Totally Micheal’s live shows have a reputation for being unhinged spastic pop-punk spectacular’s – so who better to tour him with than our very own SPOD.
FL chats to the Indian native on the eve of his tour and discovers his penchant for Natalie Imbruglia.
Your sound has been described as pop-punk-electro amongst other things do you catagorise your music in any way?
I always find it hard to describe what I think I sound like. It usually just ends up being “dancey, electro pop-punk, with some crowd-participation elements. And I dance around like a dumbass.
You have just released your debut album – had you done many recordingsbefore this? How does it feel to have your first solo full-length album out in the world?
Well, back in the day I recorded my first five song demo with a five-dollar computer microphone. It sounded pretty horrible and I hope nobody ever hears it. But this is definitely my first legit set of recordings and it feels amazing. I’ve seriously never been so pumped. I had been writing songs for three years so it’s awesome to finally have an album that I actually want people to hear.
There is a lot of interaction between you and your audience in live
shows; does this type of performing inspire your music in any way?
Oh definitely. It’s part of the reason why I write certain songs.
“Cheerleaders vs. Drillteam” definitely wouldn’t have been written if it wasn’t for the crowd interaction. I think it’s really important to make people feel like they’re more than just viewers watching somebody play some songs.
How did the Australian tour with SPOD come about?
Popfrenzy did everything. It’s nuts. I sat on my ass while they planned everything out. And they said “Here’s your flight info. Here are the shows you’re going to play. They’re going to be with this awesome dude SPOD. It’s amazing. I’ve never been outside of the U.S. before, besides Montreal once. So this is a really big deal for me. I can’t wait to bro down with some kangaroos.
Are you familiar with his live shows?
I’m not, but I hear he knows how to get the party started so I’m pumped. I checked out his myspace and was into what I heard. I think it’s going to be rad.
What music are you currently digging?
Honestly, I just found out about this dude Disco D and I can’t stop listening to it. It’s his album called “Night at the Booty Bar” from like 2003. It’s called Ghetto-tech. It’s just fast-tempo dance beats with real raw, raunchy lyrics about sex and drugs. It kind of reminds me of my friends Ninjasonik.
IIn three words, what can punters expect from a Totally Michael gig?
Pop. Dancin’. Sweat.
What are you most looking forward to on your Australian tour?
Hooking up with Natalie Imbruglia. Getting high with some Koala’s. The weather and the beach
Totally Michael is on tour now with SPOD. You’d be a fool to miss out.
MorningAfterboy
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