Michael Paynter
Encyclopedia
Michael Paynter is an Australian singer-songwriter. Paynter has released four singles, "Closer
", "A Victim Song", "Love the Fall
" and "How Sweet It Is", from his upcoming debut studio album, This Welcome Diversion is set for a release in 2011.
Critics have praised Michael Paynter's voice, often comparing him to John Farnham
. Paynter says the title of his debut album, This Welcome Diversion, was inspired by an advertisement in an in-flight magazine; his music career is a diversion from his original path, law. Paynter wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks on This Welcome Diversion. To record the album, Paynter traveled to Los Angeles, where he worked with producer Matt Wallace
and mixer Brian Paturalski. This Welcome Diversion features performances by Josh Freese
, Dorian Crozer, David Ryan Harris
and John Fields.
The first single, "Closer
", was described as "a soaring, hook-filled track about striving for better". Paynter wrote "Closer" in collaboration with Gary Clark
, and said that he fell in love with the song instantly. He said that "it works because the chords and rhythms are so simple. It's how people are, in their heads, never where they want to be whether it's a relationship or in a career. They're always wanting to be closer to the ideal." For the album, Paynter underwent a global four month writing session, during which he also worked with Wally Gagel
, Phil Buckle and Julian Hamilton of The Presets
. The album's second single, "A Victim Song", was released on 15 November 2008 in Australia.
This Welcome Diversion was initially set to be released in 2008, but despite a set release date, was delayed until 2011. After the average performance of singles "Closer
" and "A Victim Song", which Paynter felt "didn't have the support of radio or a strong online presence", he and label Sony agreed to delay the album's release. Paynter began touring, serving as a supporting act for Vanessa Amorosi
, Newton Faulkner
, Seal
and The Veronicas
on their Revenge Is Sweeter tour
. In between tours, Sony (his label), had paid for songwriting trips to London and Los Angeles.
In June 2010, Paynter released the single "Love the Fall
", which became the most added song to Australian radio in the first week of July and his first top-20 single on the ARIA Singles Chart
. The single features background vocals from The Veronicas
, who also appear in the single's music video. The physical release of the single, is a five track EP, which includes the single "Are You Alive?", that was used to promote the final episode of Lost
. In July, Paynter returned to Los Angeles to finish his album, with a tentative 2011 release date. Paynter said of his career, "It's been a really blessing for me. I don't think many artists get to make their debut record twice. I think if most artists got the chance to do it again, they'd take it." In October 2010 Paynter supported alternative rock band The Script for their two shows in Australia.
Michael also appeared on the Gypsy Heart Tour
with Miley Cyrus
as special guest in Australia. He debuted his new single called "How Sweet It Is" on the tour. Michael music video will be out later this month. Michael has also said on his Facebook account that he will be going on tour later this year. "Had an amazing meeting with my agent today about a tour coming up.. Not going to say too much just yet, but there may ALSO be a whole bunch of u18's shows on the cards... PARTY!"
In late September 2011, announcements on Facebook
advised that Michael was joining the Icehouse
line-up for a tour supporting the band's release of the greatest hits album White Heat: 30 Hits
.
Michael also appeared on CBBC's Prank Patrol Down Under: Magic Guitar which was aired in 2011
Closer (Michael Paynter song)
"Closer" is the debut single from Australian singer-songwriter, Michael Paynter. It was released physically and digitally on 28 June 2008. The single was used in the Network 7's advertisements for Australian TV series, City Homicide.- Chart performance :...
", "A Victim Song", "Love the Fall
Love the Fall
"Love The Fall" is the third single released from Australian singer Michael Paynter's upcoming debut studio album, This Welcome Diversion. The single features backing vocals of The Veronicas, who Paynter had met at the 2008 ARIA Music Awards, and became "best friends ever since". The single was...
" and "How Sweet It Is", from his upcoming debut studio album, This Welcome Diversion is set for a release in 2011.
Early life
Paynter began playing instruments from a young age, playing the piano at the age of seven, and learning guitar and drums by the time he was 15. At the age of 16, he began playing in touring bands across Australia. Regarding music, Paynter says that it "was always something I was going to do, because it fires up my soul like nothing else". He studied law for a year, but returned to music. Although Paynter liked law school and intends to return, he says the choice was either "tour the country and play guitar or study books", and the decision "was a no-brainer". Paynter says that playing drums makes him a better guitarist, playing guitar makes him a better keyboardist, and playing all three makes him a better singer.Career
| "They have big hooks. They are inspiring and powerful yet moving. If there's a thread through my songs, it's my positive spin on life. It's a wonderful experience and you need to have fun even while you're facing up to its challenges to get the best out of it. But if I can get people to pause after each track to think about what I'm singing, then I've done my job." |
| — Paynter regarding the songs on his album, This Welcome Diversion. |
Critics have praised Michael Paynter's voice, often comparing him to John Farnham
John Farnham
John Peter Farnham, AO, formerly billed as Johnny Farnham , is an English-born Australian pop singer. He was a teen pop idol from 1964 to 1979, and has since forged a career as an adult contemporary singer. His career has mostly been as a solo artist although he briefly replaced Glenn Shorrock as...
