Chat Transcript
On Sept 27, 2009, Michael stopped by Castrocopia to answer some of our questions. You can see our thread here. Here's the full transcript:
Describe yourself in three words.
-MtnLaurel
Threetwo one...GO! (thats 3 words)
NEXT =P (im half joking...but i cant think of three words so im gonna stick with that!)
Who is the most inspirational/influential person in your life?
-Clayluver15
I dont think theres one person who has influenced me the most. Everyone is kinda equal in different ways. Like my mom always does things for me, my dad made sure i didnt mess up, my brother unintentionally showed me that music was pretty cools, and so on
What was your major at Texas A&M?
-Elg and Linda794JC
I started as a Kinesiology major, then for a minute i think it was business, then it ended up "University Studies" which is basically, you take some leadership courses, pick two "areas of emphasis" (minors) and that makes up a major. My minors were business and comm.
What is your favorite FUNNY movie?
-someday59
I dont know theres tons of funny movies. For some reason i feel like saying zoolander. But i definitely dont have a favorite! As i've mentioned before in my tweets I like movies like "Murder by death" and "SNATCH." That kind of stuff.
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to? Can you name a few bands/artists that have been standouts for you in your life?
-amberscape
The mars volta, The used, Ray Lamontagne, James Morrison, John Mayer, Gavin DeGraw, N*SYNC...
What song or band is on your iPod that you think people would be shocked to know? What was your first CD purchase and most recently purchased CD?
-oh_pook
my iPod is loaded with strange things. But Lil' Wayne shoulda been in that last post. I have probably over 100 of his songs on it any given moment. (And nsync was a joke)
Or maybe demi lovato?
Now that you've been singing for awhile, is it easier or more difficult than you expected?
-Linda794JC
Well I never expected it to be difficult...never really thought of it in terms of expecting at all =P But i think it is harder now than it used to be...because now i cant just sing, i have to sing RIGHT
Now that you've been involved with the life of a music project, which part do you find you enjoy the most: writing, production, performing, reading reactions to it online?
-Liz Lemon
Writing. It's just fun. Production is cool too because it does all the things to my song that I would like to do but cant. The writing is where its at. Anything goes! And you dont have to listen to what anybody says or what anybody else wants. You can just make whatever you want. I can write about a yellow submarine or even a black horse and a cherry tree.
Being more involved in the whole process from writing songs to performing, do you find yourself hearing songs in a different way? Meaning, are you able to just enjoy a song for what it is, or do you catch yourself breaking it down, being more critical or appreciative?
-ShouldKnowBetter
I am WAY more critical and appreciative. Mostly critical tho because the radio is insane with nonsense. For those of you radio listeners, I dare you tomorrow to listen to every word you hear, and pretend you were reading it out of a book and tell me how hilarious it is!
How did it feel when you found out your music was to debut on iTunes?!
-Aspiring
It was pretty cool. I'm just not that easily excited. But it's cool to be on iTunes! However in my head it goes something like this... "Okay now im on iTunes...now how do i get people to find me.." So I kinda skip past the excitement by accident haha
I really like your EP and feel that most of the songs could apply to many relationships/situations. Did you conscientiously write them this way? I think this is a good thing by the way- that it makes the songs more applicable and sell-able.
-cba
Eh I dont think too much about sellable at this point! But relationships are arguably the most important thing in the world...they are literally what connect us...so I guess we all can relate to it! Which I guess also makes it a good thing to write about?! I just sit down and start playin and whatever comes out is what makes the song! I dont ever start with a theme or anything. Tried that and it did not work at alllll =P
I just want to start off by saying i LOVE your EP...who played the harmonica on In Search of Tomorrow? -Clayluver15
Dave Lichens! The producer...don't quote me on this but i'm about 94% sure that he told me there was a harmonica part on shrek 3...and that he played it. So by the transitive property, Shrek played the harmonica in that song.
and thanks!
Michael, I really love your EP! My favorite is "Search For Tomorrow". I understand you wrote this song? What was your inspiration?
-Smitten
I wish I had an awesome cool story...but I don't. I met with dave about recording and he told me I should have a slow song...so I went home sat down and about 30 minutes later it was complete! It all just kinda came together really quick.
As far as inspiration I think the song itself is meant to be an inspiration...I think alot of people see it as a sad song but it's meant to be the opposite! That the end is not now, theres still time...that sort of thing.
Also it's about not giving up what you have now if you're happy thinking MAYBE there's something better. Because after all MAYBE there's not!
You indicated some time ago that Jason co-wrote "Be Yourself Tonight". Did you co-write any of the songs that are going to be appearing on his album? What is the likelihood of this happening in the future?
To that end, I really love the EP, and I'm particularly impressed with the songwriting. "In Search of Tomorrow" is my favorite. I think you wrote that one solo? It's beautifully written, Michael. I think you have a real knack for this, and I'd love to see you and Jason collaborating more in the future. Would be a winning combination.
