A gifted songwriter and storyteller who overcame a severe horseback riding injury to write a hopeful and inspiring debut album, Michael Gilas turned to music to pull him out of a dark hole. While recovering from a broken neck, he decided to leave a successful career as an entrepreneur to pursue his lifelong passion: music. The result is 231 Kensington Road with the uplifting lead single, “Working with the Rain,” which debuted at #21 and by the end of February 2025 charted at #13 on the Billboard charts. The album, named for the house on Long Island where Michael grew up, is an origin story featuring elements of Motown, R&B, pop and rock. Michael’s new lease on life has also led to a focus on health and wellness, and enjoying life’s finer things, such as art, poetry, bespoke clothing and traveling the world. Now based in San Diego, Michael reminds us that there are unexpected gifts that can come from experiencing trauma and persevering.