Answering your Questions
Well well well, how are we in May!??!
Summer is fast approaching and my album is OUT NOW!! I’m still so excited to have a solo album out that it’s taking another blog slot!
Some of my amazing Patreons have asked me some questions post album release so I plan on answering them in this blog.
How do you feel now the album is out?
I’m so excited that the world gets to hear my songs that I’ve been working on for months and everyday I get a message about a song or a lyric and that makes me smile so much!
Are you excited to bring the songs to life live? Every time I listen to the album I hear new sounds each time…
Yes I cannot wait to sing the songs live. My album launch is May 3rd in Birmingham which is so exciting - I just hope I do all the songs justice. There are things you gain and lose when going from album to live. You gain the live audience and the instant reaction and the audience gains the emotion there in the room. However, you do lose the ability to sing the songs more than once to allow the opportunity to perfect any lines. Although sometimes it’s better to only have one chance to sing it as I would stay in the recording studio far too long going over the same bits to try and make them ‘perfect’! Is there anything that has surprised you since releasing the album? I’ve noticed ‘Creep’ is a fan favourite and it was the last song decided to be put on the album. I heard my cast mate Tom sing it everyday in panto and I wished I was singing that song in the show so I thought I’d trial it for the album and here we are!! I actually ended up singing Creep in one take for the album as I really wanted to get the emotion across from singing the full song in one go which allowed me to really feel the full flow of the song. I hope that comes across.
What’s the business aspect like promoting the album yourself?
It’s very tough to take on multiple responsibilities within the album but it is very rewarding to know how much time and effort you’ve put into it. It makes me appreciate how many people Collabro had to make the organisation work and like any company, you need a good team around you. It is a lot to do by myself but I like the personal touch I can give and also coming from a finance background that has helped.
What’s it like singing songs on your own compared to singing in a group?
There are pros and cons like with most things. I do really love singing the full song on my own as I feel I get to have the full journey with the meaning of the song which I sometimes feel I don’t get in the group but in the group you get the gorgeous harmonies and you feel big moments together when you’re all in sync and there’s nothing quite like it!
How did you decide which picture to use for the cover as you’re normally so smiley?!
I think I wanted to go for something quite classic for the cover shot. I actually did a vote for my patreons and the cover shot we’ve got was the highest voted shot. I also think there’s something mystical about it that draws you in. Maybe if I do another album I could smile on that!
How have your family and friends reacted to the album?
My family and friends have always been so supportive of me performing with Collabro and that has continued now with my solo gigs and now the album! My friends message saying ‘just listened to your album on the way to work’ or ‘just played my album for the office’ and that makes me smile as I just want the whole world to hear it!
Make sure you get your copy now and I hope you’ve enjoyed this months blog!
Love Michael :) x