It is the new year which only means one thing, it is time to celebrate acts that you should be keeping an eye on this year! Today we speak to musician Michael Webster who had an exciting 2023 and is set to have an even bigger 2024…

Hello tell us all about your band?

My name is Michael Webster, I’m a singer-songwriter based in Manchester performing across the North West!

How was 2023 for your band – what were the highlights?

I’ve been working on a bunch of other releases, primarily on the new album from Anyone’s Ghost, which I produced and perform in the band for! Alongside this, I’ve been putting on gigs and events across the city each week in the city.

What was the top 3 highlights for you?

I think that the festival for my birthday was top, where we had a bunch of artists signed to my label perform, and then the headline show at Band On The Wall for the release of the Anyone’s Ghost album, and probably just being able to perform week in week out at the open mics and events that I host!

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

Not to rush things! It’s better to get it all done properly than try and force music out.

How did you get into music? 

I’ve played guitar all my life, from a young age – but properly started in 2012 when I lived in Scotland!

What are your plans for the band in 2024?

I’m hoping to get a bunch of gigs under the belt, and hopefully release a bunch of these new songs I’ve got in the works!

What other bands and musicians are you looking forward to seeing perform this year?

I’ve got a fantastic range of artists booked in for the events that I’m putting on, which you can find here, and then I’ve got tickets for Ashnikko in December and a few others too!

 What styles do you hope to see more of in music this year?

Anything really! I love all styles and genres of music and love to hear new things, that are creative and innovative. 

What band is your ones to watch in 2024 and why?

One band I’ve caught a bunch this year is Sugarstone – they’re a Manchester based electro punk style band and their stage presence is second to none. They’re gonna go places for sure!

Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?

I think really it’s just to be more productive, get on with it all and make sure I’m motivated to do it all!

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about you?

You can find me at: SPOTIFY – APPLE MUSIC – BANDCAMP – YOUTUBE

FACEBOOK – INSTAGRAM – TWITTER – TIKTOK

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

Northern, angsty and punky!

QUICK FIRE ROUND

The movie or television show you are looking forward to seeing this year?

Ahsoka! It’s been fantastic so far and I can’t wait to catch the last few episodes.

Your favourite book?

Wuthering Heights. A classic!

If you could paint anything what would you paint? 

I’m not 100% sure, maybe a landscape or something hahaha.

What is the most delightful word you can think of?

Effervescent. It’s a lovely word!

Favourite album?

This depends, but my first idea is To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar!

Where would you love to go on holiday this year?

Maybe somewhere like the Mediterranean? I’m not sure!

What is your favourite quote from a television show?

Mewtwo in Pokemon the First Movie: “I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.”

Who is your favourite film character and why?

Obi Wan Kenobi.. Just a fantastic character.