Beyond the Oz

Listen to my biography

My name is Michael, was born on the Austrian countryside and grew up in a politically correct family as the youngest of four siblings. My dad was a protestant priest serving in a small village, helped by my mom all his life.
At school being only physically present, I was a dreamer with a bohemian and rebellious attitude, which made it hard for others to accept me. Got bullied very often by my classmates because I was the quirky gay and overweight son of a priest - which isn't the greatest combination at high school you may imagine! ;)
It was no piece of cake at 18 years to come out towards my bigot family and friends - but today I'm thankful for those experiences which made me stronger and showed me who are my real friends!



My escape into the virtual world of music actually saved me from depressions, writing songs soon became my personal therapy. I also had to rediscover and build up my self-confidence in my abilities, my personality and my physical appearance.
Most ideas and musical influences came through other great independent artists I found on the web, heard on alternative radio stations or even in video game soundtracks.
The little pocket money I had was quickly spent on concert tickets, video games and later on flight tickets (to get away from home).
At that time, David Markon (my best school mate) and me founded the band project "People on the Pavement" which I abandoned already for a while since I started working more seriously on "Virtual-Oz" in New York City.

After turning 21, I finally moved in with my life partner, and so far we've been a successful "internet story"... :)
Through him I thankfully have the emotional stability and support to pursue all my visions!
By the way: All that you can hear and see, stems of a passionate amateur from a humble background, building his career (as a convinced indie artist) from scratch.

What I like to share to the world through my music:

• Stop listening to NEGATIVE people around you!
• Follow your heart and focus on your passion(s)!
• Every one of you can achieve what I have!
• Come out of your closet = be true to yourself and others!

Thus, my first song: "STOP listening" is about. Give it a try, life’s full of possibilities!
I’m so thankful for all the wonderful people I’ve already met along my way, who supported me and for all of you who appreciated me and my music from the very beginning - and I promise to you:

This is only a beginning!