Bio

My name is Tramp. I am based in Henderson, Kentucky where I write and record in my home studio which is called Tramp Camp. Tramp Camp is also an independent music publishing company and record label. I release boutique indie music as Tramp and write music for film/television.

I got the nickname, “Tramp” in Tucker, GA, just outside Atlanta during the early 1980’s. I had dropped out of high school, runaway from home and the owner of a biker bar called The Alibi took me in. The club had a house band called The Renegades and he was also the lead singer of the band which played 4 nights a week. Our arrangement was that I could live there on the down low (I was 17) for free as long as I played fiddle each night as a member of the band. The bikers gave me the nickname because I hitchhiked or walked everywhere.

My given name is Michael Halpin Lawing. Halpin is the surname of my family members on my mother’s side who came from Ireland to New York and Lawing is from my Father’s people who came earlier in the mid 1700’s to North Carolina.

I DO play out as Tramp and put together a 3-piece band in 2023 for special occasions or good money but I don’t play out much because I work as a Stage Manager/Tech and Audio Crew Member for The Eric Group, based out of Owensboro, KY. They manage the Beaver Dam Ampitheater, Castle Knoll Ampitheater, Friday After Five and Summerfest to name a few. They keep me hooked up May – October doing production at everything from high school graduations to sold out rock concerts. They are also great friends to me and give me space to make a little music on the side. If you’re in KY, IN or TN go get on their email list at https://theericgroup.com/home Come see a show! And say hey.

And if you want to book a “Tramp” set November through April give ME a call. I am 100% indie! Just me and a lawyer. I am looking for live dates beginning in November, 2024 especially in Canada, Scandinavia, North Carolina and Florida.

I have had major label record deals, played The Opry multiple times, worked as support act for giant tours, toured in 9 different countries, been divorced twice, filed bankruptcy once, had a little jail, helped to grow ROMP, worked 12 years underground in a coal mine have 3 children and no pets. I don’t drink and I don’t keep a girlfriend.

I am AFM 257.

Sync Placements

Film: Pure Country, Angie

TV: Dodge Trucks, Honey Boo Boo, Amazing Race, Auction Kings, Toddlers and Tierras. My email for licensing is tramp@trampcamp.net.

Record Deals

Walk the West (Capitol Records), The Cactus Brothers (Liberty/Capitol Nashville), and Bonepony (Capitol Records/Super Duper Recordings)

Music Publishing

I was a signed writer for Almo/Irving and Rondor Music. Universal Music Publishing Group now owns my pre – 1997 catalog. I own all my publishing at Tramp Camp from 1997 on.

Sideman/Sessions

The Kendalls, Lucinda Williams, Hank Jr., Kevn Kinney, Hayseed, Tall Paul, Richard Julian, Tim Easton, The Shakers, Michael Gough, Dee Rock, Ken DeMith, Steve Boyd, Bryan Ward, Gypsy Lifter, Chris Massey Band, Deana Carter, Blue Swamp, Richard Price

I specialize in rootsy, bluesy, Old Time, Country, Folk, Blues or Electric – Psychedelic styles. I use Pro Tools.

I hope you’ll check out my previous stuff here on my Discography and consider me for whatever you need!

And if you took the trouble to read all this, you might as well put your email into my opt-in email list (below)!

I just love to write and play. Call me for whatever.
(270) 313-9197

Peace & Hemp,
Tramp