. Paynter says the title of his debut album, This Welcome Diversion, was inspired by an advertisement in an in-flight magazine; his music career is a diversion from his original path, law. Paynter wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks on This Welcome Diversion. To record the album, Paynter traveled to Los Angeles, where he worked with producer Matt Wallace
Matt Wallace
Matt Wallace is an American record producer. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, and has been producing professionally since the early 1980s. Among his credits are the highly acclaimed album Angel Dust by Faith No More and the multiplatinum Songs About Jane by Maroon...
and mixer Brian Paturalski. This Welcome Diversion features performances by Josh Freese
Josh Freese
Josh Freese is an American session drummer and songwriter. He is a permanent member of A Perfect Circle, The Vandals, and Devo, having formerly played drums for Nine Inch Nails from late 2005 until late 2008, and for Guns N' Roses from mid-1998 to 2001. Freese has appeared on close to 300 records....
, Dorian Crozer, David Ryan Harris
David Ryan Harris
David Ryan Harris is an Atlanta, Georgia based singer-songwriter. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Harris moved to Atlanta at a young age. Harris has had a varied career as a musician. He is married and has 4 sons: Miles, Life, River, and Truman.-Influences:...
and John Fields.
The first single, "Closer
Closer (Michael Paynter song)
"Closer" is the debut single from Australian singer-songwriter, Michael Paynter. It was released physically and digitally on 28 June 2008. The single was used in the Network 7's advertisements for Australian TV series, City Homicide.- Chart performance :...
", was described as "a soaring, hook-filled track about striving for better". Paynter wrote "Closer" in collaboration with Gary Clark
Gary Clark (musician)
Gary Clark is a Scottish musician who formed a band with his brother Kit Clark, and long time friend, Ged Grimes in 1984, initially under the name of Spencer Tracy...
, and said that he fell in love with the song instantly. He said that "it works because the chords and rhythms are so simple. It's how people are, in their heads, never where they want to be whether it's a relationship or in a career. They're always wanting to be closer to the ideal." For the album, Paynter underwent a global four month writing session, during which he also worked with Wally Gagel
Wally Gagel
Walton Steven “Wally” Gagel is an American record producer, songwriter, engineer and musician. He came into prominence in 1996 for his work on the Billboard Top 40 hit Natural One by the band Folk Implosion....
, Phil Buckle and Julian Hamilton of The Presets
The Presets
The Presets are an Australian electronic duo formed in 2003, consisting of Julian Hamilton on vocals and keyboards, and Kim Moyes on drums and keyboards. They released their debut album Beams in 2005 to positive critical response. Their 2008 release Apocalypso debuted at number-one on the ARIA...
. The album's second single, "A Victim Song", was released on 15 November 2008 in Australia.
This Welcome Diversion was initially set to be released in 2008, but despite a set release date, was delayed until 2011. After the average performance of singles "Closer
Closer (Michael Paynter song)
"Closer" is the debut single from Australian singer-songwriter, Michael Paynter. It was released physically and digitally on 28 June 2008. The single was used in the Network 7's advertisements for Australian TV series, City Homicide.- Chart performance :...
" and "A Victim Song", which Paynter felt "didn't have the support of radio or a strong online presence", he and label Sony agreed to delay the album's release. Paynter began touring, serving as a supporting act for Vanessa Amorosi
Vanessa Amorosi
Vanessa Amorosi is an Australian singer-songwriter and recording artist. Her combined album and single sales have reached over 2 million worldwide.-Early life:...
, Newton Faulkner
Newton Faulkner
Sam Newton Battenberg Faulkner is an English singer-songwriter and musician from Reigate, Surrey. Known for his guitar playing, which involves rhythmically tapping and hitting his guitar's body, Faulkner came to prominence in 2007, with the release of his debut studio album, Hand Built by Robots...
