We recently connected with Mike Murray and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Much sooner! I had no idea I had musical compositional skills in my teens. I was in a local funk band during high school as a drummer. Growing up in the NYC suburbs during the 1970s was filled with distractions. The experience was short-lived as I ended up dropping out. In hindsight, I should have stayed put or sought opportunities to hone my percussion skills in different bands instead of eventually confining myself to the high school marching band’s drum section, although that was a great experience too!

Fortunately for me, my dad ordered me to college, which extended the cycle of musical distractions for my first two collegiate years. Music-making became a distant memory, replaced by a deepened passion for listening to and appreciating 80’s music. With the seeds of musical appreciation firmly planted, and despite my focus away from making music, I found joy in immersing myself in the richness of the music of the times. Each step of my journey, including the music-making detour, contributed to my music appreciation.

Mike, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Originating from the Garden State, I am a late-blooming, independent composer and producer with a distinctive presence in the music industry. My musical style is a deliberate fusion of Smooth Jazz and Chill-Out genres, and I am immensely proud of the cross-genre appeal it possesses. I try not to adhere to traditional music compositional “rules”. My latest musical moniker is “Jazz Differently,” which appears to resonate with individuals seeking novel and innovative approaches.

As I mentioned, my musical identity is predominantly shaped by the sounds of the 70s and 80s. I was captivated by the Top 20 Pop and R&B hits. I’m inspired and influenced by legendary musicians such as Paul Hardcastle, Herbie Hancock, Mandrill, Santana, Fourplay, and George Duke, to name a few. My music tastes are significantly eclectic. After my father passed away in 2001, and twenty-five years after my initial music-making involvement, I rekindled my passion for the piano, inspired by his ardent love for the keyboard. By the way, my single, “Footsteps – A Song for Dad,” is a poignant testament and tribute to my Dad while “Song for Rosemarie” is a tribute to my Mom who exposed me to the acoustic guitar.

With the advent of technology and the emergence of electronic music creation inspired by Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, George Duke, and others, I embarked on a creative path using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Check out the picture bio on my website for more. Since 2007, I have dedicated myself to establishing my footprint within the Smooth Jazz/Chill hybrid genre. My fusion of Chill-Out and Smooth Jazz has challenged conventional genre boundaries, and my music possesses a harmonious blend of familiarity and freshness that resonates with listeners.

I derive immense satisfaction from the positive feedback I have received from my audiences and like many artists, I consistently try to outdo myself (on each previous release) to deliver a fresh musical experience. I have achieved significant success, and I’m proud of that. My wife, Nicole, has been an invaluable source of support and instrumental in my progress through her creative ideas and marketing efforts. With her help, my music has garnered global recognition. I hope to continuously innovate and expand my musical horizons. Footnote: I am a recording, not a performing/touring, artist. Established touring/performing artists are invited to license my work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As a jazz artist, one of the most fulfilling experiences is connecting with my fans through music. Reading the heartfelt comments from listeners is super motivational and extremely rewarding, to say the least. I’m super fortunate to be able to create music I like and then have it resonate within the hearts and souls of those who listen.

Fans tell me they’ve made babies, gotten through tough times, reduced their stress, and more which is extremely humbling. One expressed that my compositions converted a jazz skeptic child into a jazz fan. Others have asked me when I’ll be in their city to tour. Beyond gratifying. (Footnote: I typically post my favorite comments from fans on my website).

Moreover, knowing that my work contributes to causes, like supporting disadvantaged communities through radio (indirectly), adds another layer of fulfillment. The ability to use my talent to influence and elevate not just individual listeners but also collective endeavors is both empowering and inspiring.

In conclusion, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the profound connection and impact my music has on others. Every fan’s story, every heartfelt note, and every shared experience reinforces my passion for creating music that not only entertains but also inspires and uplifts. For this, I am eternally grateful.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

One of life’s many (and most potent) pleasures is the enjoyment of the arts – particularly music. Many people don’t realize the time, expense, resources, and sacrifices needed to create, produce, distribute, market, and, sell music – no matter the creation method. In recent years, the growing concern about the financial struggles of music artists has sparked important conversations about how the industry compensates its creators. Many artists, despite their talent and hard work, find it difficult to make a sustainable living from their music due to the existing structures within the music industry. Fortunately, there are several ways through which individuals and society can support musicians and advocate for fairer compensation.

One of the most effective ways individuals can continue to support artists is by continuing to purchase or stream their music. With the rise of digital platforms, it is easier than ever to buy/stream music directly from artists’ websites or platforms which give a larger revenue share to music creators themselves. Additionally, attending live performances, for performing artists, and buying merchandise, if offered, can provide significant support. These direct transactions ensure that a larger portion of the money goes straight to the artists rather than being siphoned off by intermediaries. Sharing music you enjoy with others, particularly on social networks, can also help considerably. Other artists have “tip jars” on their websites or other mechanisms to facilitate direct donations.

On a broader level, supporting legislative efforts like the Living Wage for Musicians Act can bring meaningful change. This proposed legislation aims to establish new music royalty frameworks to ensure that musicians receive a fairer share of the profits generated from their work. The act is part of a wider push towards rethinking and restructuring how royalties are distributed in the digital age and aims to rectify the imbalance where streaming services and labels often take the lion’s share of earnings, leaving artists with minimal compensation.

Moreover, increasing awareness and advocacy around these issues can have a significant impact. By participating in campaigns, signing petitions, and contacting representatives to express support for such legislation, individuals can contribute to a groundswell of public pressure that encourages policymakers to prioritize fair compensation for musicians. Educating others about the realities faced by artists today and highlighting the importance of their work in our cultural fabric can also foster a more supportive environment that values and fairly compensates artistic contributions. Together, these efforts can lead to systemic changes that help music artists achieve the financial recognition they deserve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikemurraymusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikemurraymusicdotcom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikemurraymuzic
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mikemurraymusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikemurraymuzic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFEAlnrLoidkdIMvb0tS9ZQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mikemurraymusic
• Other: https://linktr.ee/mikemurraymuzic