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ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE

The esteem of the world is not worth the effort

About Me


For Michael Watson, songwriter and lead vocalist of Portland, Oregon- based band Above the Golden State, there has never been an inkling of doubt as to why he is doing what he is doing. In no uncertain terms, he explains:
“Music is from God and for God. And I believe God is raising up a new generation of young musicians who want to see music being used for its original purpose—to glorify God.”
Lush, moving, and wildly infectious, you can sense that there is something beyond the ordinary surrounding Watson and his songs. Though admittedly he is a relative newcomer to the industry, his sound echoes with a seasoned quality that is rare. It takes only a thirty-second visit to the band’s Myspace page to experience it … accessible pop melodies with layers of instrumentation, driven by acoustic guitar but lifted by drums and various keys and programming. But don’t let the singer/songwriter tag lead you astray. These are not self-indulgent dirges, or art for art’s sake. The songs on Above the Golden State’s debut are as uplifting as they are accessible, as worshipful as they are radio-friendly.
Watson explains, “One of my favorite quotes is from renowned pastor and author A.W.Tozer: ‘The esteem of the world isn’t worth the effort.’ That sentiment describes my focus with this music. I know the only thing that carries on to eternity is God being glorified in and through us by the grace of Jesus, so we’ll put all our energy toward that.”
Watson’s journey began with unlikely circumstances. He was studying at Calvary Chapel South Maui when a good friend in another popular music act slipped his demos to an A&R representative with industry powerhouse Sparrow Records. Soon after, Michael received a random phone call from Sparrow. That was all it took.
The song demo that landed him a record deal— “Sound of Your Name”—has become the first single on his self-titled debut. And it’s more than just an obvious single; it is evidence of anointing. Watson proclaims, Towers fall and Kingdoms crumble. Mountains bow and the earth will tremble at the sound of Your name. The strong man falls to Him who humbles. The plans he made were bound to stumble, and only You remain.
From a lyrical standpoint, Watson balances the vulnerable and the personal with the scriptural. His musical formula combines heartfelt verses with down-to-earth choruses driven home by solid, universal Biblical concepts. On “Loud and Clear” he deals with the idea that worship is not just about singing, but about living: Life is an offering inside of this heart beat. Today is a new song,. Every verse is a new thought. Every breath is a chorus. My life is ascending. And on “Gaze Into Your Eyes,” he reflects again on Tozer and his work The Pursuit of God: In front of me is the figure I long for. I will turn to see no one else. I’m consumed by Your grace and wonder. I’m finding You as I loose myself. Every word is deeply spiritual and will not just provide the backdrop for a memorable sing-along but will also leave you reflecting on the state of your soul.
Watson is backed by Brook Mosser (drums) along with Tim Aylward (keys), and all three are familiar to the music scene. Each of the guys has partnered at one time or another with everyone from Telecast to Falling Up to Kutless to Shawn MacDonald to Paul Wright. This is a seasoned crew, to say the least, and one that complements each other through shared sonic experience.
When asked about goals, Watson simply states that he wants to go as far as heaven will take Him. With such a unique live show, though, it is not hard to imagine that Above the Golden State’s sphere of influence will expand quickly. One part worship, one part pop show, and one part spoken interaction, Watson and company plan to give audiences plenty to take home with them, beginning this fall as part of Starfield’s “I Will Go” tour .
“Above The Golden State has no desire to bring glory to itself but to join in with you and everyone else to glorify God together. We know not to find our worth in anything other than Jesus Christ. We are in this together. We are the church, the body of Christ; this music is to fix the ‘gaze of our soul’ on Jesus, our Hope of Glory! These songs are meant to be sung in the heart and mind of the listener, like a soundtrack to our lives.”

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 11/1/2005
Band Website: abovethegoldenstate.com
Band Members: Michael, Tim, Brook and Sea Bass

Influences: Everything BUT Ryan Adams, all you hip-sters! Seriously, lately, a lot of stuff that makes me want to dance, such as, "Bag Of Hammers" by Thao or "Great DJ" by the Ting Tings.

Real to Reel Sessions - Sound of Your Name

Southern Oregon Trail

Sounds Like: West Coast Rock, Pop (doing our best not to call it surf-rock, but yeah, basically, with a touch of the beautiful and rainy North West)...so all the bands that fit into that category, "like such as"...assuming you all have maps?

Management
Nightvision Artist Management
Mo Thieman
937.302.9016
[email protected]

Record Label: EMI/CMG Sparrow Records
Type of Label: Major

My Blog

Check out this video: Real to Reel Sessions - Sound of Your Name

We have posted the debut of a new video series we are creating, called 'The Real To Reel Sessions'. It will be a song by song video explaining the story and inspiration behind every song on the new re...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:49:00 PST

JesusFreakHideout.com Blog Contributor

I've posted a blog over at JesusFreakHideout.com, as I'll be contributing regularly there. Please hop over and visit, read it, and comment!READ THE BLOG HERE!Thanks friends, more to come!Michael...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:50:00 PST

Rose Festival

Hey There,This Michael, just wanted to thank everyone who came out to the Rose Festival last night, as well as 104.1 The Fish for having us! I had a blast, and you guys rocked!And the fun didn't sto...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:19:00 PST

ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE READIES DEBUT RELEASE

ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE READIES DEBUT RELEASELead Single "Sound of Your Name" Impacting Radio(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) June 3, 2008 - New Sparrow Records artist Above The Golden State has quickly gained the e...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:03:00 PST

"Sound Of Your Name" Single & Ringtone

Well, we have a Ringtone available for download, for our song "Sound Of Your Name". Show your support by downloading it HERE! :)Also, the song is available NOW at iTunes! Go get it, HERE!Let us know i...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Wed, 07 May 2008 05:53:00 PST

On The RADIO!

I found out from a friend that they’re playing "Sound Of Your Name" on the radio. Turns out it’s true! At least at 104.1 The Fish here in Portland.It’s kinda of a "testing period", ...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:05:00 PST

Get Updates and Free Stuff

Hey there,I've set up an e-mail for all you that would like to stay connected with updates and free stuff from Above The Golden State. I promise to do my best to make it enjoyable. I hate just as mu...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:05:00 PST

The NAME game is over! HURRAY!!!

Hurray! It's final. Above The Golden State is the official name.Also good news, I'll have shirts and stickers to sell at my shows for the first time EVEERRRRRR!!! So go and get that paper route, st...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:47:00 PST

New Demo Songs for my next next album?

So, while waiting for the debut album to come out, I decided to keep writting and recording songs. "Above The Golden State" is one of those. Please add it to your most recent dance mix!!!-Michael...
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:55:00 PST

HULK HOLGAN!!!+GLADIATORS!!!

Who's excitted for Hulk Holgan and the Gladiators?...I am..." width="400" height="400" /"Things are bigger and faster," Hogan said of the show. "Now we've got water  and I wish it was shark-infested....
Posted by ABOVE THE GOLDEN STATE on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 02:13:00 PST