Micheal Fordays feels more like a part of the furniture here at Mesmerized than just another musician. Based in Los Angeles, we’ve been following the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist since his 2023 album ‘The Mind and Echoes’. A natural sonic boundary-pusher, Micheal is always keeping the listener on their toes, something we truly admire around these parts.
Finally finding the time to have a little chat with us, Micheal talks with us about his smashing new single ‘The End Of The Beginning’, some of the artists that have inspired his work throughout the years, and what he enjoys doing on non-music days (of which there are few).
Welcome aboard Micheal! We’ve been following your musical journey for quite some time now so it’s awesome to finally get to chat! Let’s kick things off with an easy one…Who is Micheal Fordays and when did your love affair with music begin?
Hello, glad to be here. I am an independent artist from Los Angeles. I’ve been writing, recording and performing original music for many years. Since childhood. I began with a passion for the guitar, wanting to play the music that inspired me. As an introvert, the guitar, and being a musician, became a special way to communicate and interact with others and helped form an association with people of like mind.
Writing music became my life and the pursuit of authenticity my holy grail. I found that, through music, I could express who and what I was in a genuine and zealous fashion, demonstrating my beliefs and devotion to the truth of my existence. The mood and tone of the structure, the meaning and emotional state of the lyrics, and the energy of the performance all line up to portray my essence of being.
A tune of yours I still listen to regularly is ‘Wasted Days’. I remember covering it last year and, to this day, just can’t get enough of that gritty and infectious piece of music. As the fourth single from your upcoming album, can listeners expect more of the same, or does ‘Wasted Days’ represent just one shade of what’s to come?
First of all, thank you for listening to my music. Each song I write is an emotional interpretation of my feelings about my past experiences or where and how I wish to be now. I approach each song differently, without looking back. I try to move forward and reach for new ways to proclaim an untraveled road. I have two more releases coming out, ‘The Odds Of Magic’ (the title track) and ‘To All’, culminating in my album release, and I believe each track is unique while still adhering to my personal style.
‘Wasted Days’ was one of the first recordings (along with ‘Can’t Stop’) for this album. With ‘Wasted Days’ I wanted to revisit a concept I used in an earlier song but didn’t want a re-recording of it, instead, I wanted to approach it in an entirely new way. After the initial recording, it was put away, awaiting further instrumentation, mixing and mastering as I moved ahead with other tracks. Hearing it again after stepping away had me loving what it had become and inspired a new path of guitar tracking. I’m happy with the outcome. I’m glad you like it too!
By the time this interview is published, your brand new single ‘The End Of The Beginning’ will have been released. I’ve been fortunate enough to get a sneak preview but, for those who are just discovering it, what would you like them to know about your latest release?
‘The End Of The Beginning’ was one of the last songs written for release in this set of songs. I had written ‘To All’ and wanted one more song to complete the set. I was wrestling with the concept of “the start of the end of things as we know them” because of the state of the world right now, the fears about it, but also realizing who I try to be (we have to adhere to certain levels of principled moral behaviour when interacting with a crisis) and that anywhere we find ourselves is the way things are supposed to be and for the purpose of learning. ‘The End Of The Beginning’ is about finding yourself in a time of being put through the paces of chaos and change but knowing that you were called here to be the person that you are.
Now, this is a toughie, and possibly like asking you to pick a favourite child, but which tune of yours means the most to you so far, and why?
I have relevant memories associated with every song I’m blessed to write and record, and joy is found in the process and every movement associated with seeing them to light. Honestly, I separate myself from each finished recording and set my mind to the process of making something new as I move along.
But, at the moment, I find myself reflecting on my upcoming song ‘The Odds Of Magic’. I experimented with some tonal and instrumental placements that have a pretty interesting vibe, if I may say so. I’m also very excited still, about my interaction with the horn section on ‘Can’t Stop’, which is something I have been longing to do. But wait until you hear ‘To All’. I think it has powerful vibes. I really tried to step everything up on this set and all sets of music, shooting for the next level forward. I’m already writing for my next group of songs.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? And who would I see under “Recently Played” on your streaming service of choice?
Truthfully, I listen to the algorithmically induced playlist called Discover Weekly on Spotify which honestly can be interesting or plain suck. I’m just listening for production ideas, for the most part, hoping something interesting pops up. What I love is when something comes along that just floors me, in any format. Something you hear and say to yourself “Who the hell is this, I wish I wrote that!”
The last time that happened to me was hearing ‘I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)’ by The Dead Weather (which led me on my Magnatone Twilighter Stereo Amp journey. One of the best amps on the planet!) and ‘Take Me To Church’ by Hozier. I don’t look for influence however, I’ve been on the song quest for so long now that my inspiration comes from my head and the stars.
I do admire many artists that have touched me in the past like; Nina Simone, Grant Green, Hendrix, Citizen Cope, The Beatles, Miles Davis, Eric Dolphy and on and on. I’m a guitarist however and I love the dark distorted tonality of a Les Paul at high volume so my music falls (regardless of structure or intention) into the shades of rock and alternative musings. I truly just write what I want to hear.
When you’re not creating music, what keeps you busy and happy? Walk us through a non-music day in the life of Micheal Fordays.
I honestly try to be thankful for life and appreciative of the health and the blessings of a peaceful time in this supposed reality. My family and loved ones drive my happiness. I exercise (I study Jiu-Jitsu and have always been a fan of the Martial Arts). I’ve also written two books and I am working on my third release. Music, however, is always in my mind and I can’t keep away from the fact that I’m blessed to write and record new music to fill my heart.
If you were allowed to collaborate with any musician or band, who would you choose and why?
I would love to create with someone who shares my obsession with writing new original music. I am blessed at the moment to work with Dave Klein (Agent Orange, Sky Saxon and the Seeds, The Ghastly Ones, The Bomboras). He plays the drums and keyboards in my music, is an excellent engineer, and is my co-producer. He has great ideas and drives us into a great sound.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Micheal! It’s been great getting to know you better. We’ve obviously been eagerly awaiting the release of ‘The Odds Of Magic’ – do you have a specific release date in mind? And, I guess, in a broader sense, what do you hope your musical future holds in store?
I don’t have a specific release date for the album, but as I mentioned I have two more songs coming out. ‘The Odds Of Magic’ title track is coming out in April. The next track ‘To All’ is still in production. I am thankful for the ability to release this upcoming album, the journey of which has been an adventure. I am thankful that I can move on to the next set of songs which I am currently in writing mode for. I would love to reach as many listeners of this genre of music as possible and I just want to try to build more fans through authenticity and true connection. Thank you for your interest in my music and this great interview. I wish you and yours all the best and a peaceful fulfilling future.
