About Michael

Dause's musical journey began at just four years old, when he first used kitchen pots and pans as his drum kit. By high school, he was a self-taught guitarist and budding songwriter, diving deep into theatre, jazz band, marching band, and choir along the way. His passion for music led him to Belmont University’s audio engineering program, where he honed his technical skills before stepping away to tour extensively—averaging 250 shows a year for eight years with the band The Accidentals.

In 2014, Dause started recording under the name Treeskin, a musical alter-ego that would evolve into his primary creative outlet. His early recordings culminated in the 2019 release of Who/What/Why, a collection that showcased his distinctive blend of indie rock and experimental soundscapes. This was followed by his debut full-length album Learning in 2020, which John Sinkevics of Local Spins described as “a musical alter-ego driven by intoxicating, lush indie-rock replete with hypnotic vocals, head-bobbing beats, and catchy pop-tinged hooks.”

In 2019, Dause began collaborating with Ben Traverse on a unique project inspired by a love of water—the Shantyland album. This collection, released in 2021, features a mix of classic sea shanties, original works, and songs celebrating the Great Lakes region, blending folk traditions with a modern twist.

That same year, Dause took another major step in his musical career by founding TreeTone Studios in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A longtime lover of all things audio, Dause built the studio to serve not only his own projects but also to serve the needs of the West Michigan music scene.

In 2023, Dause expanded his musical horizons further with the formation of Moss Manor, a collaborative project with fellow musicians Seth Bernard and Dan Rickabus. Born out of the pandemic, Moss Manor started as a remote recording project, with members sharing files over the internet before coming together to release their first studio album.

With each project, Dause continues to push boundaries, blending genres, experimenting with new sounds, and connecting with both fans and fellow musicians. Whether through the lush soundscapes of Treeskin or the rootsy, collaborative energy of Moss Manor, Dause remains dedicated to crafting music that resonates deeply and authentically.