Interview With Singer-Songwriter Michael Webster

Photo courtesy of David Barden Media.

How would you describe your music to any person who may have never heard it before?

M: I usually describe my music as alternative-folk, a little bit country, a little bit grungey. Often very Northern!

What are your musical influences?

M: My influences come from across the board really, predominantly folksingers like Neil Young and Bob Dylan, but also more modern alternative artists like Nirvana, Built To Spill, or Pavement - and even from like hip-hop and rappers like Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar. I listen to a massive variety of music and it all influences my craft!

What are your musical inspirations?

M: Most of my music is written around my perspectives and experiences, that which I see around me and what I think about. There’s a lot of political and social commentary in my work - it’s the way I come to terms with all of it!

If given the chance, what musician(s) would you like to collaborate with? Rather this is to either write a song or be featured on a track.

M: I’d love to work with an artist like Courtney Barnett or Phoebe Bridgers - their musical talent is astounding, and they seem to be committed to the art of making music. I think that I’d rather co-write a song than be a feature though!

What's the EP about?

M: My latest EP “a northern perspective” is a collection of seven songs that portray my experiences and outlooks upon living life in modern Britain as a 20-something. It’s a range of songs, varying from grunge to country to folk, flowing through the tracklist like the change of modern life.

What's something you hope people take away from the new songs on the album?

M: The most important thing to me is when someone is inspired by my music. That’s the best compliment you can ever receive!

Which songs on the album were the most fun to write, and which were the most challenging to write?

M: A lot of these songs kind of flowed really easily. There’s a few that took more time, for example with "unburnt," a political track that delves into the personal element of how your ideas can make you feel like you’re completely against the grain of modern ideas - some of the tracks are more upbeat, I swear!

What did you allow yourself to do creatively for this song that you haven’t in the past?

M: When it came to the production, I thought way more out of the box compared to in the past. I wanted it to be more dynamic, more atmospheric - some of the tracks are more moody and grungey than the ones I’ve done before.

Do you have any favourite song off the new album?

M: I think that "waterlines" will be always be a favourite. One of my oldest tunes!

When you find yourself in a creative rut, what do you usually turn to? Any habits, environments or even non-musical sources that help you reconnect with your creativity?

M: I often just take a break from it! You can’t force it. It’s important to balance it with breaks, and you can always try and create something else that’s completely different too, for a different creative outlet.

Do you have any favourite songs to perform live? Could be your own music or even a cover. Any reason why?

M: I think my favourite song to perform live would be "pennine dream." It’s a modern folk song, talking about political and social ideology. I wrote it after writing my dissertation and it’s really a commentary on political issues.

If you could perform a show this very second anywhere in the world, where would it be?

M: The Webster Hall in NYC. Not only is it a legendary venue, but there’d be a lot of fun saying "Michael Webster returns to his home, Webster Hall."

What do you currently have planned for the remainder of the year?

M: I’ve got a bunch of shows booked in, and I’m looking to get even more recording done!

If your music was a type of food, what would it be and why?

M: Chips and gravy. Good Northern stuff.