- Introduce us to the band! What are your names and what do you do in the band?
I’m Michael Webster, I’ve been playing and performing for a good few years now, writing songs and putting on gigs across Manchester!
Where do you call home?
I’m based in Manchester, UK.
- How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
N/A
- Do you have a special songwriting recipe you follow?
Usually, I just go with the flow! I often start with melodies, chord progressions and then the lyrics often come to me over the top and I get songs penned down pretty quickly!
- How would members of your family describe your music to someone that hasn’t heard it?
Oh, this is a tough one. Haha. It’d probably be “northern”, “angry” or something like that.
- What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
To be honest, nothing! I’m very open with my music taste really. I love a whole range of music, from indie-rock, punk, hip-hop, pop, loads!
- Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I just usually rock up and go with it! The worst one for me is definitely trying to figure out setlists, though!
- Who have you met that has left you starstruck?
Most of the more famous people I’ve met are actually pretty down to earth, it’s real humbling to meet someone and realise they’re just like you.
- What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
The response to the songs I’ve put out – hearing people sing them back and request them is always lovely to see. 🙂
- What key elements do you believe makes up a successful song?
There’s a plethora of answers here. I don’t really write songs to be successful – I believe that they flow in a certain direction and you have to follow the creative process. If you force it, it’s not gonna be good!
- When writing, how do you know when it is finally done?
When I’ve finished telling the story I want to tell.
- What song of yours are you most proud of?
I think probably “oceania rendevous”. It’s a real personal song, full of emotion – I think I did it justice with the production and the guitar solo is one of my favourites I’ve written!
- Is it possible to be on the road and not eat junk food? How do you keep it leveled out?
It’s real easy to eat healthy! Often you can get veggie/vegan food real cheap and it’s always filling and gives you enough energy. The big one is how do you not drink so much alcohol!
- Are you able to write while on the road or do you need a calm familiar space like home?
I usually need a place where I can focus 100% on writing, to be able to get into the zone!
- What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage or on tour?
Starting a song with your tuner still on.. I’ve done this a few times hahaha.
- What can BleachBANGS do to help you in any way?
Even just this interview has helped me out – any shares of music would definitely help too!
- How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get albums/merch?
You can find me on all streaming platforms, my bandcamp is at www.michaelwebster.bandcamp.com and I’m on all those social media accounts, posting a little bit too much sometimes 😛 lots going on all the time!
- Please provide a short bio:
Hailing from the North-West of England, michael webster is a singer-songwriter inspired by a multitude of artists, ranging from the folk legends such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young, to 90’s alternative like Pixies and Nirvana, to modern-day singer-songwriters such as Courtney Barnett, Kurt Vile and Phoebe Bridgers.
His unique guitar playing style, combined with lyrical imagery makes for relatable songs that pertain to various modern-day topics, including politics, society, love and rejection.
The latest EP from Michael, “a northern perspective” is a collection of his songs from the past six years of his musical career – featuring some fan favourites including “waterlines”, a hard-hitting nineties’ kids anthem about indecision; “future sight”, a relaxed and calm outlook on moving into the big city; and “consolation prize”, a romantic country-esque ballad entwined with the angst and sarcasm of his generation.
Throughout this full release, you can really hear the sound which michael has cultivated for himself over the years, self-coined “folk grunge” – merging the influences of old-school folksingers with 90’s alternative rock. The full EP takes inspiration from more than just this though, including punk, country and singer-songwriters, to combine all of this into a defining sound that michael can really call his own. Topped by his distinguishable Northern accent, introspective and thought-provoking lyricism, this EP is a real expression of michael’s musical output.
