EMQ’s With Michael Webster
EMQ’s With Michael Webster
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with UK Alternative Rock musician, Michael Webster. Huge thanks to him for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is michael webster, I’m a songwriter, producer and musician based here in Manchester – been performing for around 10 years or so now in the North West area!
How did you come up with your band name?
It’s just my name! Lots of my music is very personal so I thought best to represent myself through my music!
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I’m from Manchester, in the UK – there’s a lovely vibrant music scene here, encompassing a huge variety of genres, which is fantastic to see!
What is your latest release?
My last release was an EP called “a northern perspective”! It’s seven tracks long, and covers a wide range of influences, from country to folk to indie to grunge. (https://michaelwebster.bandcamp.com/album/a-northern-perspective)
Who have been your greatest influences?
I think that my main ones were Neil Young and Bob Dylan, but I love a lot of grunge and 90’s alternative like Nirvana and Built To Spill, but I listen to a whole load of music, and I’d definitely say rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Mac Miller have influenced me a lot too.
What first got you into music?
I’ve always been into it! I played guitar at a young age, listened to music throughout my entire childhood and when I was 18 or so I decided to write songs and perform.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Great question – there’s so many, but I think that Kurt Vile would be a great dude to write music with. His lyricism and chord progressions are lush!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I’d probably say Hyde Park – it’s a lovely one, I saw Neil Young there and The National in like 2012? Not too chaos either, and no hassle of camping!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I’m not too sure actually… it still baffles me that people ask me to sign merch!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
It’s always to keep supporting your local music scene. We all work together to keep it all going!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Hendrix. A timeless musician who has inspired millions of people to pick up a guitar!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love performing and being able to express myself on the stage – it’s a blessing and so lovely, and to perform the songs you’ve created is great. I probably hate social media. It’s a necessity, but it’s so time-consuming and hassle!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
The idea of competition between musicians and bands.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Bob Dylan – “Blood On The Tracks”.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I love the aesthetic of a cassette tape, and vinyl is lovely to own, but CDs and downloads are still great!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I usually put on mini-festivals / all-dayers for my birthday, and they’re always a lovely representation of the community we have!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I‘ve no idea; probably something I would be super bored with!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Hendrix, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain and Joni Mitchell. What a dinner that would be!
What’s next for the band?
I’m hoping to get back to recording and putting these new songs together properly!
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/michaelwebstermusic/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mchlwbstr/), TikTok (@mchlwbstr), and I have a website for my label at www.breadrecords.co.uk!
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
I think it’s a barm cake. I’ve heard bap before too… but it’s not any of the others!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for having me!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