-Singin72
I think alot of people have suggested this...but so far, we write TERRIBLY together =P Sorry to disappoint!
"Be Yourself Tonight" I had a verse written, then we met with a producer (Gerald Eaton) and he kinda came up with the chorus melody and we all hammered out some words, then i made the second verse to kinda follow the first, and Jason came up with the bridge...so it was a strange co-write in that we all kind of made a piece rather than worked together.
We just write very differently, but I think also it's because our heads are in different places...he is having to write songs for an album, whereas im just writing about whatever i want for no reason at all! It changes the rules a bit
Michael, your EP is my listening choice for an early Saturday drive. The songs are a great way to start the day. Thanks for making music that my teenager and I can enjoy together.
I'm curious about he line in "I'd Rather" ...I'd rather be a pig to the slaughter. How did you come up with that line? It seems to be an interesting choice for a romantic song.
-faith
That is an interesting line. It was the first thing that popped out and there it stayed Although I did think about it for a looooong time. But in the end I think it fit well. i dont think of that song as "romantic" I think of it more as playful and fun..."id rather hold my breath under water"...I mean of all the things you'd rather do than be without someone, thats kind of strange wording dont you think?
Pig to the slaughter is just, so out there, because its not even possible and it would be terrible if it were, but you'd rather be that than without the person. I'm terrible at explaining things haha.
It's just meant to be fun, because it's a ridiculous line. The whole song is a bit out there, like "you would be blind not to see all the sparks that were flyin from you to me, but honey thats okay, i'll admit it was a cloudy day"
How many songs have you written so far? Do you have a favorite? If so, which one?
-Elg
I have no idea how many songs ive written. But I can tell you I have a bazillion songs that are 75% finished and will probably never be finished! My favorite to perform is probably hindsight. But just a favorite for no reason is one called "love will find its way" I think. It was kinda like in search of tomorrow in the sense that it came out in like 30 minutes and I really like the result.
Do you sit down with the intention of writing music or do you stop what you're doing to write when inspiration hits you? If you do both, which results are you usually happier with?
-McLovin
I usually just start playing in general, like playing one of my songs and then i get a drink of water I suddenly have a melody stuck in my head and i go from there. I don't sit down to write, I just sit down to play and then it happens!
If you could take three months and travel around the world, what countries would you visit and why?
-sunshine
Japan and Brasil. Drifting and Jiu-jitsu, respectively. Look them up if youre confused!
Will you be touring again soon?
-AnnaNutt:
I don't know but i'll keep everyone posted!
THANKS AND BYE!! (again)
Describe yourself in three words.
-MtnLaurel
Threetwo one...GO! (thats 3 words)
NEXT =P (im half joking...but i cant think of three words so im gonna stick with that!)
Who is the most inspirational/influential person in your life?
-Clayluver15
I dont think theres one person who has influenced me the most. Everyone is kinda equal in different ways. Like my mom always does things for me, my dad made sure i didnt mess up, my brother unintentionally showed me that music was pretty cools, and so on
What was your major at Texas A&M?
-Elg and Linda794JC
I started as a Kinesiology major, then for a minute i think it was business, then it ended up "University Studies" which is basically, you take some leadership courses, pick two "areas of emphasis" (minors) and that makes up a major. My minors were business and comm.
What is your favorite FUNNY movie?
-someday59
I dont know theres tons of funny movies. For some reason i feel like saying zoolander. But i definitely dont have a favorite! As i've mentioned before in my tweets I like movies like "Murder by death" and "SNATCH." That kind of stuff.
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to? Can you name a few bands/artists that have been standouts for you in your life?
-amberscape
The mars volta, The used, Ray Lamontagne, James Morrison, John Mayer, Gavin DeGraw, N*SYNC...
What song or band is on your iPod that you think people would be shocked to know? What was your first CD purchase and most recently purchased CD?
-oh_pook
my iPod is loaded with strange things. But Lil' Wayne shoulda been in that last post. I have probably over 100 of his songs on it any given moment. (And nsync was a joke)
Or maybe demi lovato?
Now that you've been singing for awhile, is it easier or more difficult than you expected?
-Linda794JC
Well I never expected it to be difficult...never really thought of it in terms of expecting at all =P But i think it is harder now than it used to be...because now i cant just sing, i have to sing RIGHT
Now that you've been involved with the life of a music project, which part do you find you enjoy the most: writing, production, performing, reading reactions to it online?
-Liz Lemon
Writing. It's just fun. Production is cool too because it does all the things to my song that I would like to do but cant. The writing is where its at. Anything goes! And you dont have to listen to what anybody says or what anybody else wants. You can just make whatever you want. I can write about a yellow submarine or even a black horse and a cherry tree.
Being more involved in the whole process from writing songs to performing, do you find yourself hearing songs in a different way? Meaning, are you able to just enjoy a song for what it is, or do you catch yourself breaking it down, being more critical or appreciative?
