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Michael Tolcher
By David Chiu
Is it possible in rock and roll to be a
thoughtful pop artist with catchy songs and not be considered
lightweight? Then singer and songwriter Michael Tolcher is your
mina. He is an artist that writes personal and observant lyrics
of life's highs and lows fueled by a groove-inspired sound.
This Georgia native released his debut
album I Am this spring, an album of pop, soul, R&B, and hip
hop (reflecting his love for black music growing up). Tolcher
originally wanted to become a track star and Olympic medallist
but an injury put that goal to rest. On the flip side, it made
him renew his love for making music which led him to play all
over the country with his guitar in hand. He also played, in
all places, a federal prison where his dad was a chaplain. It
was there he met Tupac Shakur's father, whose words of wisdom
and advice Tolcher took to heart.
Those experiences provided the inspiration
and stories behind the songs on I Am. Anyone who ever questioned
about him or herself or wanting to hear something that speaks
for them will immediately identify with the record (it was helmed
by the producation team of Pop Rox, and features musicians Gavin
DeGraw, Warren Haynes, and ?uestlove of the Roots). Prior to
the album's release and since then, Tolcher has shared the stage
with Crosby Stills and Nash, Michelle Branch, Pat McGee Band,
Rooney, and Sister Hazel.
Just before hitting the stage at a gig somewhere in the USA,
Tolcher took time to talk about his life and budding career.
Michael, how would you describe your
sound? How long was the record in the making?
I'd say it's groove-oriented music with
elements of rock and hip-hop. It's just pop.
Some of the songs were written like six
years. The actual recording process took a year and a half.
You worked with the production team
of Pop Rox. What did they bring to your sound on record?
They brought a lot of programming. Pop
Rox is also my friend Gary Phillips. He brought a lot of guitar
synth stuff. Before it was just me and an acoustic guitar and
I used to make beats on the body of my guitar.
Can you tell me about the opening track
Mission Possible?
I wrote that in Philadelphia. I just reached
a point in my life where I wanted to make life happen instead
of life happening to me. That song was about choosing your own
power and creating your own future.
The song I Am, with its uplifting lyrics,
seem to be like your theme song, in fact the theme of the whole
record.
That song is about just expanding the self
really and empowering the self. It talks about how at times I'm
feel completely satisfied with who I am and other times I need
to pick it up a little bit. There's just a certain level of perfection
we never reach, and that's what being human is.
Do you have a particular favorite track
on the album and if so what is it?
"The Sun Song "is my favorite
on the CD. The feeling of the recording. It's one of the most
simple songs on the record as far as the production goes.
Does coming from a religious background
account for the positive, spiritual lyrics in your songs?
Yeah. I grew up into the church. My dad
became chaplain late in his life. It wasn't like we were Bible
busters. My dad decided to be a deacon at some time probably
to earn a ticket to heaven for all of is. I'm sure just the experience
for the sake of praising and inspiring definitely influenced
the way I approached music.
What were you listening to growing up?
When I was young I listened to music to
dance to. So I listened to a lot of rap and pop hits. I loved
Michael Jackson, New Edition, and Bobby Brown. Then when I started
writing music, I started listening to songwriters like James
Taylor, Tracy Chapman, and Crowded House. So my musical influences
were in two phases: rap and R&B for the first 18 years of
my life, and then classic rock and pop.
Initially you wanted to become a track
star.
I definitely pursued sports much heavier
in my childhood. I ran track in college. The ultimate goal of
any runner is to go the Olympics. I was never on the brink. I
think about it a lot and I wished I reached some of my goals
running-wise. I don't think I got to see if what if those little
dreams could ever be true. Whatever it has turned into me for
music is far more fulfilling than running.
You performed at a federal penitentiary
where your father served as chaplain. Was it scary performing
in that environment?
It was a shock. When I first went in there
I had a bit of culture shock. I was getting run through security,
I was being shoulder to shoulder with murderers. I was such in
a different world. But I was so well received. And I spent a
lot of time there. I just didn't play and then leave. I hung
out, heard stories, and go to know several of the inmates. They
appreciated me, so it felt great.
At the penitentiary you met Mutulu Shakur,
Tupac's father, who is serving time there. What was it like meeting
him?
That was really cool meeting him. I loved
his son's music and I even play it during some of my shows. I
was blown away just by who he was and so curious with his experiences
with Tupac. Our meeting was more about what my music can become.
He gave me some really inspirational words about what it means
to be an artist and be responsible for touching what's on the
hearts of people. He helped me to see a greater cause.
What has been the highlight so far in
your career?
Definitely up there is an after party.
I opened for Crosby, Stills, and Nash. I played at the after
party and they sang harmonies to one of my songs [watercolor
world]. They hang out just like rock stars-they were there until
4 o'clock in the morning. That was one of the most moving moments.
Is it hard to play in front of people
who are seeing you for the first time?
I think I'm really used to it now. As long
as I go in there with the right intentions and the right attitude,
then people are going to receive me. I got 30 minutes to make
people like me. When I play a headlining show, it's a totally
different feeling. They can't wait for the first note.
What are your immediate plans?
Been writing new songs. My plan is to tour
forever until I just can't do it anymore. This has been the reason
that I got into music was to travel and play and see the world.
I'm getting a chance to do it, so I'll keep doing it until it
disappears or I disappear but. I'm not ready to quit this, man.
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