We recently connected with Michael Palmer and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I would’ve started younger. It would’ve allowed me more opportunities and gain more stage experience with other well rounded musicians and to be able to reach out to the younger musicians and be able to mentor them.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a solo acoustic artist as well as a front man for my band steel horses. I started learning to play as a child starting off in 50s rock and 60s surf rock as well as old country and folk. Some of my favorite artist are the ventures Jim Croce and Waylon Jennings. Wanting to branch out I started playing a variety of 80s hair bands then proceeded to further my abilities with the likes of satriani and Vai. Playing Music is more than money it’s a way to bring people through life’s most difficult challenges all of those who see a show I want them to leave feeling like they got what they came for. I am most proud of making each show a personal connection between me and the audience. It’s about making folks feel the energy and excitement as each show is its own personal experience.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think there are some people who may not have an understanding of the work that goes into the musical aspects of the show. One example would be that it takes allot of effort to keep a home going plus finding time to learn new material agreeing on the material practice with the band maintaining equipment and keeping songs rotated so that the shows are not repetitive. Getting there at the venue 2 hours before showtime to setup and staying 2 hours afterwards for tear down and pack up. This example has nothing to do with money but giving a better understanding of the time involved as it’s more than just showing up and playing a song.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The sheer joy of meeting folks and playing the songs that matter to them. Getting out on the floor with people and listening to them sing back their songs. And those out there who are going through a tough time in their life making it an experience and making them feel like we can take the weight of life off their shoulders. I wouldn’t change a thing the fans are everything and they deserve the best we can give them
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