, Seal
Seal (musician)
Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel , known simply as Seal, is a British soul and R&B singer-songwriter, of Nigerian and Brazilian background. Seal has won numerous music awards throughout his career, including three Brit Awards—winning Best British Male in 1992, four Grammy Awards, and an...
and The Veronicas
The Veronicas
The Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
on their Revenge Is Sweeter tour
Revenge Is Sweeter tour
The Revenge Is Sweeter tour is a tour by The Veronicas which was announced in November 2008.-Tour information:The sixteen date tour was their first to extend outside of Australia into New Zealand. The tour will begin on 13 February 2009 in Newcastle and conclude on 7 March 2009 in Dunedin, New...
. In between tours, Sony (his label), had paid for songwriting trips to London and Los Angeles.
In June 2010, Paynter released the single "Love the Fall
Love the Fall
"Love The Fall" is the third single released from Australian singer Michael Paynter's upcoming debut studio album, This Welcome Diversion. The single features backing vocals of The Veronicas, who Paynter had met at the 2008 ARIA Music Awards, and became "best friends ever since". The single was...
", which became the most added song to Australian radio in the first week of July and his first top-20 single on the ARIA Singles Chart
ARIA Charts
The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June...
. The single features background vocals from The Veronicas
The Veronicas
The Veronicas are an Australian electrorock, pop-punk and rock band. Twin sisters Jessica and Lisa Origliasso formed the band in 1999 in Brisbane. They have their own line of clothing which was released in 2007....
, who also appear in the single's music video. The physical release of the single, is a five track EP, which includes the single "Are You Alive?", that was used to promote the final episode of Lost
Lost (TV series)
Lost is an American television series that originally aired on ABC from September 22, 2004 to May 23, 2010, consisting of six seasons. Lost is a drama series that follows the survivors of the crash of a commercial passenger jet flying between Sydney and Los Angeles, on a mysterious tropical island...
. In July, Paynter returned to Los Angeles to finish his album, with a tentative 2011 release date. Paynter said of his career, "It's been a really blessing for me. I don't think many artists get to make their debut record twice. I think if most artists got the chance to do it again, they'd take it." In October 2010 Paynter supported alternative rock band The Script for their two shows in Australia.
Michael also appeared on the Gypsy Heart Tour
Gypsy Heart Tour
The Gypsy Heart Tour was the third concert tour by American recording artist Miley Cyrus. Primarily visiting South America and Australia, the tour supported her third studio album, Can't Be Tamed....
with Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus
Miley Ray Cyrus is an American actress and pop singer-songwriter. She achieved wide fame for her role as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana....
as special guest in Australia. He debuted his new single called "How Sweet It Is" on the tour. Michael music video will be out later this month. Michael has also said on his Facebook account that he will be going on tour later this year. "Had an amazing meeting with my agent today about a tour coming up.. Not going to say too much just yet, but there may ALSO be a whole bunch of u18's shows on the cards... PARTY!"
In late September 2011, announcements on Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
advised that Michael was joining the Icehouse
Icehouse (band)
Icehouse is an Australian rock band, formed as Flowers in 1977 in Sydney. Initially known in Australia for their pub rock style, they later achieved mainstream success playing new wave and synthpop style music and attained Top Ten singles chart success in both Europe and the U.S...
line-up for a tour supporting the band's release of the greatest hits album White Heat: 30 Hits
White Heat: 30 Hits
White Heat: 30 Hits is a two-disc compilation album released by Australian band Icehouse on 26 August 2011 in Australia. It is their third best-of compilation, following 1989's Great Southern Land and 1992's Masterfile....
.
Studio albums
| Year | Album details | Chart peak AUS ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
Sales | Certifications Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... (sales thresholds) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | This Welcome Diversion
|
To be released | |||
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart peak AUS ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
Certifications Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... |
Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | "Closer Closer (Michael Paynter song) "Closer" is the debut single from Australian singer-songwriter, Michael Paynter. It was released physically and digitally on 28 June 2008. The single was used in the Network 7's advertisements for Australian TV series, City Homicide.- Chart performance :... " |
61 | Single only | ||
| "A Victim Song" | 188 | ||||
| 2010 | "Love the Fall Love the Fall "Love The Fall" is the third single released from Australian singer Michael Paynter's upcoming debut studio album, This Welcome Diversion. The single features backing vocals of The Veronicas, who Paynter had met at the 2008 ARIA Music Awards, and became "best friends ever since". The single was... " |
19 |
|
This Welcome Diversion | |
| 2011 | "How Sweet It Is" | — | |||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart. | |||||
Michael also appeared on CBBC's Prank Patrol Down Under: Magic Guitar which was aired in 2011