Words By Joey Rochert.
Hello, Michael, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Here And Now’, what is the meaning?
The single came to me at the moment I realised I was not living my life consciously: I was simply living another life, according to all the rules, in which I did not understand the full meaning of my existence. Everything was a bit standardised.
It was a moment of ‘rupture’ between past and present, perceived when I became aware that I was living someone else’s life only to please today’s society. Here and now marks the beginning of a more conscious life: it is a constant dialogue in which I speak to the old Michael and the new me, in which the old thinking of the past speaks to the spiritual present.
Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?
Definitely The Lumineers! After releasing my EP, during Lockdown, I worked hard to shape my own definitive sound identity and they have been my main source of inspiration. With Stevepad, my producer, we meticulously studied every one of their songs from the sounds to the lyrics; it was through them that we came up with the idea and story for the new album.
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022?
Definitely having the opportunity to relate closely with your fans. Social media can sometimes be very dangerous if we overuse them, they can really distort your reality! But if we used them sparingly they are that direct connection with the people who support us. To have that direct contact with them, to hear that one of your songs helped them out of a sad time, giving them a smile or an emotion, that’s priceless. At the end of the day, they are the fuel that drives us to be music.
Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?
I don’t actually have a specific place, I learned that you never know when an idea might hit you. Many have come to me while I was cooking and others while I was walking.
For example, the idea for Here and Now came to me while I was on a plane. I assure you that my cell phone is the one that has saved me many times. Before I forget, I immediately mark it in my notes or record an idea on the fly. Today I have more than 1,300 notes, definitely a lot of material for the next two or three more records.
Photo Credit: Michael Lukes.