A 20-year-old guitarist who’s a student at Kent State University, Michael Weber recently won first prize on MTV’s new talent show, Amazingness. Skateboard icon Rob Dyrdek hosts the show.
Taped in Los Angeles, the show features six acts competing for the grand prize of $10,000. Weber walked away with the top prize.
The producers initially contacted him after seeing some YouTube videos. After about a month of correspondence, he flew to L.A. to compete.
“It was an experience that I will always remember,” says Weber who went up against an extreme bartender. “In my musical career, I have performed countless shows with my band, the Michael Weber Show, various local bands and national acts. It was an honor to be included with professionals on the MTV show. Everyone was very gracious, and it was great to play guitar and bring my own brand of music to MTV and to the competition without sacrificing any artistic integrity.”
Weber is no stranger to the stage. His uncle worked as Counting Crows' first tour manager, and Weber even played on stage with the band. “I led them through some interesting dynamic changes on ‘Rain King' that I think they incorporated on the rest of the tour," Weber says of performing with the Crows. "So that was kind of fun."
Weber recorded his latest album at United Recording in Hollywood with T Bone Burnett drummer Jay Bellerose handling production duties. R.E.M.’s Mike Mills guests on the album. “R.E.M. is a big inspiration,” says Weber. "Mike is a great guy, and it was great to have him on my album."
Weber also owns and operates the locally based Silver Swamp Recording Studio. He's currently working on a new album with his band and will perform at the Lorain Palace Theatre on Feb. 17.
