Music and Inspiration with Mike Green!
Hello! Great to speak with you today!
Tell us about your latest release! My latest release "Living Room Session" was recorded and filmed live in Connecticut, and features my good friend Tim Palmieri (Lotus, Kung Fu) by my side.
Tim and I grew up together on a street named Cosey Beach Avenue. We’ve known each other for so long we’re essentially brothers. He has always been a guitar hero of mine since I was a kid. We’ve collaborated live before on a few occasions, but we would mostly shoot the shit when we’re both home seeing family for the holidays, and jam or riff on funny ideas on the spot. It’s rare that we actually find the time to get together, let alone record one of these rare moments. This felt emotional because it was filmed in my childhood home, with my family, who I was visiting, on the other side of the camera, watching from across the room. Anyone in this room at the time of this recording is someone I have not seen in almost two years due to the pandemic. It’s been just as long since I’ve had someone performing by my side. Ironically, the first time Tim had ever heard me perform was in that living room. I was nine years old and sang Rocky Raccoon. We have both grown so much individually as performers, musicians and travelers, to come full circle and be reunited for this performance really aligned us with our roots again. What was the creative process for it? I wanted to keep this performance simple and stripped down. There aren't any effects or glamour. Two unplugged acoustic guitars, two hearts.
Songs like "Waves" and "No One's Gonna Love You Like I Do" were originally featured on my debut album "Restart" as fully-produced tracks. The album versions have a different personality to them, so it was fun to try out a more authentically chill version.
The newest addition to my catalogue is "Sun Goes Down", which I co-wrote with Jonah Smith, and will be featured on my sophomore album. I typically seed my songs with a riff or melodic motif first, then react to the mood, followed by lyrics last. I had the riff and lyrical concept for "Sun Goes Down" for quite some time, but couldn't seem to finish it. I've been a fan of Jonah's writing and style for some time, so after we had met, I knew he was going to be the right person to approach to help me finish the song.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? Although I don't think I create the music I admire or listen to, I have always been moved by the guitar playing of Pat Metheny, Charlie Hunter, Michael Landau, Tim Reynolds, and Tim Palmieri.
When I was young and discovering my identity, I'd say the eclectic songwriting of The Beatles, Beck, Dave Matthews Band, John Alagia, Tom Petty, D'Angelo, etc. (I could go on), most likely sit in my subconscious as templates for, what I consider, hit songwriting with great musicality.
I typically find influence in my musical friends, all of whom have a talent and perseverance that keep me dreaming.
Who would be a dream collaboration for you?
Who would be a dream to collaborate with... hmm. Paul McCartney or Dave Matthews, because I'm dreaming. Even if it weren't a dream, I would probably shit my pants in excitement thus preventing the writing session from happening.
More realistically, someone who is a visionary, who can cycle through ideas without judgement, who can hear what has yet to be, and isn't bound by a pop idiom.
Do you have a piece of advice you carry with you that you like to pass on to other musicians? Remember your roots. You are a unique story, you have a unique point of view, your experiences in life solely belong to you and can be shared however you see fit. Use this, there is no competition because of this.
Also remember to be there for your audience, when you are on stage it is no longer about you. Take them somewhere, they do not need to be impressed necessarily, they simply need an escape.
Any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? I am currently writing for my sophomore album, yet to be named.
Please let everyone know where they can keep up with you and your music! www.mikegreenmusic.com. Subscribe to my email list, locate the links at the top of my website to your preferred streaming platform, follow and share. Check out my music videos on youtube too!
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