Michael Gutierrez-May

Social Worker by Vocation,Writer and Musician by Avocation

I am primarily a songwriter in the folk-acoustic type of music, but I also enjoy performing. I am currently part of one active songwriters' group, The Quiet Corner Songwriters Meetup in Putnam, Conn. In 2017, I released an album of original songs with my engineer Rich Kneeland and producer Eric Gulliksen titled Firefly In A Jar Of Emotion. I have now completed my second full-length professionally recorded album, Drifting To The Right at Ultrasound Studios in Hanover, Mass, with recording engineer Joe Clapp and my producer Stephen Martin. During the pandemic, I haver been at home and working on some new songs. particiated in 2021's February Album Writing Month. I am keeping a blog on the process of recording and publicizing Drifting To The Right on my website, www.mgutierrezmay.com so come and follow me there for updates.

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is my song of the soul. It carries me along, makes me feel, sometimes makes me think.

What is your music dream?

Having my songs recorded by major recording artists. I don't want to be up there myself.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

For me, the effort to create peace and understanding is everything. Let's get rid of war and other forms of cruelty.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Red Rubber Ball by the Cyrkle

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Probably Dave Matthews, Jackson Browne, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen and Mark Knopfler.

What inspires you to make music?

It gives me joy. I helps me to keep this talent alive.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Life requires different responses to different situations. Also, there is always hope for the better.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Usually pretty great, sometimes a tad nervous.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

I really wish people could get better reimbursement from streaming services. It would be to everyone's benefit. Overall, now is a pretty good time with so many ways for musicians to be heard.

What do you think of Drooble?

So far, so good. Seems to be mostly European artists at this time.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

The whole streaming music thing.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I publicize friend's gigs on Facebook and share information on others I really like.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Probably have to invest time and energy into PR and respond to every possible opportunity. Then the luck to be discovered and publicized widely. Always keep working on the craft.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Well, you know Colette O'Connor. Adding four quickly I would say Kala Farnham, Sean Ryder and his band Backyard Swagger, Phil Norman and his band Appalachian Soul and Jacqui and Geoff from England.