancer, traveled the world, studied to become a priest and met Pope John Paul II.
Three times, even.
But the San Diego-based musician, whose smooth tenor and crisp acoustic work has garnered multiple songwriting awards,
works his life experience into music in more oblique ways. His spare lyrics touch upon universal sentiments, avoiding the
shorthand polarization of overt religion or politics.
"I'm not for or against any one thing through the music," Tiernan said over the phone from his home in California. "Music is just
a statement of where you're at personally at any one time."
Touring through Colorado inspired Tiernan to write much of his new album here, so it makes sense that he'll release
"Spaces," his third full-length, in the friendly environs of Swallow Hill Music Association on Saturday. Tiernan also lived in
Denver from 1997 to 1998 while attending seminary school.
"I had known the Archbishop of Denver (Charles Chaput) before he was archbishop, having met him at a little retreat in South
Dakota," Tiernan said. "When I decided I was going to go to seminary school, he offered to support me."
Tiernan had been considering it for some time, and a meeting with Pope John Paul II - courtesy of Chaput - pushed him over
the edge. He moved to Denver and eventually to Rome to study at the Vatican, but his love of music began conflicting with his
higher calling. While studying he would often play pub shows around the city. When the higher-ups at the Vatican got wind of
the shows, they put him on probation. He searched his heart and decided to eventually withdraw from the seminary. When
Chaput visited in spring of 2000, Tiernan sat down with him to break the news.
"I was kind of scared he'd be disappointed, but he said, 'Michael, what are you still doing in here? Go travel. Go to Japan. Go
see your family. Go surf and go play music.' And that's what I did."
Music had long been one of Tiernan's passions, having turned to it after beating testicular cancer at age 16. He used it as a
healing agent to come to terms with his mortality and deeper philosophical issues.
He played drums in a grunge-influenced band in the '90s and was music director of a traveling "Catholic hippie retreat," but it
wasn't until after college that he struck out on the solo path. Since launching his career in 2003 he's been recognized by the
Los Angeles Music Awards, KRCL, Billboard and was even named a finalist at the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Songwriting
Competition, among others.
His songs alternately recall the effortless calm of David Wilcox and the spiky melodies of an indie rock band, versatile in their
construction as they straddle genres and instrumentation. Tiernan will present a stripped-down version of his music at his
Saturday show, with accompaniment from fiddle player Alex DePue.
The folk scene's emphasis on thoughtful, often spiritual songwriting resonates with Tiernan, who continues to study
philosophy and theology. He values the interaction between audience and performer that defines the folk ethos.
"That whole scene is about the song itself - what it's saying and how it's going to connect with the audience," he said. "It's a
challenge and a great comfort that (audiences) want to get into it and share those experiences with you."
Like many artists, Tiernan claims the greatest benefit of his music is the therapy it provides him. Fortunately, it also helps
others. He donates part of his CD sales to the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation and appeared on a benefit CD for
the Steps for Living survivors network, which featured cancer survivor musicians. He also plays at many of their fundraising
events.
"Music is a very powerful tool and a healing agent," he said. "It's a medicine."
"Tiernan following his spirit" Feature by John Wenzel, February 18, 2007
Michael Tiernan has gathered enough life experience for several careers' worth of material. The folk singer-songwriter has
beaten cancer, traveled the world, studied to become a priest and met Pope John Paul II.
Three times, even.
But the San Diego-based musician, whose smooth tenor and crisp acoustic work has garnered multiple songwriting awards,
works his life experience into music in more oblique ways. His spare lyrics touch upon universal sentiments, avoiding the
shorthand polarization of overt religion or politics.
"I'm not for or against any one thing through the music," Tiernan said over the phone from his home in California. "Music is just
a statement of where you're at personally at any one time."
Touring through Colorado inspired Tiernan to write much of his new album here, so it makes sense that he'll release
"Spaces," his third full-length, in the friendly environs of Swallow Hill Music Association on Saturday. Tiernan also lived in
Denver from 1997 to 1998 while attending seminary school.
"I had known the Archbishop of Denver (Charles Chaput) before he was archbishop, having met him at a little retreat in South
Dakota," Tiernan said. "When I decided I was going to go to seminary school, he offered to support me."
Tiernan had been considering it for some time, and a meeting with Pope John Paul II - courtesy of Chaput - pushed him over
the edge. He moved to Denver and eventually to Rome to study at the Vatican, but his love of music began conflicting with his
higher calling. While studying he would often play pub shows around the city. When the higher-ups at the Vatican got wind of
the shows, they put him on probation. He searched his heart and decided to eventually withdraw from the seminary. When
Chaput visited in spring of 2000, Tiernan sat down with him to break the news.
"I was kind of scared he'd be disappointed, but he said, 'Michael, what are you still doing in here? Go travel. Go to Japan. Go
see your family. Go surf and go play music.' And that's what I did."
Music had long been one of Tiernan's passions, having turned to it after beating testicular cancer at age 16. He used it as a
healing agent to come to terms with his mortality and deeper philosophical issues.
He played drums in a grunge-influenced band in the '90s and was music director of a traveling "Catholic hippie retreat," but it
wasn't until after college that he struck out on the solo path. Since launching his career in 2003 he's been recognized by the
Los Angeles Music Awards, KRCL, Billboard and was even named a finalist at the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Songwriting
Competition, among others.
His songs alternately recall the effortless calm of David Wilcox and the spiky melodies of an indie rock band, versatile in their
construction as they straddle genres and instrumentation. Tiernan will present a stripped-down version of his music at his
Saturday show, with accompaniment from fiddle player Alex DePue.
The folk scene's emphasis on thoughtful, often spiritual songwriting resonates with Tiernan, who continues to study
philosophy and theology. He values the interaction between audience and performer that defines the folk ethos.
"That whole scene is about the song itself - what it's saying and how it's going to connect with the audience," he said. "It's a
challenge and a great comfort that (audiences) want to get into it and share those experiences with you."
Like many artists, Tiernan claims the greatest benefit of his music is the therapy it provides him. Fortunately, it also helps
others. He donates part of his CD sales to the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation and appeared on a benefit CD for
the Steps for Living survivors network, which featured cancer survivor musicians. He also plays at many of their fundraising
events.
"Music is a very powerful tool and a healing agent," he said. "It's a medicine."