-ShouldKnowBetter
I am WAY more critical and appreciative. Mostly critical tho because the radio is insane with nonsense. For those of you radio listeners, I dare you tomorrow to listen to every word you hear, and pretend you were reading it out of a book and tell me how hilarious it is!
How did it feel when you found out your music was to debut on iTunes?!
-Aspiring
It was pretty cool. I'm just not that easily excited. But it's cool to be on iTunes! However in my head it goes something like this... "Okay now im on iTunes...now how do i get people to find me.." So I kinda skip past the excitement by accident haha
I really like your EP and feel that most of the songs could apply to many relationships/situations. Did you conscientiously write them this way? I think this is a good thing by the way- that it makes the songs more applicable and sell-able.
-cba
Eh I dont think too much about sellable at this point! But relationships are arguably the most important thing in the world...they are literally what connect us...so I guess we all can relate to it! Which I guess also makes it a good thing to write about?! I just sit down and start playin and whatever comes out is what makes the song! I dont ever start with a theme or anything. Tried that and it did not work at alllll =P
I just want to start off by saying i LOVE your EP...who played the harmonica on In Search of Tomorrow? -Clayluver15
Dave Lichens! The producer...don't quote me on this but i'm about 94% sure that he told me there was a harmonica part on shrek 3...and that he played it. So by the transitive property, Shrek played the harmonica in that song.
and thanks!
Michael, I really love your EP! My favorite is "Search For Tomorrow". I understand you wrote this song? What was your inspiration?
-Smitten
I wish I had an awesome cool story...but I don't. I met with dave about recording and he told me I should have a slow song...so I went home sat down and about 30 minutes later it was complete! It all just kinda came together really quick.
As far as inspiration I think the song itself is meant to be an inspiration...I think alot of people see it as a sad song but it's meant to be the opposite! That the end is not now, theres still time...that sort of thing.
Also it's about not giving up what you have now if you're happy thinking MAYBE there's something better. Because after all MAYBE there's not!
You indicated some time ago that Jason co-wrote "Be Yourself Tonight". Did you co-write any of the songs that are going to be appearing on his album? What is the likelihood of this happening in the future?
To that end, I really love the EP, and I'm particularly impressed with the songwriting. "In Search of Tomorrow" is my favorite. I think you wrote that one solo? It's beautifully written, Michael. I think you have a real knack for this, and I'd love to see you and Jason collaborating more in the future. Would be a winning combination.
-Singin72
I think alot of people have suggested this...but so far, we write TERRIBLY together =P Sorry to disappoint!
"Be Yourself Tonight" I had a verse written, then we met with a producer (Gerald Eaton) and he kinda came up with the chorus melody and we all hammered out some words, then i made the second verse to kinda follow the first, and Jason came up with the bridge...so it was a strange co-write in that we all kind of made a piece rather than worked together.
We just write very differently, but I think also it's because our heads are in different places...he is having to write songs for an album, whereas im just writing about whatever i want for no reason at all! It changes the rules a bit
Michael, your EP is my listening choice for an early Saturday drive. The songs are a great way to start the day. Thanks for making music that my teenager and I can enjoy together.
I'm curious about he line in "I'd Rather" ...I'd rather be a pig to the slaughter. How did you come up with that line? It seems to be an interesting choice for a romantic song.
-faith
That is an interesting line. It was the first thing that popped out and there it stayed Although I did think about it for a looooong time. But in the end I think it fit well. i dont think of that song as "romantic" I think of it more as playful and fun..."id rather hold my breath under water"...I mean of all the things you'd rather do than be without someone, thats kind of strange wording dont you think?
Pig to the slaughter is just, so out there, because its not even possible and it would be terrible if it were, but you'd rather be that than without the person. I'm terrible at explaining things haha.
It's just meant to be fun, because it's a ridiculous line. The whole song is a bit out there, like "you would be blind not to see all the sparks that were flyin from you to me, but honey thats okay, i'll admit it was a cloudy day"
How many songs have you written so far? Do you have a favorite? If so, which one?
-Elg
I have no idea how many songs ive written. But I can tell you I have a bazillion songs that are 75% finished and will probably never be finished! My favorite to perform is probably hindsight. But just a favorite for no reason is one called "love will find its way" I think. It was kinda like in search of tomorrow in the sense that it came out in like 30 minutes and I really like the result.
Do you sit down with the intention of writing music or do you stop what you're doing to write when inspiration hits you? If you do both, which results are you usually happier with?
-McLovin
I usually just start playing in general, like playing one of my songs and then i get a drink of water I suddenly have a melody stuck in my head and i go from there. I don't sit down to write, I just sit down to play and then it happens!
If you could take three months and travel around the world, what countries would you visit and why?
-sunshine
Japan and Brasil. Drifting and Jiu-jitsu, respectively. Look them up if youre confused!
Will you be touring again soon?
-AnnaNutt:
I don't know but i'll keep everyone posted!
THANKS AND BYE!! (again)
