The organizers of the 2012 Carnival in Seychelles have confirmed that Michael Quinn & the Bourbon Kings, known country western artists from the USA, will be in Seychelles for the carnival.

Michael Quinn said happily to those who do not know him: “Consider getting a couple of tracks of Whiskey Rebellion so you can say you were listening to Michael Quinn&the Bourbon Kings back in the day.” Another known song of theirs is “Sushi, sex, music.” This album features songs written during his time in Florida and is a kind of straight-ahead, folk-rock album.

Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, said that country western music would be a new addition to the melting pot of cultures carnival. “We wanted diversity, and we wanted the world to meet in Seychelles for the ‘Carnival of Carnivals.’ The 2012 edition of the carnival is achieving this mission,” Alain St.Ange said.

From the USA, it is said that it is years of drumming for bands such as the Whiskey Sournotes, the Regulars, and Speedway that can make a great singer-songwriter of a man. Quinn follows in the footsteps of many other great drummers turned singer-songwriters: Dave Grohl, Don Henley, and more recently, Pete Yorn. Never mind the drumming, though. For those of you yet unacquainted with Quinn, you’ll soon discover that it’s all about the songs.

Quinn first recognized his life path as a musician when he was four years old. His grandmother took him to the Grand Ole Opry to see Johnny Cash and from that moment on, music was his life. Quinn moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, in 1986 to start drumming with his first band, Thought Factory. He has continued to drum for over 50 bands, all the while learning guitar and studying the craft of songwriting.

He earned a music degree from McNally-Smith College of Music in Minneapolis in 1992 and went on to travel all over the United States, Europe, Egypt, and Asia as a musician. It wasn’t until just before the turn of the century that he finally decided it was time to perform his own songs. Now, after 10 years and hundreds of gigs including opening for Spider John Koerner, The Blasters, Sleepy LaBeef, Gene Nelson, and touring throughout the US, Europe, Egypt, Macau, Thailand, and currently China, Quinn has released his follow up recording to 2004’s critically-acclaimed “Sushi, sex, music” (produced by Bernie Larsen of Lucinda Williams and Melissa Etheridge). Whiskey Rebellion is a diverse musical testament to Quinn’s road tested sound. From the Hawaiian-flavored “Road to Hana” featuring Andy Dee on steel guitars (Molly and the Heymakers, Soul Asylum, Proclaimers) to the in-your-face garage rocker, “Sunday Dress” featuring Mike Leonard on guitar (Magnolias), Whiskey Rebellion has more flavor than grandma’s homemade, fried chicken!

It is Quinn’s honesty and humor that ring true in his songs. From soulful singing and frank lyrics, to timeless song structures, Quinn’s live shows are an all-out good time. Whether he performs solo or with his band, he is engaging, giving his all for every note of every song and always has the audience on their feet! Michael cares about his music, wants people to have a great time, and the fans know it.