Welcome to the feature where we talk to musicians about some of their favourite things about the industry. Today we speak to Michael Webster about favourite things in the music industry. Click here to listen to Michael’s latest music including Left To Speak and Unacquainted Strangers.

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What is your Favourite:

Song you have written 

Probably my song “single malt” – it holds a lot of meaning to me, and was one of those songs that just flowed out all at once!

Lyric

Initially I would have said “give a man a mask, and he’ll show you his true face” until I realised that it was actually a quote from Oscar Wilde hahaha. Nowadays probably it’s one from one of my newer songs – “it didn’t take me too long to decide, whether rock bottom was the descent or the decline”

Musician

I think I’d have to say Courtney Barnett. Her songwriting ability and unique style had a real huge influence on my style over the past few years and gave me the knowledge that I could create my own unique performance style.

Film or television show

I’m a sucker for Star Wars films, I’ve watched nearly everything that’s come out and keep up to date with all the new stuff!

Venue to perform at

I played at Gullivers here in Manchester last year and it was class. A lovely venue with such a rich history of music within it!

Item to take with you on tour

Sounds a bit ridiculous but probably a notepad. Always having ideas of songs, chord progressions and it’s the best way for me to keep track of it all!

Instrument

I’m initially a guitarist, so probably that haha. I play bass and piano as well though, and I really enjoy them too!

Song to play live

I think my song “waterlines”. It’s energetic, angsty and loud. Great to pull out to open up a set!

Album by another musician

There’s so many, but one that always makes my top 5 is Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly. It’s beautifully crafted and touches on so many topics throughout.

Memory of tour

When I was playing with my old band we had a bunch of shows across the North and I can’t get over the singers’ reaction to the venue having cheeky vimto on offer for like a quid. Safe to say it wasn’t a sober night!

Era for music

Probably the modern era! There’s so much incredible music coming out of so many varieties and it’s so much easier nowadays to find it all with online streaming and that, if you know where to look. There’s a whole bunch of people doing such unique stuff and making groundbreaking music.

Part of making a record

I think it’s definitely production. I produce all my own stuff and seeing the record come together with so many different elements and shaping the sound is really satisfying for me.

Thing about performing at festivals

Meeting other bands and enjoying the tunes.

Quote

“I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth is irrelevent, it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” It’s a quote from Pokemon of all things, I heard it when I was proper young but it made a huge impact on me haha.

Thing about the music industry at the moment

The community and support that people give each other. It’s inspirational and motivates me to keep going!

Thing about 2022?

I cover a lot of local music and upcoming artists through reviews on my website – definitely the amount of incredible releases coming out recently! 

If you are in a band and want to feature get in contact by emailing us at phoenixremixcomedy@gmail.com