One great thing about the Collin County Songwriters Association (CCSA) is the rich pool of talent in its membership.  From time-to-time the organization likes to spotlight members for their unique stories on how they came to songwriting, and the path of their lives and careers.

CCSA member Michael Stapleton has been playing guitar for 32 years and singing for 24 years. He recorded his first song in a “real” studio when he was 16 years old in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Since then he’s written over 200 songs, and recorded over 50 of them. 

Life often intervenes in our plans, and Michael’s career is no exception.  His was interrupted by a life shattering car accident in Las Vegas in 1997, then by two baby boys, then by 9-11.

In 2002 he started to get back on track and built a small studio.  He began writing again. From 2002-2006, he attended numerous song writing symposiums, classes, festivals and other gatherings in Nashville, Tennessee, in order to focus on a style. He made many contacts and recorded seven tracks in Nashville for his new CD.

If “proof is in the pudding,” that new release, "Prayers & Tales" showcases a well-developed artist and a great sound.  You can check out the results at his Myspace page.  You’ll see and hear a terrific product, professionally produced and totally enjoyable.  True to the Nashville influence, it leans country but also possesses a broader pop appeal.

“Basically, my new CD is a compilation of my stories, moods and prayers during the times when I abandoned my music, only to realize that it was guiding me somewhere else,” Michael says. 

“As most songwriters instinctively know, I have always known that music was my safe place and when I ignore it bad things happen, so I have learned to focus on it, stay within my own capabilities and not get wrapped up in the control games in the music business.”

Michael doesn’t just keep his talent and lessons to himself.  He often participates in the CCSA’s songwriter critique circle which takes place on the first Tuesday of every month at Anderson Guitar Gallery in Frisco.  His gentle, insightful input on “songs-in-development” have helped many a local songwriter improve their work.  

Ryan Michael Galloway
www.GigsterClinics.com