About Above the Golden State

This Portland, Oregon-based band is made up of Watson (vocals/guitars/songwriter), Brook Moser (drums) and Tim Aylward (keys). They are fans of all music styles, with influences from Weezer, Five Iron Frenzy and Delirious to The Beatles and Duke Ellington, Above the Golden State’s members describe their sound in a press release as “West Coast Rock, Pop.” “We’re doing our best not to call it surf-rock,” explained Watson, “But yeah, basically, it’s that with a touch of the rainy Northwest.”

Michael Watson, songwriter and lead vocalist of the group has no doubt as to why he is doing what he is doing. “Music is from God and for God. And I believe God is raising up a new generation of young musicians who want to see music being used for its original purpose – to glorify God.”

Their self-titled debut album, ''Above the Golden State'', was released on July 22, 2008. The band's first single from the album was "Sound of Your Name".  The songs on Above the Golden State’s debut are as uplifting as they are accessible, as worshipful as they are radio-friendly.

Watson explains, “One of my favorite quotes is from renowned pastor and author A.W.Tozer: ‘The esteem of the world isn’t worth the effort.’ That sentiment describes my focus with this music. I know the only thing that carries on to eternity is God being glorified in and through us by the grace of Jesus, so we’ll put all our energy toward that.”

When asked about goals, Watson simply states that he wants to go as far as heaven will take Him. With such a unique live show, though, it is not hard to imagine that Above the Golden State’s sphere of influence will expand quickly. One part worship, one part pop show, and one part spoken interaction, Watson and company plan to give audiences plenty to take home with them.