Michael Fix
When a guitar is placed in the hands of Michael Fix, the expressive potential of the instrument becomes immediately apparent. As a composer and performer, he creates music that evokes emotions, images and experiences with clarity and ease. His ability to shape a wide spectrum of moods has made him one of Australia’s most recognised guitarists.
Over the past two decades he has released ten albums, along with several singles and EPs, and established himself as a leading figure in Australian guitar music. He has performed at festivals throughout Australia, Europe and Asia and has composed music for television, film and documentary productions.
Fix has received numerous awards, including three Golden Guitars. As an endorsee of Maton Guitars, for which he has a signature model, he is also in regular demand for workshops across Australia and internationally. His reputation has continued to grow, leading to frequent invitations to major festivals and concert series around the world.
Born in Wollongong, he began performing at the age of twelve. In his twenties he moved to Sydney, where he met Tommy Emmanuel. Emmanuel became an important mentor, guiding Fix through several formative years of study and collaboration.
In 1985 he joined the Sydney ensemble Hat Trick, a group known for eclectic interpretations of classical and folk repertoire. This work strongly influenced his musical direction and helped shape his stylistic versatility.
From 1991 to 1995 he performed with singer and songwriter Graeme Connors as the lead guitarist of the Prodigal Sons, touring widely throughout Australia. During this period he released his debut solo album Tantalise and developed a substantial following through solo performances.
Fix received his first Instrumental of the Year Golden Guitar in 1999 for “Mr Wonglepong”. He won again in 2000 with “Walkin’ the Walk” and in 2003 with “Mulga Dan”, matching the highest number of wins in this category. His accessible, stylistically varied playing has made him a popular guest at guitar, jazz, blues, folk and country music festivals. He has toured with artists including Albert Lee, Christine Anu and Anne Murray and has appeared alongside Leo Kottke, Tommy Emmanuel and Martin Taylor at festivals in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
On Australia Day in 1997 he opened the Gift to a Nation concert, performing “Classical Gas” with Tommy Tycho’s orchestra before an audience of around 150,000 people. The performance was broadcast live nationwide.
Fix regularly presents workshops, sharing both his musical expertise and his original compositions. He views music as a means of connection and has used his work to support charitable causes. In 1995 he wrote “Bush Bash” to benefit the Variety Club of Australia. In 2002 he released the EP Remembering Barry Thornton to support the family of guitarist Barry Thornton, which included the award-winning “Mulga Dan”.
His artistic achievements have led to sponsorships with Maton Guitars, D’Addario Strings and AER amplification.
