18 year old Michael Murphy was the vocalist of the Taupo band Deadset prior to being placed second in NZ Idol 2004 and signing a deal with BMG.
He released his first single 'So Damn Beautiful' in late 2004, which was soon followed by his debut album 'No Place To Land'.
Michael Murphy first debuted in the Official New Zealand Top 40 Singles on 13 September 2004 with the song So Damn Beautiful. There are two entries by Michael Murphy in the charts with one reaching Number One.