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The Day Everything Changed: How Michael Gilas Fought His Way Back to Music
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There are moments in life that divide everything into before and after. For American singer-songwriter Michael Gilas, that moment came in 2021 when a horseback riding accident left him with a broken neck and unable to perform. Yet what could have ended his story instead became the beginning of his most powerful chapter.
Confined to a bed and forced to relearn the use of his hands, Michael refused to surrender. Using only his thumbs, he began composing melodies and lyrics small sparks that kept him connected to hope. Through resilience, discipline, and the healing power of creativity, he rebuilt his strength and emerged with a renewed purpose.That perseverance paid off in extraordinary ways.
His breakthrough single “Working With The Rain” debuted at #21 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in February and climbed to #13 by the end of the same month (Adult Contemporary Chart – RadioWave Monitor).
His momentum continues with his newest single, “Can’t Hide Beautiful,” which currently sits at #37 on the AC chart for the week of June 1, 2025, moving up from #40 with two new AC radio adds this week.
The track has also earned strong Mediabase recognition, recently reaching #23 — a clear sign of growing radio support and audience connection.
In this episode, Michael opens up about:
The accident that changed everything
Relearning to use his hands and rebuilding his life
The personal power of music as a lifeline
The making of his debut album, 231 Kensington Road, a tribute to his Long Island roots.
The shift from entrepreneurial success to rediscovering his true passion
Before the accident, Michael built an international company, Gilchrist & Soames, with his brother Tony a global success that offered stability but never replaced his longing for music. It took losing everything to finally return to what he was always meant to do.
Now based in San Diego, Michael is emerging as a compelling voice in the independent music scene, gaining thousands of streams and delivering songs rooted in real resilience, hope, and rebirth.
🎵 Connect with Michael Gilas
Website: https://michaelgilas.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/412oFoFK213H1r4PBmz9Bn
🎶 Featured Tracks
Working With The Rain
Can’t Hide Beautiful
Album: 231 Kensington Road
This is a story of survival, rediscovery, and the courage to rise again — even when life tries to take everything away.
Support the show
View all episodes
By Saskhia Menendez & GuestsSend us a text
There are moments in life that divide everything into before and after. For American singer-songwriter Michael Gilas, that moment came in 2021 when a horseback riding accident left him with a broken neck and unable to perform. Yet what could have ended his story instead became the beginning of his most powerful chapter.
Confined to a bed and forced to relearn the use of his hands, Michael refused to surrender. Using only his thumbs, he began composing melodies and lyrics small sparks that kept him connected to hope. Through resilience, discipline, and the healing power of creativity, he rebuilt his strength and emerged with a renewed purpose.That perseverance paid off in extraordinary ways.
His breakthrough single “Working With The Rain” debuted at #21 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart in February and climbed to #13 by the end of the same month (Adult Contemporary Chart – RadioWave Monitor).
His momentum continues with his newest single, “Can’t Hide Beautiful,” which currently sits at #37 on the AC chart for the week of June 1, 2025, moving up from #40 with two new AC radio adds this week.
The track has also earned strong Mediabase recognition, recently reaching #23 — a clear sign of growing radio support and audience connection.
In this episode, Michael opens up about:
The accident that changed everything
Relearning to use his hands and rebuilding his life
The personal power of music as a lifeline
The making of his debut album, 231 Kensington Road, a tribute to his Long Island roots.
The shift from entrepreneurial success to rediscovering his true passion
Before the accident, Michael built an international company, Gilchrist & Soames, with his brother Tony a global success that offered stability but never replaced his longing for music. It took losing everything to finally return to what he was always meant to do.
Now based in San Diego, Michael is emerging as a compelling voice in the independent music scene, gaining thousands of streams and delivering songs rooted in real resilience, hope, and rebirth.
🎵 Connect with Michael Gilas
Website: https://michaelgilas.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/412oFoFK213H1r4PBmz9Bn
🎶 Featured Tracks
Working With The Rain
Can’t Hide Beautiful
Album: 231 Kensington Road
This is a story of survival, rediscovery, and the courage to rise again — even when life tries to take everything away.
Support the show