Interviews
Published on August 27, 2022 |
by MuzikScribe
Let’s jump right into that latest single, “7 Hours,” featuring Bounty Killer – Tell me about that track in particular; how did this materialize?
When I went to the studio and heard the riddim, the first time I heard it, I knew I wanted Bounty to listen to it. There was a bit of a smooth dancehall flow.
Of course, “7 O’Clock” comes courtesy of your yet-to-be-released new EP – what can you reveal and/or divulge about said upcoming body of work?
New sounds and hard work are what everyone should expect. I try not to lock myself into a certain genre of music. To be an artist in general is to explore and create new and different sounds. My EP will describe exactly that.
How does this new material differ and/or compare to previous Michael Star efforts?
It kind of differs from the concept and the lyrics. “7 Hours” also shows more maturity in my songwriting skills.
As a songwriter, when you sit down to write your lyrics, where do you get your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from many things, but the essential comes from the world. The world is a book of many life experiences and lessons that allows me to create and relate to such events.
Thinking about it, tell me all about your beginnings in music – When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all start for Michael Star?
When I was 11 or 12, I wanted to become an artist after doing musicals and plays and so on. I was an actor in a musical for 6 years. This experience shaped me to become a better performer, dancer and singer.
Now, you’re from New York, aren’t you? So, growing up in “The Empire State”, who do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Yes, I was born in New York, but I grew up in Atlanta. Some of my big influences came from the Jamaican dance culture in Atlanta from a young age. However, my musical influences were Michael Jackson, James Brown, Chris Brown, Beres Hammond, Bounty Killer, (dad) Mikey Spice and many more.
Now, because of who your father is, has music always been the professional direction you always planned to go?
No, the music was not. I always wanted to entertain from a young age, but never knew which way to go. Being involved in a musical actually allowed me to explore my other talents, which are dance and acting.
That said, how do you classify your sound and/or style in general?
My overall style is uplifting for sure. I’ve always loved making fun and uplifting music. I like to dance a lot, so I often incorporate fun and upbeat sounds into my music.
Shift here…
Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
Consistency!! And practice! The musical journey can get depressing and insensitive at times, but if you stay true to your beliefs and your love for music… being consistent comes naturally.
What do you want people to take away from your music?
To feel it in their soul and enjoy good music… also, to uplift their spirit and mood.
More seriously, are you satisfied with the current state of the music?
Yes, I see a lot of people trying out new sounds; it’s pretty cool to see. The important thing is not to get lost.
Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I love acting and dancing too, which isn’t too far off from the musical side…but I love doing those art forms as well.
To date, what have been your greatest career moments, at least so far?
Perform in front of large crowds. I opened for Beres Hammond, and at that time the crowd was around 1,000 or more. It was an intense but uplifting feeling to see how receptive the crowd was to my music.
What does an average day look like for you?
An average day for me consists of recording music or playing drums. I’m always in my home studio, either creating, producing music with other independent artists or writing songs. It’s never a dull day for me.
Please discuss and respond to how you interact with fans…
I respond by showing love and thanking them for always supporting me. I will also repost some of my fan comments or feature them on my Instagram page.
What’s your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And why?
My favorite part is the performance. Perhaps my least favorite is traveling, long car journeys or flights, which can have adverse effects on the body and sometimes make me tired.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Keep working hard and practicing, never give up on your dreams and aspirations. Stay humble and always remember that Rome was not built in a day.
Finally, what’s next for you, Michael?
More great music, more visuals to watch and more projects to come. Definitely more collaborations too, and more performances at events and festivals.
Is there anything I left out or just forgot to mention?
Yes! My new single, “7 o’clock” featuring Bounty Killer is out now, available on all digital platforms!
One or more “closing” thoughts for our readers?
Thank you for this great interview! Please continue to support our independent artists and remember to keep God first!
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