MICHAEL BERNARD FITZGERALD Opens Up About His Newest Album!

Singer-songwriter Michael Bernard Fitzgerald crafted his recently released album with Grammy award winning producer Dennis Herring (Modest Mouse, Ra Ra Riot, Wavves). His new album  follows I Wanna Make It With You (2016) and YES (2013).

Listen now: https://soundcloud.com/ilovembf/rip-my-heart-out

And on Spotify!

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Fitzgerald sites influences ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Paul Simon. He’s shared the stage with artists such as Bryan Adams, Ben Harper, Michael Franti, Third Eye Blind, Tegan and Sara, among others.

The new single, Rip My Heart Out is about that fire between two people – it basically is saying don’t start a fire if you don’t intend to let it burn. The song is inspired lyrically by writers like Henley, Springsteen and Petty; brought to life in a modern way in the studio with Dennis Herring.

Connect With Michael Bernard Fitzgerald Here:

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Learn more about Michael Bernard Fitzgerald in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you now? Is there music playing in the background? 

Thank you for the questions! This interview finds me in a cafe in Inglewood, Calgary. There is music playing, shazam says it’s Andrew Bird.

Now that we are on the back end of the year, how do you think 2018 has treated you and your career? What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it? Or did you already reach it?

2018 was nice, played a lot of shows, recorded some new music as well. This year I wanted to release some songs and play New York a few times – both have gone well.

Growing up, how important was music to you? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?  

Music has always been important, I’m very thankful that it’s a part of my life in such a big way. I think I knew that I wanted to be onstage, and music gently showed me the way. I started writing and playing out, and the songs and shows

Slowly started getting better and better. At one point I decided to let go of school and work and see where it would lead.

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

It’s all a surprise. There’s a heavy element of magic to it it seems. The challenges follow suit as well – unexpected, mostly welcome, and navigable.

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today?

It all started here, I wrote the first songs at home before I knew what songwriting was. I appreciate living here, it’s a wonderful city filled with people I care about.

What did it feel like releasing your recent album last month? What was it like working with your producer Dennis Herring on this collection?

It felt good, I was happy to have something new out and had worked on the songs for a while. The finish line on a project is always nice.

Working with Dennis was great, nice to see things from a different perspective. A producer is often a great coach – I enjoyed the entire process.

How would you say this new album shows how you have grown as an artist over the years? How does it show how you have remained the same?

I think I’ll always be in search of the hopeful song, no matter the subject. I think we’re always shifting and growing, the writing and performances are reflective of that

What was the inspiration for your album’s lead single “Rip My Heart Out”? While it’s difficult to pick, can you talk about the creation of a few other songs on the album and how they came to be on this particular collection?

I think I’m a sucker for love songs – of all types. I like the line out of that tune “don’t start a fire that you can’t put out”. Be there or don’t, but don’t light in on fire if you don’t Intend on letting it burn

Since the beginning of music, people have turned to it for support and as an escape from their realities. How do you want your music received?

I think songs remind us that what we’re going through is generally always universal in some way or another. I’d like to fit into that as a writer and listener.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

My favorite way to connect will always be face to face, without being rushed. That would be my ideal way to connect.

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?

Right now Tenille Townes is inspiring me as a writer. She has a couple songs that just stop me in my tracks. Beautifully written songs.  I’d love to work with so many people, Tenille included.

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

Just a guitar

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? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

This is us

Do you have any tour dates you would like to tell our readers about? How will you be spending your fall and winter?

I’ll be playing one off shows this fall and touring in the new year. All dates are viewable on ilovembf.com and @ilovembf on instagram

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? I’d like to know more about how you want your music to be timeless?

I want them to feel connected to it. I want to relate through it. That feeling of love, heartbreak, or the windows down on the highway late at night

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself and your music?

Reach out anytime, I’ll hopefully be in your city soon.