March 20, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Louisville-based artist Michael Vettraino with the release of A Lie Not Alive, an original single that captures the complexity of human existence against the sweeping backdrop of geological time. Having spent more than a decade as a guitarist-for-hire, Vettraino steps confidently into the spotlight as a solo artist, weaving a nuanced tapestry of sound, thought, and raw emotion.
A Lie Not Alive is not just a song; it is the first chapter of an ambitious aural triptych—a project that aims to sonically traverse the Past, Present, and Future of humanity. In this opening piece, Vettraino delves into the existential crises that shape our world, examining our fleeting significance when placed against the enormity of Earth’s timeline. Themes of greed, societal collapse, and our place within the animal kingdom pulse beneath his contemplative lyrics, offering listeners a rich and thought-provoking experience.
Influenced by boundary-pushing artists such as Mk.gee, Jean Dawson, and Saya Gray, Vettraino’s sound straddles multiple genres, blending indie rock, alternative pop, and textured electronic elements. His self-described mission is to create “world-building” music—immersive, layered compositions that not only tell a story but also create an emotional ecosystem for listeners to inhabit. A Lie Not Alive reflects this goal with intricate arrangements, emotive guitar work, and a sonic atmosphere that feels both timeless and urgently current.
Recorded largely in his home studio, with drums tracked and mixed at Louisville’s Downtown Recording Studio—a creative space renowned for working with talents like Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Jack Harlow—A Lie Not Alive showcases Vettraino’s hands-on approach and dedication to authenticity. The accompanying music video, a haunting visual counterpart to the track’s thematic depth, has already earned accolades on the international circuit, winning awards in Ottawa, Athens, and London.
This single is more than a creative release; it symbolizes Vettraino’s bold leap from being a “gig-pig” in the background to a visionary frontman. “I’ve been a guitar-for-hire, musician by trade for 10 years and these recordings are me stepping from sideman to frontman,” he shares. “I’m grateful to be spending my days working on original music and excited to continue to grow and expand on this release. Gigging is my happy place.”
Looking ahead, Vettraino has plans for a second single next month, a new music video collaboration featuring dynamic choreography, and the highly anticipated release of his debut EP later this year. In parallel, he continues to produce new projects for emerging artists like Rosario and collaborate with rising talents such as MC Fadlan Sheikh.
With A Lie Not Alive, Michael Vettraino cements his arrival as a compelling new voice in modern music—one that invites listeners to pause, reflect, and perhaps even find a piece of themselves mirrored in his art. As he builds his sonic world one story at a time, 2025 looks set to be a transformative year for this rising star.
