American musician Michael Peloso recently released a stunning new track called That Will Be Me, which I loved. He’s also announced a new album for release this summer, which I simply cannot wait for. Stay tuned for more from Michael in the near future – in the meantime, check out the interview below!
By Jane Howkins
You released a single titled That Will Be Me. What can you tell us about the track?
That Will Be Me has a complex story. Six years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer. I’m cancer free now, but during my recovery in the hospital, I kept a pad & pencil by my bedside as I always do. It was a very touch & go time in my life. Filled with doubt & many unknowns. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. In case I didn’t, I wrote these lyrics for my two daughters as a message that I would somehow, someway, I would be there. I truly believe that we never truly leave this world. During this period, I went through a divorce as well. While moving, I lost the lyrics. I had no idea where they went. So, I put out my first album, Life’s Little Accidents, in 2021 & this song wasn’t a part of it. I started writing my new album last October & lo & behold, I found the lyrics. I then sat down & developed the melody & structure on my piano & then sent it off to Marisa for vocals & there you have it! Life is truly strange sometimes.
How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
The song has received a ton of positive feedback. Emotional feedback. It’s really an emotional song that pulls at one’s heart & is relatable to many. It has that universal connection. The track is available on all streaming platforms or from my website as well.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
I will be releasing more singles in the very near future. I’m not sure which tracks or in what order yet. I have eight possibilities. Once the album is ready, I will meet with my team to decide which ones are best. I’m terrible at picking singles. HA!
You have a new album coming out this summer! What can you tell us about the record and when will it be released?
The album is almost finished. It’s in the mastering phase. It should be ready for next week. I’m aiming for a mid-July release date. It officially has a title. I can’t reveal it just yet. The cover was completed this past week. I’m really excited about it. Marisa Frantz, who sang two songs on my last record, will be singing lead vocals on every song. I wanted a more consistent sounding record & we achieved it with one primary vocalist. It has an almost 70’s style AM radio pop/rock feel with modern touches. It’s a very hopeful & upbeat record. A few songs I’m excited about are Ella’s Pink Balloon, Road Trippin to Heaven, Better Days Ahead and Angels Are Listening. Who am I kidding? I’m excited about all of them!
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
It all depends. I’m influenced obviously by things going on in my life or my friends’ lives, as well as what’s going on in the world. There’s so much to write about. There are no rules to the process. I’ve learned to just go with the flow. On my last album, I wrote most of the lyrics first. This time around, it was the complete opposite. I had all these melodies & song outlines, but no lyrics. Musically, the songs were fully completed before I wrote any lyrics. I wasn’t used to that. Once I wrote the lyrics to the first single, Rewind, the rest just flowed out of me. The first rule of writing is that there are no rules. Just go with it. If it isn’t working, it’s okay to step away & come back to it at some point later. It will happen in its time.
Your music has a folky sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
My list of influences is very long. Tom Waits is my favorite songwriter. Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, Jude Cole, Bonnie Raitt. That’s just a short list of a never ending one. Some newer artists that I’ve been into lately are Andrew McMahon, Dawes, Katie Pruitt, Regina Spektor & of course Marisa Frantz & Matthew Shell. Speaking of Regina Spektor, her cellist, Yoed Nir, plays the string arrangement on That Will Be Me. I was honored that he wanted to play on it. Lucky to have him be a part of it.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
I’m just going to be putting this album out & see where it goes. We will be pushing these songs heavily for television and movies as well. Hopefully the public enjoys them.
Where are you based? How is the local music scene faring at the moment where you are?
I am based out of northern New Jersey in the States. About 20 minutes (no traffic) outside New York City. The local music scene is struggling. Many wonderful, iconic venues have closed. Covid had a huge impact, and many struggled to recover. With that said, as long as people want to be entertained, there will always be venues that cater to live music.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I do not have any plans to tour. Touring nowadays takes so much effort & is very expensive. And honestly, I really enjoy just creating in my studio, writing for my solo projects or for others and just sharing it with the world. If The UK will have me, I will fly right over without hesitation. I love the UK!
Any last words for the fans?
I want to thank my loyal fans for supporting my work over the years. I am truly humbled by it all. Thank you, Jane, and everyone at York Calling for the interview. It was fun. I hope everyone stays safe & well & looks forward to new music real soon! Peace & love to you all.