Michael B. Tipton

Meet Michael B. Tipton, a seasoned American singer-songwriter who has spent over 26 years performing for audiences nationwide. With remarkable versatility across genres (including folk, country, electronic, indie, and hard rock), his compositions are written to be adapted to various musical styles. Michael made his mark as a member of acclaimed bands such as Tabla Rasa (1999-2005), 5 Defy (2006-2008), Molly Picture Club (2009-2013), and Kodascope (2013-2016). 

In 2020, Michael took a sharp left turn back to the music he grew up on. “My first concert was Willie Nelson and I’ve been to more Asleep At The Wheel shows than any other band. It was Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys cassette tapes in both my grandpa and Dad’s cars. It was growing up in the country, playing in the woods, working cows, and concepts we learned about in church like redemption. In 2020, I was living on a small farm outside of my hometown with my kids, learning to be a single dad again. And then there also was also the musical boredom of not seeing my friends or having easy access to live music that made me pull out the guitar and learn a new style of playing.”

After a couple years focusing on regaining his songwriting legs, he had enough songs to head to the studio. His debut album Out Of The Woods came out in October 2023, making it on Saving Country Music’s Most Anticipated Country Albums of Fall 2023 list. His band consists of drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitars, and pedal steel, boasting some of the most gifted musicians in Kansas City. As a result, Michael and his band have shared festival stages with Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit (2023), Michael Ray (Warner Bros, 2023), Nathaniel Rateliff (2022), and numerous regional acts. 

Like his idol, Bob Wills, Michael can create a show with top-notch performers in his band, The Scoundrels. Songs that fall between the grit of Willie Nelson and the swagger of Dwight Yoakum are where his music lives. Loaded, for example, is rooted in Dwight Yoakum and Waylon Jennings’ traditional country vibes,  while The Field’s 3/4 time and stripped-down simplicity is reminiscent of a cowboy campfire song. Starting with “Michael Tipton & Friends” nights at The Pairing in Kansas City, his band solidified over time to include pedal steel guitar and down-and-dirty lead guitar, leading him to open for national acts on large stages and selling out venues like Knuckleheads’ Gospel Lounge. It all comes down to getting the crowd involved and up out of their seats. “I have no idea what the crowd thinks of my songs unless they dance,” he laughs. “The goal of all my live performances is to touch people’s hearts in a way that their asses follow it to the dancefloor.” He also boasts several covers that span the 1940s-present day traditional country music including country western classics. 

Michael is also the driving force behind Found A Job, a popular 8-piece tribute to Talking Heads since 2012, where he embodies David Byrne's essence. In addition to his live performances, Michael's songwriting prowess has earned him placements on notable TV shows like "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" and various Discovery Channel segments. With an extraordinary ability to connect through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and a solid beat, Michael B Tipton continues to enchant audiences with his music. Stay tuned as this artist ventures into new musical horizons.