Episode 28 - Michele McLaughlin

Episode 26 saw the podcast go out of state to interview former Idaho band Credenda. Episode 28 sees the podcast staying in state to sit down with a visiting artist.

Michele McLaughlin

Solo piano artist Michele McLaughlin from Utah recently came to Idaho to perform as part of the Idaho Contemporary Instrumental Music series. The morning after her concert, Michele graciously sat down with me to talk about her music.

Michele talks candidly about what she missed out on by being essentially self-taught on piano but also talk about what that brings to her playing. We also talk about the book that served as the catalyst for Michele's successful career as a solo piano artist (link to the latest edition below).

Michele talks about her music as both therapy and musical storytelling, there shares one of her latest singles, "Triumph." After that, we talk about Michele's influences and what she got from them.

From there, we talk songwriting and about how Michele channels her life into her music. We also talk process and the areas where she sometimes gets stuck as well as about her improvisation series of videos on YouTube (link below).

Michele talks about her music as providing a more in-depth biography experience. She talks about what makes that true in her music, then she shares her song "Dismissed," an anomaly in that it has nothing to do with her own life.

Recently, Michele was featured in a Rolling Stone article on solo piano music. We talk about the article itself and about the importance of streaming, particularly on Pandora, for solo piano artists. Michele talks about the still real possibility of a streaming world without Pandora and what she is doing to make sure she's prepared should that happen.

From there, we segue into talking about the temptation to concentrate on releasing singles for the streaming world and giving up recording CDs (and why that won't happen for her anytime soon). We close with Michele talking about what is shaping up to be a very busy 2019.

Episode 28 closes with "Peace," which Michele describes as a "giant virtual hug" for everyone.


Follow Michele McLaughlin on Facebook.
Follow Michele McLaughlin on Instagram.
Follow Michele McLaughlin on Twitter.
Visit Michele McLaughlin's webpage (where you can also buy her music).
Listen to Michele McLaughlin on Pandora.
Listen to Michele McLaughlin on Spotify.
Watch Michele McLaughlin on YouTube (including her Monday Morning improvisation series).

Idaho Contemporary Instrumental Music on Facebook.
How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet:2011 Edition.

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Follow Measured Voices on Twitter.