Interview: Michael Webster (Written)
Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you an interview with folky-grunge singer-songwriter Michael Webster.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
My name is Michael Webster, I’m a singer-songwriter and producer based here in Manchester! I’ve always had a passion for music and I’ve been performing and writing songs since 2012/13.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
I often describe my music as “folk-grunge”, a culmination of all the genres that inspire me! Also, it’s very Northern.
3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.
I’ve just recently put out a music video for my single “Future Sight”, which you can find below. I’m also working on producing music for another band I’m part of, Anyone’s Ghost! Plus, lots of gigs and events going on through the label I run – Bread Records.
4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?
The constant support I get from the community around us and the feedback I get from the releases I work on is a continuous positive experience. It keeps me doing it and is a lovely motivation!
5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?
Sometimes it’s very easy to burn out. I put on 4-5 events a week and sometimes I get a bit overwhelmed and tired – I’ll give myself some time to relax, go for a drink or play some Minecraft or something!
6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?
It’s a real difficult thing to consistently put out content and see that your music is often controlled by the algorithm, or financially through advertisements or the such – I just try my best to make the best music I can, and support others in the local community. It works!
7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?
Probably the financial aspect as mentioned above. You can get your music out to a huge range of people by paying for PR campaigns, advertising on social media, getting professional videos done – these people are doing an incredible job at what they do, but there’s not much funding for people of low-income, working class backgrounds. I’d propose that there be a financial support system in place for these people.
8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?
Come to any gigs, post about the music you like, add it to playlists, buy directly from us on Bandcamp, it all helps!
9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?
Mostly enjoy time with my friends, play some games, read some books – but I also like to actually relax by playing music, producing, it’s such an integral part of my life now!
10. Where can people find you?
I’m on all the social media and streaming sites.
Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok
