Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Inge.

Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a New York City-based artist and songwriter, drawing inspiration from classic soul and R&B, infused with elements of pop and funk. My sound pays homage to iconic artists such as Al Green, Bill Withers, and Amy Winehouse.

I grew up in rural Southern Virginia and was always drawn to the arts. As a teenager I fell in love with music and wanted to figure out how to write my own. I went on to study music at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.

After I graduated I started to do session work as a singer and began hone my songwriting by collaborating with many different writers. As I developed my own sound and began playing shows, I discovered who I was as an artist. I then traveled to Europe and had the chance to write and work with songwriters and producers in other genres. Eventually I started to have songs recorded by other artists and had songs placed in tv and film.

Most of my opportunities were coming from outside of Nashville, even though I was based there. I decided it was time to move to a bigger city, so I chose NYC. Although I miss Nashville’s community, I love the energy of NYC and all the diverse, artistic influences that I find inspiring. Since moving to NYC, I’ve had the chance to sing on shows like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Myers, and sing on commercials. I recently sang on a Meow Mix commercial that’s currently running.

Although I’ve sung on projects for many years and even sung on releases for other artists, I’ve never released my own music until this year. My first single “Sugaflava” came out in April and I have a second single “Let’s Start A Fire” coming out August 16th. For more info go to www.michaelinge.com

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my greatest challenges as an artist has been finally releasing my own music after many years of being a professional singer and songwriter. As the music industry has evolved into more of an indie market, artists now have more freedom to create and release music on their own terms. However, this freedom also comes with the responsibility of handling marketing, promotion, and all the planning that entails. Having worked on the business side of music at labels and publishers, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure of managing these aspects myself.

Being a perfectionist, I like to thoroughly plan and prepare for everything. Eventually, I decided to take my time creating a project I was proud of and to enjoy the process of making it. I also dedicated time to learning about the music release process, and so far, I’m enjoying it. It’s great to know my music is out there for people to discover however they may find it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My first single, “Sugaflava,” was released in April, followed by a remix by Netherlands-based remixer Nothing But Funk in July. My second single, “Let’s Start A Fire,” will be out on August 16th, with a remix by Russian producer Igor Gonya coming in September. More songs and an EP titled “Whoosh!” will be released later this fall. For more information, visit www.michaelinge.com.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
In addition to creating my own music, I teach singing and songwriting. Helping others develop their talent and artistry has been amazing and gives me a sense of community in the city. I co-founded and direct two music programs in NYC. One is a singing ensemble for cancer survivors in collaboration with Mount Sinai Hospital. The other is an intergenerational community choir based in the Lower East Side of NYC.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.michaelinge.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/michaelinge
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/themichaelinge
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelinge
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/themichaelinge
• Other: www.linktr.ee/michaelinge