Michael Nault
From the Beginning
My musical journey began in childhood, discovering Moonlight Sonata on the family player piano. Ten years of piano lessons followed, then nothing until 30 when a family tragedy brought me back to music. Experience informs the art, foundational experiences weren't confined to a single genre or individual. My musical identity evolved through diverse musical encounters, from sophisticated jazz standards to the communal spirit of so many religious congregations. These eclectic influences converged, gradually shaping a unique artistic perspective that would inform all I do. My exposure to such a wide range of musical styles fostered a curious spirit and appreciation for nuance.
The greatest inflection points generally surround the formation of various bands, each taking me somewhere new. The early rehearsals of Joebagghapot, while not resulting in public performances, became a crucial crucible for experimentation and the initial forging of musical partnerships and the core original songs. This led to Holloh, a band that explored a sound that sought the perfect balance of "Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac," characterized by intricate give-and-takes and expansive jams. During this time, I received my first “fan letter” for writing a song called "Heart Bent" that would later connect me with a key collaborator. This collaboration would lead to The Brush and Tabernacle. The Brush took the angry sketches from Joebagghapot and distilled them into the album “Tend to Your Vices” creating a powerful narrative of a cynical acceptance of life. Tabernacle was an instrumental duo with complex pieces meant to be played precisely, like a prayer. All the songs referenced Old Testament stories. When I joined, I was allowed to “testify” as it were. Where the bass and drums never waivered, the keyboard was allowed to speak freely. These experiences, though varied, were all crucial in maturing musically, refining musical sensibilities, and solidifying a direction that balanced complexity with accessibility.
The move to San Deigo brought about an electronic experiment with arpeggiated keyboard parts but “human” percussion. The Last Blood Moon is a meditative set of songs that all but demand introspection. It was in San Diego where Human Error became a band. This was a group of personalities far more diverse than anything before and it showed. San Diego was memorable for all the shows, finally playing out regularly.
After San Diego, it was Los Angeles. This period was marked by a burst of creative activity and growth. While not creating an actual band I found the singer a certain segment of my songs was always looking for. Tiana Goss brings an authenticity to my songs unrivaled by anyone. Los Angeles became New York City where the KOAN project was born, an exploration of the later works of Leonard Cohen within surprising genre juxtapositions.
The latest project, Koanesce, is the natural progression from the KOAN project it represents a desire to extend the artistic and philosophical explorations inspired by Cohen. It's more than just a tribute; and its now more than just Leonard Cohen songs. it's a mission to share these concepts and musical ideas with a broader audience, incorporating new musical partnerships and pushing the boundaries of creative vision. Koanesce is a culmination of all that has come before, drawing on a lifetime of diverse musical experiences and collaborations to create something that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.