Michael Devine – Sentinels

By starrymag | September 7, 2023

By: Dana Jacoviello

 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I think Josh Groban is incredibly talented, he’s got such a rich, pure, powerful voice and I love his classical-crossover song styling. Years ago, when he was a rising star, he had a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I was a cop along the route and when his float stopped in front of me, I took advantage of the opportunity and asked him some technical singing questions. I might have held up the parade for a couple minutes, but he shared some great info!

Q) I would love to know if there was any specific inspiration you had for your most recent album Sentinels of theatre-related ballads? 

A) As far as the material, they’re mainly just songs I love. I’ve always been a sucker for dramatic ballads. Growing up in Northern New Jersey, I’m grateful that I was only a bus-ride away from Broadway. While other kids were hanging up posters of rock and heavy metal bands, I was hanging up window cards from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.

Q) What is one of your most favorite moments in creating your latest album Sentinels? 

A) During COVID lockdown, many incredible musicians were offering to work remotely. For “May It Be,” a Celtic-themed air from Lord of the Rings, I was fortunate to work with a young musician named Yoed Nir who played — piece by piece — the entire string section. From Cellos to Violins, he built up the strings and when he sent me the file to add to the mix. I was blown away! This is how a lot of the tracks were built — instrument by instrument. When those strings came into the mix, underscoring the beautiful Uillean pipes and Irish flutes from Sandro Friedrich, who played in the Lord of the Rings symphony, I knew I was onto something special.

Q) Are there any specific details you can tell us on what we can look forward to or recognize on the recent album for the theatre buffs out there? 

A) There are so many! Phantom of the Opera fans out there (“Phans”), I hope they enjoy my interpretation of “Music of the Night.” True theatre buffs may recognize “Anthem” from a very short-lived Broadway musical from the 80’s called Chess. It’s a true “singer’s song,” which has remained popular despite the show flopping. Other songs from Broadway include “Falling Slowly” from Once and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel.

Q) What song on the album holds a personal significance for you and what makes it so close to your heart?

A) I think “You’ll Never Walk Alone” touches me the deepest. The words have evolved in meaning throughout my life and I expect will continue to do so. Whether we are offering these poignant words of hope to another or recognizing our own place in the world, we are never alone. I’ve always been very introverted and being a cop, I spent so many years seeing the worst in people. I can turn to this song to remind me that the human spirit will always triumph. While it may not always be apparent in a given moment, kindness wins.

Q) I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus from 9/11. As a New Yorker myself, I wanted to thank you for your service that tragic day. Did this cause any setback in making this album Sentinels?

A) Thank you, I greatly appreciate that. Yes, as the condition causes everything from severe acid reflux to sore throat to coughing up blood, I definitely had good and bad days. I built a recording studio in my toolshed so I could take advantage of the good days. This may be partly why the album took so long to complete. As the condition is considered pre-cancerous and progressive, there were many moments I thought this album could be my “swan song,” which is why I wanted to ensure it was perfect. Thankfully, I believe I have the condition under control for the moment. I’ve finally found the right medication and therapies to keep it in check.

Q) Your roots are in music. The fact that this might be your “swan song” due to your diagnosis, are you satisfied with what you created in this latest album?

A) I’m very satisfied. Having had the luxury of time, I was able to put the project down for weeks at a time and pick it up with fresh ears. This is a great way to examine a piece with a fresh perspective. There is very little I’d change.

Q) Will there be any live performances of your songs from Sentinels?

A) That’s quite possible. Despite my challenges, I’m in good voice and considering possibilities. I’m about to start an indie movie pending approval from SAG-AFTRA. Despite the strike, some independent projects are greenlit through an interim agreement. As it looks like this is going forward, I’m not touring or performing.

Q) Considering how your therapy is going to obtain your capacity to make the music you love, do you believe you will sing again? 

A) I’m taking it one day at time. Right now, my voice is solid, and I think I’ve discovered the treatment plan which allows it to stay strong and healthy. As long as the condition doesn’t progress, I’ll be okay and ready to take on new challenges.

Q) What would you like to do next if you are able to continue singing? 

A) I’d definitely like to return to my musical theatre roots. While I was working full time in law enforcement, I could never take on the commitment of a show, but now that I’m retired, the sky’s the limit.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the music that you make?

A) I truly appreciate the support! As we theatre nerds were never the popular kids, my style of music isn’t for the masses, but I know there’s a niche out there to whom it will speak. I see you and I thank you!

 

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