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We’re very excited to be speaking today with acclaimed Singer/songwriter and producer Michael J. Woodard; greetings and salutations, Michael! Before we dive down the proverbial Q&A musical rabbit hole, how did the recent holiday season treat you and yours?
This recent holiday was amazing. It’s always so amazing to be around my family and loved ones. Hope yours was great too!
Major congratulations on the upcoming January 12 release of your debut EP MJW1! Starting at the top, what inspired this amazing premiere EP?
Well firstly I’d like to say thank you. Making this EP was just a wonderful time. I always knew that making an EP would be on the horizon, so from my very first studio session after getting signed, my goal was to create a body of work that was tailored to me and told the story I wanted to tell. I wanted a debut project that said “here I am” and “this is what I’ve been doing this past couple years.” Something that serves as in introduction and gives you access to the intricate parts of who I am as an artist.
We’re big admirers of the tune ‘Anti You’ which is off of your premiere EP MJW1! What’s the VH1-Behind the Music origin story on this unforgettable gem of a ditty?
Wow thank you guys. I am elated that you love the song. I am giving you guys a virtual hug. This song was created from one loop that a producer sent over in a folder of beats. When I heard it I just responded to it. That’s the story of just being lost in the creative process. Sometimes all you need is the feel, some good energy, a love for music and you have a song that hopefully touches the masses.
As a celebrated producer in your own right, did you undertake the producing honors on MJW1? And, if so, what are the pros to serving as your own producer?
I wish I had produced more on the project when it comes to making the beats. But what I take most pride in is being able to vocal-produce it. All of the intricate harmonies, phrasing and vocal flourishes on the songs is all me. It’s a process like no other. Being able to express yourself freely in that way, guiding myself creatively and letting music be the tool for that is something I’m so grateful for.
MJW1 is being released via Katy Perry’s label Unsub Records. What makes Unsub the perfect home for you and your music?
I’d say the freedom I’m allowed to have as an artist is why it’s a wonderful home for me. Some aren’t fortunate in that way to have creative control and I’m blessed to have It with Unsub. I’m so happy to have a label that trusts my vision and champions me to express myself in the ways I see fit.
Who inspires you musically?
Firstly, I would say God. Then I would say my biggest musical inspiration is Brandy. If you’re a Brandy fan and you listen to my music, I know that you can definitely hear the influence. Coldplay too. I love the freedom and the openness they infuse into their music. I love them. Imogen Heap is another. Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles. These are some of my biggest for sure.
With the January 12 release of your debut EP MJW1, what does your touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?
I’m ready to perform, I’m ready to move, I’m ready to be a vessel for my music and spread so much joy with my performing. Hopefully I can meet people who are impacted by my music in person. I think there’s an undeniably special element to the performance side of being an artist, and it is something I look forward to and embrace fully. I cannot wait to hit the stage.
You made huge waves when you appeared on American Idol. How did that competition ultimately affect the trajectory of your career and life?
American idol is an experience I’m so grateful for and one that I will always cherish. It really is some of the best experience you can’t pay for. It gives you an opportunity to almost live in a simulation where you experience what the music industry is like. Something I’ve been fortunate enough to embark on after show. It really is a great experience that gives you so many tools in what it takes to succeed. It’s taught me things and allowed me to gain amazing mentorship from Katy who I love and am so grateful for. And make friends I’ll never forget. It changed my life for sure.
With the impending arrival of MJW1, can fans look forward to an LP release from you in 2024?
Oh my goodness. Making my debut EP has taught me so many things and allowed me to envision where I want to go from here. I’ve already started to create some of the things I hope will be on a full-length album. It’s going to be something from my heart. This music will be astronomical, and I cannot wait for you to hear what’s coming.
In your humble opinion, what differentiates MJW1 from the Distinguished Competition on the 2024 music landscape?
Well, I want to say that I believe everyone that releases music has something special to say. I just hope that my EP allows people to heal, feel, and love on themselves more than they already do. I hope it creates an escape for people to go away from the world for a moment. I just hope everyone loves it and really feels something while listening to it. That it gives listeners a chance to know me even more through this music that me and my collaborators created.
