An Interview With The Multi-Instrumentalist MICHAEL PARADISE On His Newest Track ‘Meant 2 Be’ And Much More!

Michael Paradise has been making music in different projects over the years which has prepared him to release “Meant 2 Be.“

The multi-instrumentalist wrote, recorded, and produced the track himself. The carefree indie-pop song is representative of where Michael is heading as an artist. His thoughts on the track:

“I just wanted to let go of all the tensions and self-awareness and doubts and mind games to make a song that feels good. It’s part of the idea behind the name “Michael Paradise”: I’m trying to tap into a side of me, and society at large, that is willing to put yourself out there, be vulnerable, and creatively express yourself without fearing judgement. Doing it for the process rather than the outcome.”

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Learn more about Michael Paradise in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time, Michael!

Where does this interview find you now? What’s on tap for the rest of your day?

Well it’s early morning, I got to go to work soon but I’m listening to a track from a session last night with fresh ears and I’m quite excited about it. Looks like it will be the second single.

Overall, how do you think 2018 has been treating you and your music career? What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it?

2018 has been really fun so far for my music. I had been working on tracks and writing for a few years and then I got a little grant money and it kicked everything into gear. I also started working with Goldchain, which was a big step up. I try to keep really low expectations for my music and just do it for fun and as a creative outlet, so to be honest I already feel like I exceeded my expectations in terms of attention around my music. But I did hope to have more content ready and released, so I have work to do in that category.

Growing up, was music always a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

Yes, music has always been really present, both at school and at home. My older brother started playing guitar when he was young and I think that sparked interest in me picking it up. I started on piano, as so many people do. I don’t remember a first experience of me playing music but I do have a really early memory of the record player in the kitchen in our house in England (I lived in England till I was 6). My parents listened to a lot of classical music but the kitchen records were all pop classics: Beatles, Van Morrison, some Bob Marley I recall. I remember just sitting on the little couch listening and thumbing through the records at a really young age, probably to stare at the artwork more than anything.

What has the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? Has there been a unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

What’s interesting for me is that music has come as a side project I do for fun. I work in the arts/music industry full time and I feel like a lot of my career goals lie in that area, rather than in “making it” as an artist. But I guess a welcomed surprise has been that people fuck with it. (Haha)

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today? If you don’t think that it has affected you at all, why is that?

I think I have been slightly effected by the zeitgeist of Toronto music right now. There are so many really talented artists here making an impact as an independent. Making music in their own spaces, and reaching large audiences without label support. It’s inspiring and I think it has created a really strong community among the artists themselves. People are really willing to help each other out and feature on other peoples’ shit. The scene only seems to be getting stronger and more viable.

I find it interesting that sometimes musicians choose to go by something other than their own name so why did you decide to go by your name?

Well part of the name was by chance. My friend came up with it, but it also really fit the vibe I was going for. It is a huge challenge to release artistic content. It’s a really vulnerable undertaking. So part of the name is almost for myself, as a reminder to just do this because it makes me feel good, to let go a bit, to inhabit that mindset associated with “Paradise”, to be a bit care-free. I think I felt like I cared so much in every other aspect of my life, maybe music is somewhere I can let go a little.

Let’s talk about your newest single “Meant 2 Be.” What was the inspiration for this track? Why did you decide to produce it yourself? How is it representative of where you are heading as an artist? How do you think it compares to anything else that you have released? How is it similar?

Meant 2 Be was my first single off this new project so I don’t have other releases to compare to, but I like the vibe a lot. Goldchain produced it and he did a really good job of keeping it slightly lo-fi and chill, while also making it sound professional. I think it is somewhat indicative of what’s to come, but we will see.

When do you hope to put out more new music and a full collection of new songs?

The plan right now is to have the second single with a music video out by the end of June. I might release an EP with both those tracks and three more in the fall, but also I’m tempted to release everything as a single. It seems to be a single world out there.

What do you think makes for an ideal show for you? What has been a favorite performance of yours so far? Do you have any upcoming shows this summer?

I only played one show so far. It was at the Burdock with a bunch a really close friends. I would say it was ideal: intimate, nice venue with good sound and really great vibes for the night. Next shows are tba. I will be releasing more content first.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how your own music is reflecting this time period? If you don’t think it is, why is that? Would you say that other musicians are making music that has been influenced by this climate? 

This is a really good question. Currently my musical tone is not political at all, and I think that comes from a place of privilege. I am able to focus my music on creating feel good sounds and I’m able to use it as a cathartic experience. Childish’s new video is a great example of how pop-culture is becoming intimately tied to the political climate, and it’s impressive to see. But I do think there is also a place for music that just makes you feel good when you listen. And then it becomes about what you do outside your music. Look at Charlotte Day Wilson. Her music isn’t particularly politically charged or about equity, but outside of her music she is speaking up and doing things like donating prize money to start a grant for female videographers. It’s pretty bad ass.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all?

I’ve kinda had fun with it all. The visual content has been interesting to work on and think about, but yes, all of this is a lot of work!

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Someone I’m really digging these days is Still Woozy. Would love to collab it the future.

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you? 

Piano? Lol no. It would go out of tune so quick. Maybe a trumpet. Those things seem indestructible and I always wanted to learn…I’d have plenty of time to practice I guess…

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on?

Honestly, no idea. I don’t watch much TV haha, but I’d welcome pretty much any sync license opportunity!

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I think right now it really is just about a vibe. I hope people listen and get out of their head a bit. Relax and just feel good. Maybe move their body a little.

Where can our readers connect with you?

I’m most active on InstaG: https://www.instagram.com/michael.paradise.music/