Michael Cavallo
Album of the Year
The Musician: Manic Drive
Born on May 14, 1986, Michael Cavallo's early life saw him pursue college hockey before an
injury redirected his passion towards music. Alongside his brother Shawn Cavallo, he co-
founded Manic Drive in 2004, following the disbandment of their previous family band, One
Cross. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Manic Drive quickly carved a niche in the
Christian rock scene, evolving to incorporate elements of alternative rock and dance-rock.
As a guitarist, Michael was instrumental in shaping Manic Drive's sound, contributing to a
discography that includes acclaimed albums such as Reason for Motion (2005), Reset & Rewind
(2007), Blue (2009), Epic (2011), VIP (2014), Into the Wild (2017), Vol. 1 (2020), and Vol. 2 (2023).
As a Juno Award winner, Michael reached the absolute pinnacle of the Canadian music
industry in 2015. His band, Manic Drive, took home the Juno for Christian/Gospel Album of the
Year for their hit record VIP. To put this in perspective for American fans, the Juno Awards are
the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys—the highest possible honor a musician can receive in
the country. This prestigious win solidified Michael's place as a leading figure in Canadian
music, following years of dedication and multiple Covenant Awards from the Gospel Music
Association of Canada. Their chart-topping singles, including "VIP," "Halo," and "Walls,"
further cemented their legacy on the Billboard charts.
The Designer: Cavallo & Co
Michael's extensive touring across the United States, particularly through vibrant cultural hubs
like Nashville, San Antonio, and New Orleans, ignited a new creative spark. He became
captivated by the fusion of Southern and Wild Western aesthetics with an edgy rock and roll
style, observing how artists expressed their identities through unique fashion, especially hats
[2]. This inspiration led to the birth of Cavallo & Co, his personal brand dedicated to custom,
handcrafted designs.
Cavallo & Co specializes in a range of bespoke items that embody a rugged yet refined
sensibility:
Hats: Each hat is a unique work of art, meticulously formed by hand using high-quality
felt, shaped with steam, iron, and fire. Known for their "funky, rugged, and wildly designed"
character, they often feature intricate hand-drawn detailing, personalized engravings, and
carefully selected trinkets, ensuring no two pieces tell the same story [2].
Boots: Michael has also ventured into custom footwear, conceptualizing unique shoe
and boot designs, such as the "CAVALLO" custom shoes, which are handcrafted in Italy and
feature luxurious details like heel belt high tops [3].
Jewelry: In collaboration with Atelier Fontaines, Cavallo & Co offers custom silver
jewelry, including rings, pendants, and bracelets. These pieces often draw on themes of
swords and roses, reflecting an edgy and artistic design philosophy.
Cavallo & Co is a philosophy that aims to "reflect the story of the wearer."
Michael believes each customized piece should be an extension of the individual's journey, a
tangible expression of their personal style and narrative. His work has not gone unnoticed,
with Cavallo & Co being featured at London Fashion Week SS25 and receiving praise from Vogue
Business for its "refreshing take on the humble hat".
From the stage to the design studio, Michael Cavallo continues to explore and express his artistic
vision, creating pieces that resonate with authenticity and a distinctive rock and roll spirit.