While you can find tons of music artists on Twitter -just look for the blue check-mark or guitar selfie- one caught my eye with neither qualification. Michael Lewis, a native of Calabasas, California; singer-songwriter, and current student at the University of Pennsylvania is just getting his start and at the peak of my interest, I followed his link to his Soundcloud profile (mlewismusic) and saw a handful of tracks just waiting to be heard. The first that caught my eye was “Pittsburgh/LA” so naturally as a native of Pittsburgh, I couldn’t resist. Initially thinking that I was going to tear the song to shreds with my blogger nails, I eagerly clicked the play icon. However,about 3 seconds in, I absolutely loved the song. Not only does Michael Lewis have a beautiful, almost melodic voice but he is also a very talented lyricist. I got a chance to catch up with Michael and ask him a few questions about his artistry and musical style.
-When and how did you start getting into music?
My parents threw me into piano lessons when I was young and I immediately loved it. Then I fell out of love and took up guitar and then the saxophone. Through singing, I started playing guitar and then piano again, and the ukulele to accompany myself. I was always feeling the need to put my emotions into words to write a song. Around 10th grade- I was 15- was when I realized [I wanted to pursue music].
-How would you describe your musical style?
Acoustic Singer-Songwriter Soul. I do feel like I’ve got more indie in my vocals.
-Who are you biggest music influences? Who do you look up to?
When I started singing-songwriting, I was mostly into Jason Mraz and Ingrid Michaelson. Currently, Sara Bareilles is probably my biggest influence… Ed Sheeran. Jazmine Sullivan also have some influence.
-What do you look for in other artists? What do you really focus on as an artist?
All elements- how they sing, presentation. Lyrics are the biggest thing- the content of what they’re performing. It’s what I work on the most. I spend a lot of time finding the right words. Lyrics are the most personal part of the song, at least for me.
-What makes you write about something?
It’s when I just get compelled emotionally and when I’m feeling comfortable talking about it.
-When you’re on stage, what do you want people to take away from the performance?
There’s a lot of things. I want them to like it, enjoy it. I hope that they feel that emotional connection and are able to relate to what is being emoted on stage- to feel some sense of camaraderie and connectivity. It’s a collective experience.
-If not for music…
It’s the question if I had an answer, then I wouldn’t be pursuing music. I’d be doing it behind the scenes if not outwardly. Although, I have thought about literature or art history.
-How do you go about collaborating?
It depends. I’ve collaborated on “Pittsburgh/LA”. I picked a voice that complimented my voice in some way or shape. Other pieces I’ve collaborated on, I usually am drawn to people who are interesting lyricists or accomplished instrumentalists, I feel like instrumentalists create a better accompaniment pieces that I would not otherwise. I like words. I like to mold them-sort of create ways of saying things in ways that other people wouldn’t be able to say them.
-Words of wisdom that you live by…
To play like it’s the last time. Play with that much passion.
