Today we speak to singer-songwriter Michael Webster who shares his variety of musical inspiration and his work running a production company.
Artist’s Name: Michael Webster
Genre: Alternative rock
Founded: March 2016
Originated From: Manchester, UK
Discography: A Northern Perspective (EP), Paper Dreams (EP), Live At Spirit Studios (EP),
Left To Speak/Unacquainted Strangers (Single), Linger, Still/Single Malt (Single), Ibis Hotel/Collision Course (Single), Waves/Complainin (Single), Mancuria/Ans (Single) & Ground Zero/Youth Decay (Single)
How would you describe your music?
I often self-coin my music as “folk-grunge”, a mixture of my influences from old-school folk songwriters like Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Nick Drake, but with inspiration from 90s alternatives like Nirvana and Built To Spill. There are a lot of different creative inspirations throughout my music but they’re the main ones!
What is your musical creative process like?
I’m often able to get myself in a position where the songs flow out of me. Once I’ve got into the right mindset for it, I can get chord progressions pretty easily and most of my songs are based on my own personal experiences so they’re often easily put down!
How did you start out as a musician?
I started doing music back in 2012 as a side thing to just explore it. After writing some songs I went down to local open mics and played – never looked back!
Who influenced you within the music industry?
I think that the main influences are artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Charli XCX, Mac Miller – all artists who are doing their own thing and keeping true to themselves. I think that’s a really important aspect of being a musician.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
I play most days – I host events and open mics and it’s a joy to play them and always a good laugh. I think my favourite one recently was easily my EP launch – a load of friends came down and it was a fantastic way to see in the new release!
What is the best thing about being a musician?
For me, it’s the community around the music scene. It’s a really accepting and supportive area, which can be really hard to find but we’ve got a fantastic group around us that are all super talented and support one another – brilliant to see!
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician?
I think for myself it’s often balancing that line between being yourself as an artist, or to just play a bunch of covers or whatever and make money from it – it’s a really difficult area as you’ve got to pay the bills but you also need to stay true to yourself.
What plans have you got coming up this year?
I’ve been working on a bunch of releases as a producer – we’ve got loads coming up through my label Bread Records and I’m super proud of them all! Plus, I’ve got another music video hopefully coming out, and then potentially even more music – it’s going to be great.
What is your ultimate dream as a musician?
I’m actually very content how I am at the moment – I get to play music every day, listen to fantastic artists doing their thing and work on new music producing.. it’s great. I reckon that ideally I’ll have my own studio and a bit more freedom, but it’s all part of the journey.
You can find ut more about Michael Webster by visiting his website and following him on Instagram.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
Also, check out my other Music Interview roundups from 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022.
