Okay now here we are and ready for another edition of Skoped Out. I get so excited that I get to share new bands/artists here @skopemag. Before we chat with Michael Flanigan lets see about any music news. Dubbed ‘a website built by musicians for musician’, the team at Firstdub.com are excited with the initial reactions to their new music platform. Firstdub is an online music library for buying and selling instrumental music. In other news, music streaming is officially going high resolution. The industry’s official logo mark for Hi-Res MUSIC – previously applicable primarily to high quality digital download services – will soon be available for adoption by music streaming services as well, according to an announcement from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and its member companies. That is awesome for sure. So now lets sit down and chat with Michael Flanigan who resides in New Jersey. Michael came across to me as a young man that loves to make music that just comes naturally to him, I respect that. So lets see what is going on with Michael as we chat about election 2016, summer music festivals, going solo, and much more!
Stoli: Where are we talking from today and are you excited for summer?
In the kitchen of a Bed & Breakfast in Cape May, NJ. Yes definitely excited for summer since we live in a shore town and get the chance to play more gigs now that it’s getting busier.
Stoli: Any plans to attend or play music festivals this summer?
As of now, just the Cape May Singer/Songwriter Festival which I’ll be a part of. I would love to check out the Philly Folk Festival as well as some other ones around Cape May such as the Jazz Fest.
Stoli: When did music become more than a hobby and more of a possible career path?
I think it was always my career path. I’ve always identified myself as an artist since I could hold a pencil, then again when I picked up a guitar for the first time.
Stoli: How supportive are you friends/family and have you faced any adversity or haters?
My family is definitely supportive. I would say I guess that I am my biggest hater because I’m always wanting to be better. Haters can get to the back of the line, they benefit no one, and do absolutely zero to help themselves or the people they hurt. Tough love is effective though.
Stoli: You used to be in a band but now you roll solo. What are the advantages to be a solo artist and do you miss having bandmates?
“Already Gone”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i55JGDJszw
The advantage is well, I make more money. But I also miss my band mates a lot. A band is a tight relationship and of course you would miss anybody after its over. But we’re all still tight “all things must pass.”
Stoli: I really love many of your songs but I love “Boys to Men.” What inspired that song and what does it mean to you?
I actually wrote this song on my honeymoon. It was the first time I considered having a child for real. And also having the insecurities of being a dad not ever knowing my own father inspired this song for me. There’s certain things you learn from your dad that I never got the chance to, and I think about getting the chance to experience that relationship i never had with my own kid one day.
Stoli: What kind of environment and mood do you find to create music?
No distractions is a big part of it for me. They seem to grow the older I get..as adults we worry a lot. But any kind of mood works, because you never know when it’s going to hit you…. if I’m feeling blue i can create pretty nicely but that just one side of a dice that wont cut the mustard every time.
Stoli: Does the 2016 election of Trump vs Clinton get you excited or are you tuning out?
Not a fan Killary, It gets me excited, but not in a good way. I’ve been feeling the Bern. but what do i know.
Stoli: What is your favorite activity when you are not making music?
Cooking and drawing are my other creative outlets.
Stoli: What is coming up for Michael Flanigan and where you @ online?
Always trying to constantly network and meet new people. I’ll be very busy throughout the season between Cape May and Philadelphia playing gigs. You can find me online at – http://www.Reverbnation.com/MichaelFlanigan2.
