We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Daughtry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.
Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project that I have worked on just so happens to be my current project! The EP collection of four songs, titled Other Side, deals with the concepts of grief, loss, hope, and reinvention (each song focuses on each concept respectively).
A little over six years ago, my wife and I lost our son during childbirth. Not even a year later, we were blessed with a beautiful daughter. She was born prematurely (28 and 1/2 weeks), and only weighed a little over 2 pounds. She (as well as my wife and I) spent several months in the NICU. The medical staff was able to take her off of intubation the very day she was released! She is a happy, healthy, and FEISTY young lady now (she loves Kindergarten!).
It has taken me years to even discuss our life altering experiences in public, much less musically write about. Most of my catalog of songs are fun and upbeat by nature. There was a time during these years that I believed that I was not going to acknowledge what happened through my music. Self-doubt of my own songwriting ability, as well as a fear of abandoning my core group of fans, took over. With so much support from family, friends, and fans, I am finally able to share my experiences and insight through song.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am a North Carolina based singer/songwriter. I bring my audiences powerful, positive music somewhere in the pop, rock, jazz, and folk spaces. My principle instruments are piano, guitar, and voice (I also have been providing instruction for these instruments for almost 20 years!). I have recently earned accolades from a range of artists, including Luenell, Derek Trucks, John Ford Coley, and Dale Baker of Sixpence None the Richer. I have opened concerts for such acts as Jimmy Buffett (that is a story for another day!) and Edwin McCain. I am a Magna cum Laude graduate of the Berklee College of Music (my major was songwriting). I have performed for under 6 and over 60,000 people, but connection is always my focus!
Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. My mission as a singer/songwriter and recording artist is to enhance listeners’ lives by providing a striking soundtrack to their dynamic lives. My mission as an instructor is simply to inspire and motivate students to be their best selves.
If my music helps someone come up with some signature moves, or makes their day/drive/trip/task/event better, I am doing my job!
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I had known about Artist Support Grants here in my area! Technically I knew about them, but I always assumed I would not quality for them. The National Endowment for the Arts are truly champions for artists. My advice to other artists is to do your research. Clearly have your thoughts gathered on what you need grant assistance for. Find your local and/or regional arts councils, and go for it!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
When someone approaches me (in person or by text/email/messaging) with gratitude, enthusiasm, or encouragement to “keep going”, that is by far the most rewarding aspect of being a creative. When someone adds my music to their playlists, or purchases music, and/or merchandise, that is the most rewarding aspect for me as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Michaeldaughtrymusic.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Michaeldaughtrymusic
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/michaeldaughtrymusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-daughtry-53b28911
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaeldaughtry
- Youtube: www.YouTube.com/Michaeldaughtrymusic
Image Credits
Elizabeth Stiff, Winston Stewart, Traci Falcon, Carter Godwin