Singer Michael Hayes has earned a reputation as a prolific songwriter in the modern world of independent folk-rock/pop. His own record label boasts numerous popular releases from over the past decade, from his solo beginnings to his bands Lemonpeeler and the Vinyl Skyway. Hayes' strengths as a songwriter are in channeling a swinging pop intuition with an incisive and bittersweet lyrical outlook, and his work has been described in press reviews as "lush, summery music in the vein of the Thrills, the Pernice Brothers, or Fleetwood Mac." Hayes will release a solo album late in 2009. This summer, Vinyl Skyway Records releases a 20 song compilation of Hayes' work since 1997 entitled "Diamonds Down the Drain."

Michael Hayes

Singer/songwriter Michael Hayes was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and was raised the youngest of nine children. He was so far down the chain that his two oldest siblings were old enough to be -- and were -- his godparents. Having lost his mother to cancer at the age of six, Hayes sought refuge in the records he would inherit from his older siblings. He threw himself into music early, learning to play guitar by ear. In his adolescence, he would devour Beatles albums, putting his ear up to his father's hi-fi, lip-syncing the songs as though he were John, Paul, George or Ringo.

Though Hayes would fulfill the traditional family expectation of graduating from college in four years, he continued to pursue his passion. After a failed attempt in the advertising world, Hayes moved to New York and began developing his suppressed songwriting talent. In 1995, he submitted his first demo to the Liverpool Institute and Berklee College, and was accepted on scholarship to both schools. In 1996, Hayes commenced his studies at Berklee, where he also began to participate in Boston's burgeoning folk-rock scene.

Nearly fourteen years and six albums later, Hayes has built an impressive collection of original music. Oft-compared to the stylings of Neil Young, Paul Simon and the Beatles, he has captured the attention of his peers and a loyal following of fans. Without marketing or label support, Hayes has managed to bring his music to the fore. From his first solo album in 1997, to his first band the Everything Else in 1998, and subsequently, Lemonpeeler and the Vinyl Skyway, Hayes consistently turned out great pop songs. In 2002, Lemonpeeler released "The First Time," bringing the hit "Automatic" to college radio. The group earned a Boston Music Award nomination, and completed a three week tour of the U.S. His other project, the Vinyl Skyway, delivered the classic "From Telegraph Hill" in 2007, earning national press acclaim (the album was also included in several best-of 2007 lists).

Hayes' strengths as a songwriter are in channeling a swinging pop intuition with an incisive and bittersweet lyrical outlook, and his work has been described in press reviews as "lush summery music in the vein of the Thrills, the Pernice Brothers, or Fleetwood Mac." Hayes spends most of his time focused on raising a family with his wife of over ten years. He continues to write and record, with a solo album slated for release in late 2009. In the mean time, Vinyl Skyway Records is proud to bring you "Diamonds Down the Drain." This 20 song compilation captures the essence of an impressive body of work.... Enjoy.