Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Peloso. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Even though every project I’ve ever worked on holds a special place in my heart, I have to say that releasing my first two solo records would be the most meaningful and for completely different reasons.

I’ve always enjoyed being behind the scenes. I was very comfortable writing or co-writing a song and then having another artist release it as their own. I usually shy away from being the “face” of a project. So, for me to step out of that comfort level and release Life’s Little Accidents, my first solo album, where I was the decision maker on everything was very intimidating for me. With that said, it was also very refreshing because it proved I could do it. It also proved that I could actually write an entire album.

After Life’s Little Accidents ran its course, I went back n forth struggle with self-doubt. I really didn’t know if I could produce another album worth of songs. Would people care? Would they listen? Could I find some new subject matter. These roadblocks floated in my brain for a few months. Then one day I sat down and wrote six songs in one day. Before I knew it, three weeks later, I had finished principal writing what turned out to be my second album, Here from There. It’s a much more mature album. It deals with a wide range of themes. I’m happy with how it turned out and the reception it has received so far.

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.

For me, the original center of his immediate world was Newark, NJ, the only son of Italian immigrants. My parents came to the United States in search of a better life for my sister & me, and they succeeded. “I was a well-rounded child and involved in both the arts and sports. My father has a wonderful voice and loves to sing; music was always playing in my home, in the car, on a record player. One of my earliest memories is being down in my basement listening to AM radio.”

When I was 8 years old, I heard a song that would change the way I listened to music forever: REO Speedwagon’s “Keep on Loving You.” “I remember running out immediately and buying their album, Hi-Fidelity, with my own money. I played that record until it turned to dust.” I discovered the liner notes and studied them as if it was a school test. I’ve always felt at home surrounded by music, and I had a still have a real passion for it. I was in awe of the music and knew I wanted to write songs that touched people like that album touched me.

Around the age of 14, I took a stab at writing my first song. In retrospect, I will not play it for anyone today, but it did help me realize I had a talent. Words are my strong suit. I’ve really had to work on developing my melody writing over the years, and that’s helped me with my lyrics, but I knew I could write a song. I have a strong ear and can get a feeling for what works and what doesn’t very quickly. My music has been described as lively pop, rock and soul grooves filled with beautifully poetic lyrics about the highs and lows of his life that are relatable to almost everyone.

Music, to me, is about touching as many lives as possible. If my music can help someone forget about their problems and give them an escape, then I have succeeded in doing what I meant to do. Bringing someone joy, or love, or comfort through one of my songs is the most rewarding feeling. It means I’ve accomplished my mission.

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

As a creative, for me, there’s no greater reward than witnessing the uplifting impact of my music on others. When someone shares how my song or songs have helped them through their day, it’s a moment of immense pride and validation. My goal is to touch lives and make a positive difference, the rest is just icing on the cake.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My life took a profound turn when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2017. All at once, I dealt with three surgeries, eighteen months of chemotherapy, a reemergence of my epilepsy and a marriage that unfortunately ended. Yet during that time, I was able to create & release two solo albums, write a bunch of other songs and ultimately beat cancer.

That Will Be Me, a ballad on my second album, lyrically was written during my recovery in the hospital, I kept a pad & pencil by my bedside as I always do. It was a very touch & go time in my life. Filled with doubt & many unknowns. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. In case I didn’t, I wrote the lyrics for my two daughters as a message that I would somehow, someway be there. That song is very emotional and special to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mikepelosomusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_peloso_music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikepelosomusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpeloso59
• Other: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/michael-peloso/1560245639

  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FRf7RuzWngWyjAmx2mlPd?si=QmEwT_nHTG-sr_jwmhIRUA&dl_branch=1&nd=1&dlsi=eab0fd9ac5194beb

  Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/michael-peloso/ARl7tj64cPmf3wJ

  Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/13592893

Image Credits

Photo 1 by Laurie Ziel

Photo 2 & 3 by Carrie Kizuka

Photos 4 & 5 by Erin McGuirk