Michael Tolcher w/ Gareth Asher A gifted artist in every sense of the word - writer, singer, musician and performer - Michael Tolcher deftly blends unfailing melodic and organic pop sensibilities with a deep understanding of soul and urban grooves drawn from his Southern upbringing. Hailing from Lovejoy, GA, Michael began his musical education while singing in the church choir. However, Michael's greatest childhood aspiration was to be an Olympic athlete. He was well on his way, running track at Georgia Tech, until an injury sidelined his career and caused him to question what he wanted out of life. His debut album, I AM, is an inspired collection of songs and melodies that muse on life, love and social consciousness. "When I went out, it was me, my van, and my guitar. It was a reflective time in my life, wandering across the country in solitude, seeking mind-opening experiences. At times it was very humbling, and at other times it was very empowering." This solitary creative pilgrimage ultimately became a time of self-discovery, inspiring many of the songs for the album. Michael saw modest success from I AM that continued to grow in a snowball effect. He has toured with Dave Matthews Band, Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, Collective Soul, G Love and the Special Sauce, Blues Traveler, Howie Day, Everclear, and more. Songs from the album were featured throughout hit movies and television shows including One Tree Hill, The Sopranos, and Scrubs. His prolific placements led to an ongoing partnership with Hilton Hotels Corp through their singer / songwriter music initiatives that helped launch the career of James Blunt. Hilton’s success with Michael led to his ultimate goal – The Olympic Dream. Hilton licensed Michael's song, "Speed Feels Better" as the anthem for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The song was featured throughout the Olympics and Hilton even brought him over to Beijing during the Olympics for an exclusive concert performance at the Great Wall of China. - On his third independent release, singer-songwriter Gareth Asher is coming to age as a writer, delivering a well-crafted and emotionally charged body of work. This new album is intensified with bold electric guitars, steady driving percussion, and balanced with lush string arrangements provided by members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Asher recorded the album in home town Atlanta, with close friend and brilliant artist Clay Cook(Marshall Tucker Band, Zac Brown Band) once again producing and mixing. What people are saying about Gareth: "Gareth has the most soulful voice I have ever heard. The first time I heard his music I just had to stop and take it in. I imagine that is what it was like for those who heard Ray Charles or John Lennon for the first time." - Holly Firfer (92.9 Dave FM On-Air, Atlanta & Company) As a touring artist, Asher has shared the stage with Shawn Mullins, Glen Phillips(o/ Toad the Wet Sprocket), Emerson Hart, Angie Aparo, Corey Smith, Sister Hazel, Collective Soul, 3 Doors Down, Steve Cropper and many more. Born in the small town Bowdon, GA, Gareth Asher was raised on a steady diet of old school funk, rock and soul. Asher attributes many of his musical sensibilities to monumental artists like Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, and groups like Chicago. As a writer, he respects the work of iconic performing songwriters like Jackson Browne, Otis Redding, and Don Henley and The Eagles. "I feel like my shell is finally cracking, and the best songs are starting to emerge. All my inner most thoughts and emotions are breaking through to the surface, and insisting on a ray of light to shine down upon them," says Asher.