Michael J Woodard – Hope Full

By starrymag | February 25, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would say my sound is Pop R&B. Though I like to pull in elements of folk, rock and soul into the production.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Some of my musical influences are Brandy, Coldplay, The Beatles, Queen, SZA, J Moss.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Hope Full.”

 

A) I will say when I wrote it, I didn’t go into the studio knowing exactly what I wanted to write about that day. I had started one song and scrapped it, then regrouped and ended up writing the beauty that is “hope full.” I remember my co-writers that day observing my personality, reflecting on it and saying they admired my positivity and my bright energy, so we just decided to write about it. I also wanted to touch on how other people should see the world. Even though life throws a lot at you, strive through it and always know that there are better days ahead. I feel like the song communicates that and I hope the listeners believe it like I do.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to? 

 

A) I think the fans can appreciate the joy in the song. The hope that it promotes and the overall message!

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The music video depicts me going about my day but being hit by some challenging situations that I persevere through. It’s a kind of metaphorical journey and acts as a perfect companion for the song.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Normally I start with melody and then sometimes, depending on how I feel I can just start the song with just a single word and build from there. Sometimes I love to hear production ideas before I start writing. It’s definitely all about the flow and how I’m feeling that day.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I have a huge hand in everything so I’m very blessed. I wouldn’t be comfortable with me not having creative say over the production. Luckily, I’ve found some great collaborators who are able to help me execute my vision.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Absolutely! 2022 is going to be a year filled with music. I’m planning.  Get ready!

 

Q) We loved you on “American Idol” and clearly you developed a bond with Katy Perry. Talk about what it meant to you for her to take a personal interest in you.

 

A) Oh my goodness. I’m so blessed to have Katy as a mentor. When I was on the show, I didn’t realize how much Katy had an interest in me because as contestant you’re so in the moment and things just move really fast. And then I’d watch episodes back the chemistry as just evident. I’m so grateful to have her.

 

Q) What advice did you receive on the show that you took to heart and have carried with you?

 

A) I would say the best advice was to follow the momentum you gain from the show and to always stay true to yourself regardless. As a contestant, you can get caught up in winning the show, but I always tell people that it’s not just about winning, it’s about introducing yourself to an audience that you’ll potentially take with you on your musical journey afterward.

I can honestly say I wouldn’t have done anything differently competing on “American Idol.” I always said if I’m going to do it, I want to be myself and it really made my time on “American Idol” amazing because I was not being someone I wasn’t.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Okay, I’m just gonna shoot my shots. Brandy most definitely! Also, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Pharrell, Ne-Yo, Jon Bellion, Chloe x Halle and I would love to write with Frank Ocean.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I think social media is a beautiful tool to be used wisely. [laughs] It’s a great way to get connected to your fans and that’s the way I mainly utilize it. But it’s a great way to be creative as well and to share that creativity. There is sometimes a lot of pressure put on artist to utilize it heavily, but I just try to have fun with it! Using to promote my music and not feeling pressured about it.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I want to say that I love you, thank you and hold on for this ride. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover and always follow your dreams!