Michael Fix

In 2012 he made his first trip to South Africa, where he performed to standing ovations in every venue.

Over the past two decades, he’s released 15 albums, together with several singles and EPs, and has established himself globally as a leading performer, appearing at festivals and concert venues across Australia, Europe and Asia.

Michael is an internationally recognised composer, whose music is also widely heard in TV shows and documentaries all over the world.

As a Maton guitar endorsee (with his own popular signature model guitar), his guitar workshops are in high demand all over Australia and internationally.

Put a guitar into Michael Fix’s hands and the emotional possibilities of music are suddenly released. This remarkable composer and musician has the power to create myriad sensory experiences through his music – it captures and conveys emotions, experiences and images with ease.

And his music is unforgettable.

Michael began performing in his home town of Wollongong at the age of 12, and in his early twenties moved to Sydney, where he was discovered by the legendary Tommy Emmanuel. Emmanuel became a mentor to the young guitarist and spent several years teaching and working with him.

Michael’s credentials include acclaimed Sydney band Hat Trick, which he joined in 1984. Hat Trick specialised in eclectic versions of classical and folk pieces, and this music has played a major role in the development of Michael’s own musical style.

The years 1991–95 saw Michael working with award-winning singer/songwriter Graeme Connors, touring Australia as lead guitarist with Connors’ band.

Michael also found time to produce his debut solo album, Tantalise, and to build up a strong and rapidly growing following for his work with a succession of solo shows.

In 1999, Michael was recognised with his first Instrumental of the Year Golden Guitar, for the catchy ‘Mr Wonglepong’. He went on to win the award the following year with ‘Walkin’ the Walk’, and took it out again in 2003 with ‘Mulga Dan’.

With an eclectic yet accessible style, he’s toured with artists as diverse as Albert Lee, Christine Anu and Anne Murray, as well as appearing with the world’s greatest guitarists — including Leo Kottke, Tommy Emmanuel, Joe Robinson and Martin Taylor — at festivals in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

On Australia Day 1997, Michael opened the Gift to a Nation concert, performing ‘Classical Gas’ with Tommy Tycho’s orchestra. This event was filmed before 150,000 people and telecast live across the nation on the Seven Network.

Michael regularly presents guitar workshops to aspiring guitarists captivated by both his expertise on the guitar and his original music. Michael believes strongly that his music is a gift which should be shared.

Over the years, he has taken the chance to use his music to assist others. In 1995, he penned ‘Bush Bash’ to raise funds for the Variety Club of Australia. The song was used as part of the Variety Club’s annual car rally.

In 2002, following the death of legendary country guitarist Barry Thornton, Michael recorded Remembering Barry Thornton, a fundraising EP to assist Barry’s family. He also penned a single in memory of Barry, ‘Mulga Dan’. The song went on to win Michael his third Instrumental of the Year Golden Guitar, as well as taking out the 2003 Victorian Country Music Award in the Instrumental category.

In 2008, Michael joined forces with rising star Rose Carleo to record Reach Out, an EP to raise funds for Suicide Awareness.

Photo Credit David Kelly