We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Cates. 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. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

For me, as a very young musician, I was fortunate to have educators who immersed us in live performance. It wasn’t so much the thrill or excitement of performing in front of an audience, but the responsibility to your fellow bandmates that you would cover your own parts without error. The concept of personal accountability and the reward of confidence, that’s what propelled me to the professional path of a performer. As the repetitions of your “personal perfection” accrue interest, the challenge to bring your art to the front of the stage compels you to go further. It’s a big circle…the more you prepare to be competitive, the more you will seek the means to perform at different venues.
So virtually from the first time I played in front of a receptive audience, I knew that I possessed the skillset to be a viable member of the fraternity of performance musicians-as long as I continued to do the work.

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.

My entrance into the industry was fairly straightforward. I didn’t live out of a van, sub-existing on Ramen noodles and soda. So many did that to survive, but not me. In fact, being confident and looking professional got me into the door at a couple of major studios while in my early 20’s. In addition to that, I was already a veteran and that alone was a confidence builder.

A producer who had a string of hits in the 60’s had purchased a recording studio, and my friend had secured the head engineer’s position. He suggested that I come down and visit the facility and to bring my horn. I was introduced to the gentleman and I took the tour of the studio. After some small talk, I found myself behind a U87 and was asked to play some Doobie Bros for the owner. When we were finished, the man suggested to me that I should find some time the following day and come back and record for one of his clients, which I agreed to do. And that’s how it all started. I’ve always worked and never said no to a paid session, and said yes to many unpaid ones as well.

My background was steeped in jazz studies, but primarily I’m a rock and funk guy. One has to be an amalgamation of everything you’ve heard to be successful in the session for hire business. If you are too much of one thing you limit your chances for work.
My solo work is abundantly available online, as the days of Apple and Spotify have paved the way for all of us to be available on demand.
In addition to my work as a musician and producer, I am also an actor. I have had the pleasure of working on the hit tv show, Ally McBeal for several years, along with appearances in commercials and other television shows and movies. It’s a great feeling to wake up in the morning to find a casting call on your voicemail.

The question was asked as to what sets me apart from others. My answer is this, humility and tact are still something I hold on to. My work ethic is top shelf. I will show up, complete the work flawlessly, and never charge more than agreed upon.

On the production side, when I produce a track for a client, they always get far more than imagined. It’s not uncommon for me to spend all of my available time on their project, without limitation.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The question being asked is multifaceted. For all of the rewards of being an artist, there are the curses that come with it.

So much time is spent in the oneness of your studio, and time will escape you. It’s a reward to complete a work, and a greater reward to receive acceptance because of it. The cost of that creation may have been a month of staring at a computer and spending no time with your wife, You feel it’s justified, after all, it’s for the art that you create. But others have needs outside of your need to create music, and life happens for everyone. So one does need to be cognizant of others.

When the charts come out and you are in the top 30 on Billboard, everything just works and feels better. It’s a struggle and a blessing indeed.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Survival in the world of creativity. It’s a grind, and everyday it seems like the deck is stacked against you. But, you must keep the fight, and the faith. Those who endure to the end will look back and see that it was worth it.

Contact Info:
Website:
https://michaelcates.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/
michaelcatesmusic/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/
michaelcatesmusic/
Music links:
https://ffm.to/1xv6jbv
Booking:
https://www.sovibeentertainment.com/
michael-cates

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michaelcates.com
• Instagram: @michaelcatesmusic
• Facebook: @michaelcatesmusic