War On Sleep live

Press Kit

War On Sleep — Atlanta, GA

Band Overview

War on Sleep is the latest project from seasoned songwriter Eric Michaels, known for his genre-defying work with acclaimed bands Paper Thick Walls and SAYERS. War on Sleep blends indie rock and folk into a sound that reflects decades of writing, performing, and recording experience. The band delivers emotionally charged, lyrically rich songs, resonating with listeners on themes of resilience, hope, and empowerment.

New Release: "Cool Summer"

Cool Summer is the debut EP from Atlanta-based indie rock band War on Sleep. Across three songs (Gold Child, Some Men, and Cool Summer), the record blends raw honesty with atmospheric arrangements, pulling from influences like The National, Wilco, and Snow Patrol.

Written by songwriter Eric Michaels and brought to life with guitarist Jacques Rene Hebert, drummer Ross Harrell, and bassist Kevin Becker, the EP moves between intimate reflection and expansive soundscapes. Gold Child leans into a haunting, folk-inspired warmth, Some Men explores the tension of leaving behind reckless youth for the responsibilities of fatherhood, and Cool Summer captures late-night nostalgia with driving guitars and layered harmonies.

The result is a concise but powerful introduction, a collection that feels both familiar and urgent, positioning War on Sleep as a new voice in indie rock with stories worth leaning into.

Release Date: 7/18/25

Praise for Cool Summer EP

"Real emotional power"

— Various Small Flames

"Hits on some of the earlier Wilco stuff, particularly when they were in that post-Tupelo stage."

— Austin Town Hall

"A soundtrack to the good times with handclaps added to confirm that for four minutes at least everything is going to feel right."

— mp3hugger

"Passionate vocal performance"

— Tonic Grain

"Really stands out"

— Off The Label

"Cool relaxed energy"

— Tony's Playlists

"Wild guitar solo"

— buffaBlog

Past Projects Highlights

Paper Thick Walls

  • Toured 50+ cities in the US and Canada
  • Shared stages with The Lumineers, Drive By Truckers, Company of Thieves
  • Debut Album: A Thousand Novels
  • Featured on "Best of 2011" lists
  • Radio support from WXRT
  • Festival appearances at NXNE, CMJ, and Summer Fest
  • Featured in the full-length film We Grew Up Here, with soundtrack contributions by Eric Michaels

"A sweet miss-mash of influences from Wilco to Sufjan Stevens, with a bit of Cursive's dramatics and a dash of the boldness found in bands such as Broken Social Scene and Arcade Fire."

— Loud Loop Press

"No one does folk quite like Paper Thick Walls."

— Midwest Action

"A Thousand Novels is filled with hauntingly beautiful storytelling and orchestral arrangements that will stay with you long after listening."

— Chicago Music Blog

SAYERS

  • Gained attention with the debut EP Diogenes Club
  • Supported by Chicago's WXRT and performed at iconic venues like Schuba's Tavern and Hideout Inn
  • Single "The Arsonist" featured on WXRT's Local Anesthetic

"A damn fine indie rock band with a knack for combining bombastic vocals, pounding rhythms, and unforgettable melodies."

— Midwest Action

"SAYERS' debut EP, Diogenes Club, is a thrilling listen, expertly produced by Rob Bochnick of Glen Hansard's band."

— Chicago Sound Check

Sync Placements & Media

  • Featured in the film We Grew Up Here
  • Multiple radio appearances on WXRT
  • Over 150 positive reviews for A Thousand Novels

Awards & Recognition

  • "Best of 2011" album lists
  • Top 5 emerging artists — The Deli Chicago & Chicago Magazine
  • Festivals: NXNE, CMJ, MidPoint, Summer Fest

Press Photos

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Contact & Booking

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