Michael Gilas: A Journey of Resilience, Reinvention, and Music
In partnership with Purple Bite
By Kody Boye
There are moments in life that represent a before and an after. For a musician, an accident that leaves them on the brink of death and strips away their ability to play guitar is undoubtedly one of those pivotal moments. This is precisely the story of Michael Gilas, an American singer-songwriter who, despite breaking his neck in a horseback riding accident and having to relearn the use of his hands, embraced his new reality with courage and resilience. His perseverance recently earned him a debut at #21 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart with his new song, Working With The Rain.
The Turning Point for Michael Gilas
The accident happened in 2021 during an equestrian practice, completely altering his life. He was confined to a bed, unable to walk, but despite the grim prognosis, he was determined not to surrender. Michael realized he needed to shift his mindset and rediscover a reason to keep going—his survival depended on it. With limited mobility, he used only his thumbs to jot down melodies and lyrics that kept running through his mind. Determined to regain control, he discarded his pain medication and immersed himself in music, which gradually became his lifeline, pulling him out of that dark place.
Rediscovering His Passion
Before the accident, and despite playing in bands when he was younger, Michael had consistently put off his dream of making music in favor of a fast-paced world where financial security often takes precedence over happiness. Alongside his brother Tony, he founded Gilchrist & Soames, a personal care brand that grew from a modest operation in England to supplying some of the world’s most prestigious hotels. After selling the company in 1998, their entrepreneurial success provided stability, but it never filled the void left by music.
It took a near-fatal accident for him to reassess his priorities. During his slow and painful recovery, songwriting became his refuge—the only certainty in a sea of uncertainty. Today, his music is making a mark in the independent music scene, amassing thousands of streams across digital platforms, thanks to his innate talent for songwriting. This journey led to his debut album, 231 Kensington Road, named after the address in Long Island, New York, where he grew up.
An Album Rooted in Resilience
Michael’s highly anticipated debut album serves as a musical origin story, tracing back to the diverse sounds that shaped his artistic journey—from Motown and R&B to pop and rock. Titled 231 Kensington Road, it pays homage to the place where it all began, capturing the essence of his earliest influences. Now based in San Diego, Michael sees this project as a tribute to his roots and the foundation of his sound. Working With The Rain, the album’s lead single, is an inspiring piece of songwriting, reinforcing a message of resilience and perseverance that is backed by Michael’s own journey of rebirth.
Looking Forward
With clear influences from his musical idols—The Eagles, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, and Billie Eilish—his upcoming album features collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Grammy-nominated producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis), Michael Garvin (Jennifer Lopez, George Benson), and bassist John Peña.
What started as scattered notes on Michael Gilas’ phone became the foundation of a career he had postponed for far too long. With the now-released Working With The Rain and 231 Kensington Road on the horizon, Michael Gilas is not just reconnecting with his true self—he’s proving that it’s never too late for a fresh start.