Michael Sean D'Arcy Murphy (born 4 September 1986) is a New Zealand singer. He was runner-up of New Zealand Idol (NZ Idol) in 2004, behind Ben Lummis, who became his friend over the course of the contest.
After NZ Idol, Michael Murphy had signed to BMG records. Murphy's first single debuted at No. 1 and stayed a while at the top of radio charts. He gained a gold status for No Place to Land, his debut album. He then toured New Zealand, singing to sold-out audiences. With 5star Fallout, Michael toured New Zealand, the U.S. and English pubs. He is now the lead singer of New Zealand Rock Band Written By Wolves.
5star Fallout In 2006, Murphy joined his four former Deadset bandmates to form the band 5star Fallout, with him as the lead singer.
Rent Murphy appeared in the Theatre Company's production of RENT at the civic theatre in Auckland."The show" . RentAuckland.co.nz.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park Murphy performed in the 2010 Christmas in the Park concert in Christchurch on 27 November and in Auckland on 11 December 2010, as one of three years performing the Christmas concerts.
Written by Wolves In late 2014, Murphy formed his current band, Written By Wolves.
On 8 November 2019, they released their debut album, Secrets. This was later followed by an EP, The Collab Project // Secrets, on 17 September 2021, comprising five reimagined songs from the prior album. These songs feature guest vocals from Kellin Quinn, Sonny Sandoval, Sydney Rae White, Trenton Woodley, and Becks.
Their second album, The Lighthouse, released on 26th Jule 2024.
Discography With 5star Fallout Studio Albums Say Goodnight (2008)
With Written by Wolves Studio Albums Secrets (2019) The Lighthouse (2024)
Compilation Albums The Archives (2025)
Extended Plays The Secret Sessions (2016) To Tell You The Truth / Starlight (2017) Prologue (2019) The Collab Project // Secrets (2021) Altar (2023) Goddess (2023) Burn (2023) The Secret Sessions Volume II (2025)
Singles Year Song Album 2015 "Not Afraid to Die" The Archives "Explode" "Elastic Heart" (Sia cover) "Pretty Lies" 2016 "Lights" "Genius" 2017 "Timebombs & Hurricanes" Prologue "To Tell You The Truth" The Archives "Starlight" Prologue "Apathy (Is A Hell Of A Drug)" 2018 "Follow Me" The Archives "Ripple" "Oxygen" Prologue 2019 "Tell Me What You're Running From?" Secrets "Secrets" "As Long As It Takes" 2020 "Demons" "Let It Burn" (Acoustic Version) "Any Second" The Archives "Oh No" 2021 "Help Me Through The Night" (featuring Kellin Quinn) The Collab Project // Secrets "Better Luck Next Time" (featuring Trenton Woodley of Hands Like Houses) "Forever & Always" (featuring Becks) "Papercut" (Linkin Park cover) The Archives 2023 "Give 'Em Hell" The Lighthouse "Misery" "Take Me Home" "Altar" "Goddess" "Burn" 2024 "Please, Just Breath" 2025 "Please, Just Breath" (The Secret Sessions Version) The Secret Sessions Volume II "Misery" (The Secret Sessions Version) 2026 "End of Beginning" (Djo cover)
Solo career Albums YearTitleLabelChartedCountry2004Homegrownwith the NZ Idol 2004 finalists #3 (Gold) New Zealand2004No Place to Land BMG New Zealand #22 (Gold)2007Say GoodnightCharta Records Limited
Singles YearSingleAlbumChartedCertification2004"Yesterday Was Just The Beginning of My Life"with the finalists of NZ Idol.Homegrown #4 (NZ) Gold (NZ)"So Damn Beautiful"No Place to Land #1 (NZ) Gold2005"Music Without A Song" Did Not Chart -"How Good Does It Feel?"
References "Michael Murphy (NZ Idol) – Songs", LetsSingIt.com, webpage: LSmm. "Michael Murphy – Performers – Coca Cola Christmas in the Park" TV3.co.nz, 2013, webpage: TV3-969.
External links IdolBlog – for upcoming Michael appearances, news and photos [2012 Blanket Man tribute song created by Leon Mitchell, sung by Michael Murphy, recorded and released by ZM radio https://web.archive.org/web/20120122091733/http://www.zmonline.com/player/ondemand/blanketman-song]