We were lucky to catch up with Michael Monroe recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

I met my manager/boss on one of my first gigs. It was a smorgasbord restaurant during the day and an ‘all ages’ club at night featuring local musicians, improv troops, and foosball. I was 19 and she was 17 and she fell in love with me and my music. Love at first sight for both of us. She knew she should be my manager right away. Then 18 years of “ships passing in the night” and gigs she would attend with this underlying romantic scenario finally brought us together with this crazy notion that we could make a career for both of us. She left her executive corporate position in Florida to move in with me, a Minnesota musician. I went from gigging two nights a week to eight shows a week that first summer with her determination and belief in my art. Over the next 18 years we went from $150 bar gigs to $10k theater performances. We had a co-creative ‘fly by the seats of our pants” approach to this crazy business! At 73 and 70 we are still going strong with no plans to retire. By the way, we finally tied the knot with the vows that read, “Its been going pretty good, let’s see how it goes”.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

“MN Acoustic Music Master,” (Star Tribune) Michael Monroe, performs original/acoustic cover tunes on vocals, crystal/bamboo flutes and Seaton Guitars crafted on the Gunflint Trail with reclaimed 200 year-old wood from the bottom of Lake Superior.

Michael Monroe is now in his 5th decade of performing nationally in concert, festival, corporate and educational settings. He has travelled many miles since his first paid performance for an audience of 4000 in Asbury Park, NJ and recording his first demo over 6 decades ago in a “chicken coop” studio owned by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary.

Monroe’s award winning instrumental soundtracks are featured on PBS/CBC, in Jim Brandenburg (National Geographic) “Chased By The Light.” and received an Emmy for Jason Davis’ On The Road, program, “Soaring On Mended Wings.” A recipient of many MN State Arts Board grants from the 90s through 2023.

Michael’s original music and compelling energy bring a powerful style that is as much fun as it is innovative…music and technology working together powered by creativity… and he recycles his music LIVE on stage as “master LIVE Looper” since 1990. His soulful performance delights and inspires.
Monroe returned to the Twin Cities following 28 years on the North Shore of Lake Superior near Grand Marais 11 of which were spent “off the grid” where he recorded his first 12 original albums using solar power. He presented Log Cabin Concerts in his cabin for 800 people a year for 18 years which were featured on KSTP’s Jason Davis’ On The Road, in Lake Superior and Cabin Life Magazines.

Quotes: “as far as i can see” recording the Star Tribune named it Top Ten and said, “Monroe, a rich-voiced eco-folkie, played all the instruments on this touching hymn to nature…A work of art straight from the heart.” It was also nominated for “Best Independent Recording” by the Minnesota Music Academy as well as a JPF nomination for “Best Folk Recording.” “Plugged into the sun,” says the Duluth News Tribune and “Fully at peace with his subtle, yet expressively powerful, delivery” about his music and life in the woods. His 2008 Wintersong recording garnered a City Pages review: “With heartfelt sincerity and a poetic touch in both the lyrics and music, Monroe explores subtle, quiet places that spark the imagination.” “Twice In One Day blends expressive lyrics with an island sound” about which Dirty Linen magazine said, “This guy could sell a million records…”

Web: https://michaelmonroemusic.com

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

I have enjoyed writing and recording my music in my own studio while taking my time to hone the sound, editing and mastering the final recording. However, favorite and most rewarding yet daunting experience is performing those songs LIVE for a listening audience. The experience of interaction and spontaneity when ‘anything can happen’ is why I still do what I do.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Many people can’t understand how an artist can devote oneself to their art when it is so unsure financially and personally so risky. Rejection hurts! I say nothing is certain or secure. A corporate executive can loose their job just as easily as anyone. And what is this fleeting life for? Working at a job you hate to make a “living” or doing something that brings you and others joy? Going ‘all in’ is exciting and incredibly rewarding!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michaelmonroemusic.com
• Facebook: michael monroe music
• Youtube: Michael Monroe Music MN Original

Image Credits

Pat Carney, Rick Spaulding, Deb Mueller, Jim Brandenburg, Mary Jindra